Your surest bet is to prevent the spread of germs that can lead to infection. Make sure your child receives in addition to all recommended vaccines the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV , since pneumococcal bacteria is the most common cause of an ear infection. More generally to prevent earaches, you should keep your home smoke-free and practice healthy everyday habits like handwashing.
These methods will not only protect against ear infections but a whole host of illnesses you and your family are much better without! Louis, MO. Best Method for Soothing an Earache Quickly Typically, an earache or ear infection is associated with the common cold or flu. To be safe, you can also use a towel with a warmed gel pack. They might not sit still long enough for a warm compress to have an impact. Steam from a humidifier, shower or bath can have the same effect as a warm compress.
It helps to open and relax airways, thus reducing ear pressure and easing pain. This type of massage may help drain excess fluid from the ears, and prevent the pain from getting worse. Garlic has long been used in folk medicine to relieve pain. Some research suggests it has antimicrobial properties that can fight infection.
People should not use it as a substitute for antibiotics a doctor has recommended. Instead, consider adding garlic to an antibiotic regimen to speed up relief. Garlic ear drops may also reduce pain and prevent an infection from getting worse. Cook two or three cloves in two tablespoons of mustard or sesame seed oil until brown, then strain the mix.
Then, apply a drop or two to each ear. Like garlic, onions can help fight infection and reduce pain. Also like garlic, onions are not a substitute for medical attention. Heat an onion in the microwave for a minute or two. Then, strain the liquid and apply several drops to the ear. A person may want to lie down for 10 minutes, and then allow the liquid to flow out of the ear.
Repeat this as needed. Babies who are nursing may feel better when allowed and encouraged to nurse as frequently as possible. Adults and children can suck on hard candy or cough drops. Breast milk has antimicrobial properties. This means that breast milk is most effective in babies. However, some sources suggest that breast milk may even help adults. Infants and children should continue nursing to get the most benefits from breast milk. In nursing babies, as well as in children and adults, topical application of breast milk may also help.
People can try dropping a few drops of breast milk in each ear, and repeat the application every few hours as needed. If your child is old enough to respond, before your appointment talk to the child about questions the doctor may ask and be prepared to answer questions on behalf of your child.
Questions for adults will address most of the same issues. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Your doctor can usually diagnose an ear infection or another condition based on the symptoms you describe and an exam. Tympanostomy tubes Open pop-up dialog box Close. Tympanostomy tubes Ear tubes tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes, pressure equalization tubes are tiny cylinders, usually made of plastic or metal, that are surgically inserted into the eardrum.
More Information Ear tubes. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Ear infections in children.
Accessed March 19, Acute otitis media. Rochester, Minn. Jameson JL, et al. Sore throat, earache, and upper respiratory symptoms. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. New York, N. Otitis media acute. Merck Manual Professional Version. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. The skinny: Grab an ice or heat pack and put it on the affected ear to help with the pain.
The skinny: Pain relievers work as advertised, helping take the edge off the pain. These medications reduce pain and fever, making you feel more comfortable.
The skinny: How you sleep can affect ear pain.
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