Symptoms

The first symptom of an earache is usually itching in the outer ear. As the infection develops, the ear becomes very painful. Just touching the ear can often cause severe pain.

The auditory canal may also become swollen. When this happens, it becomes narrower, making it more difficult for sounds to pass to the middle ear. The patient may find it more difficult to hear.

In severe cases of an earache, the outer ear may become red and swollen. A fever often develops. The lymph nodes around the ear may also become swollen and painful.

Causes

Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can all cause ear infections.

Home Remedies

Most home remedies I have seen or heard about involves putting fluids in the ear. I don't like that idea. The only valid home remedy that I have heard about is putting salt in a tight cloth and warming the salt in a micro wave oven. Not hot but warm enough to the touch. Put the salt in the cloth on the painful area and it should ease the pain.

Obviously an earache is a serious problem. Please see your family Doctor or your local hospital.

If you have suggestions or know of a proven home remedy add it here in the comment area.

Ear drops that contain herbal products may help the treatment of an earache.

Some herbs that have been suggested include goldenseal, mullein, St. John's wort, and echinacea (pronounced ekk-ih-NAY-shuh).

Massage therapy of the skull may also be useful in relieving pressure on the ears and improving the functioning of the eustachian tube.

If you have suggestions or know of a proven herbal remedy add it here in the comment area.

Infections of the outer ear can be prevented by keeping the ear clean and dry. Adding a few drops of a mixture of alcohol and acetic acid after swimming can insure that the ear dries properly.

There seems to be little chance of preventing infections of the middle ear in young children. The problem appears to be a normal part of growing up.

One step that parents can take is to reduce as much as possible the young child's chance of catching a cold, the flu, or some other infection of the upper respiratory tract.

In addition, the patient should receive medical attention as soon as an infection appears. Children who have had earaches should have follow-up visits to the doctor after the infection has disappeared.

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