How to Treat Colds & Ear Infections

Colds and earaches are not unusual, and they go hand-in-hand in many cases. Whether it's flu season, or just a random occurrence, knowing how to treat these illnesses can make all the difference in helping your body get over them.

Instructions

• 1

  Get plenty of rest. If you wake up with a cold or painful ear infection, take it easy that day, stay home from work or school and stay rested. Overexerting your body when it's already fighting an illness will only worsen symptoms.

• 2

  Take some medication. Thankfully, there are many over-the-counter medications available today to treat colds and help with ear infections. Many brand names, like Tylenol or Advil, offer specific cold medications to help treat sore throat, runny nose, head and body aches, and other cold symptoms. These medications also treat congestion and sinuses, which can help relieve pressure related to an ear infection.

• 3

  Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids are important when fighting a sickness, so make sure that you are drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. You can also add fluids which can help treat other symptoms. Hot water and lemon juice is great for detoxifying and soothing the throat. You can also try making a relaxing hot tea, such as chamomile. Stay away from alcohol, coffee and fluids with dairy as these can worsen symptoms.

• 4

  Clean the ear. Knowing how to clean out the infected ear can help relieve pressure and lessen the lifespan of the infection. Start by making a mixture of warm water and an equal part hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar if you have it. Put three drops of the mixture into the infected ear and lie still for about 10 minutes. Sit up and collect any leftover mixture in a small cup or wash cloth. Next take a cotton swab and remove any loosened wax or blockage. Do this three times a day to help clear your ear infection.

• 5

  Eat the right foods. One of the best foods to treat a cold has been found to be chicken soup, which you can make at home or buy canned. If you don't eat meat, try a vegetable-based broth. To help clear up breathing passages add some cayenne pepper to your soup. Vitamin C is also important, so try and eat fruits such as oranges or grapefruit.

• 6

  Take a hot bath. A hot bath can not only help soothe body aches, but the steam from it can help open up your airways and clear up congestion. It has also been found to help alleviate pressure from ear infections, as the steam and heat can help break up blockage in the ear canal. For added relaxation, add 2 cups of Epsom salt to your bath, which will not only soothe muscles but pull toxins out of the skin.