Earaches can be caused by a wide range of stimuli, such as exposure to cold wind, contracting an infection, buildup of wax or listening to loud music. Regardless of the source, for those suffering from the stabbing pain of an earache, relief is the only thing on their minds. Find out how you can stop an earache in its tracks with a number of common remedies and treatments.
Step 1
Apply warm compresses to relieve ear pain, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Use a heating pad set on low, and remember to turn it off when sleeping. Heat often brings relief from ear pain.
Step 2
Warm up some mineral or baby oil to body temperature and dribble a few drops into the painful ear, suggests Mother Nature.com. Place a piece of cotton in the ear to keep the oil from running out.
Step 3
Use garlic, says Mother Nature.com, an old-time remedy for earache. Garlic has similar properties to antibiotics and has been used to treat many kinds of infections. Cut a small piece of garlic and place into the outer portion of the ear. Do not push the garlic into the ear. Put some cotton in to hold it in place. Do not use this method on young children to avoid having the garlic shoved deep into the ear.
Step 4
Visit the doctor for an exam if you suspect an ear infection, says the Mayo Clinic. He may prescribe antibiotics if he finds an infection as the cause of your earache. Be sure to take the full course of antibiotics prescribed.
Step 5
Have the ear flushed by your doctor if he discovers the earache is caused by excess wax buildup.
Step 6
Use decongestants as recommended by Family Doctor.org. If the earache is related to a sinus infection, decongestants will relieve pressure and allow drainage. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about dosage. Decongestants do have side effects and can cause insomnia, nervousness and anxiety, increase heart rate or raise blood pressure. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor and discontinue the decongestant.
Step 7
Use hydrogen peroxide, recommends Jethro Kloss in his book, "Back to Eden." Place two to three drops into the ear for relief of an earache. Lay on the bed with the affected ear facing upward, remaining in this position for about 10 minutes to allow the hydrogen peroxide to work.
Tips and Warnings
- Combine some or all of these remedies to optimize their usefulness to get relief from your earache.
- Never put liquids in an ear where there is a suspected ruptured ear drum. The information offered here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace medical advice.
Things You'll Need
- Warn compresses
- Heating pad
- Mineral or baby oil
- Fresh garlic
- Cotton balls
- Antibiotics
- Decongestant
- Hydrogen peroxide
References
- "Back to Eden," Jethro Kloss, 1972
- MotherNature.com
- Mayo Clinic
