Middle-ear infection, known as Otitis Media in medical parlance, is a serious ear disease. It is a common childhood disorder. This condition generally follows the infection of upper respiratory tract. Ear infections usually start with a cold, which can cause fluid to build up behind the eardrum. The fluid itself isn’t necessarily a problem. But it’s an ideal breeding ground for bacteria or viruses that can cause infection.
The ear is the organ of hearing and one of the most important part of the body. It is divided into three parts known as the external part, middle part or drum and the internal part. It is a very sensitive organ and its inner structure is inaccessible. It is therefore necessary to deal with the disorders of this organ promptly.
Symptoms of middle ear infection
In Otitis Media, inflammation occurs on that portion of the ear which is directly behind the ear drum. There is discharge of pus into the outer ear. As the condition progresses, the inner ear becomes seriously affected, and hearing considerably impaired. There is suppression of middle ear through a pert “oration of drum. In case of children, suppression may start slowly without any reason. If the suppression is left unattended it may result in deafness. Some of the common symptoms are :
- Severe ear pain.
- A feeling of blockage or pressure.
- Ear drainage.
- Fever.
- Muffled hearing.
Causes of middle ear infection
During childhood, ear infections often follow measles, chicken pox, mumps or the common cold. Chronic tonsillitis and other infections may spread to the Eustachian tube which connects the ears with the throat and nose. This causes pus to collect in the middle ear cavity.
The real cause of middle ear infection is, however, the outcome of previous medical treatment of childhood fevers or due to operations for the removal of tonsils or adenoids. The disease denotes that toxins which nature has been trying to throw off through the usual channels of elimination have been diverted back into the system and have been lodged in the inner ear structure. This causes the continual suppression and discharge associated with the disease.
Middle Ear Infection Home Remedies
1. Garlic Cloves
A few garlic cloves should be warmed and mashed with salt. This mixture should be warped in apiece of woolen cloth and placed on the painful ear. Simultaneously one or two cloves of garlic should be chewed daily for few days. It will give relief. Garlic oil is also a popular remedy for earache.
2. Onion Juice
Using the warmed juice from the fresh onion as ear drops ( 2 drops in each ear for the night time)is also very good. Cover the ear with a cotton and wool cloth for keep it warm.
3. Neem Oil
The use of neem oil has been found effective in infection and inflammation of ear. One or two drops of this oil can be instilled into the ear with beneficial results.
Useful References