Ear infections can occur at any time and to anyone, although they are often more common in children. The child may experience dull aches and pain in the ears, or sharp, throbbing pain. When an ear infection is bilateral, it can be especially uncomfortable. Home remedies may alleviate ear infections; however, it is advisable to consult a physician for treatment. Some home remedies may cause side effects or may not resolve ear problems. A health practitioner should be consulted if pain lingers beyond 24 hours or worsens.
Sweet Oil
Pharmaceutical grade olive oil, also known as sweet oil, has been used to treat ear pain and bilateral ear infections and is an old folk remedy. A few drops in each ear is the best way to use sweet oil as long as there is no rupture in the eardrum, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. The treatment can be repeated throughout the day until relief is felt.
Sweet oil can also be mixed with garlic oil to take advantage of the medicinal agents in garlic, which may help to relieve bilateral ear infections, adds UMMC. If symptoms persist after treatment, a health practitioner should be consulted.
Hot Compresses
The MayoClinic.com suggests using hot compresses applied to the outer ear to relieve pain from bilateral ear infections. As the washcloth cools, it can be applied. This treatment can be combined with the sweet oil treatment above to augment the effectiveness of both remedies.
Homeopathic Remedies
There are several over-the-counter, homeopathic remedies that may be useful for relieving ear infections, according to "Homeopathic Medicine at Home." The choice of the correct remedy depends on the symptom picture presented by the individual suffering from a bilateral ear infection. Although there is little scientific evidence, remedies such as belladona, pulsatilla, chamomilla and others have received many anecdotal reports of success in treating ear infections. If symptoms persist after treatment, it means another remedy may be needed. A homeopathic health practitioner should be consulted for additional advice.
References
- "Homeopathic Medicine at Home"; Maesimund B. Panos, M.D.; 1980
- MayoClinic.com: Earache, Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Earache-Treatment
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Garlic
