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The Best Way to Get Rid of an Earache

Earaches are one of those frustrating ailments that leave you feeling a little helpless if you are not sure what to do. Rubbing does no good, neither does a massage. For all the irritation they bring us, earaches are not usually cause for concern, and there is certainly no need to panic and run to a doctor. With proper care and a few good old-fashioned home remedies, you will be able to get rid of that earache quite soon.

  1. Provide Warmth

    • A warm compress applied to the ear is extremely beneficial for earaches. Application of heat increases the flow of blood and steers all the soldiers of the body (a.k.a. white blood cells) towards the affected area. A warm compress can be given with the help of a hot-water bottle, towel dipped in hot water, or a heating pad wrapped in a towel. They should just be comfortably warm, not scalding hot. Keep this warm compress on the ear for about 20 minutes or so, and you should feel the pain going away in a few minutes.

    Deep-Breathing Exercises

    • Practitioners of acupuncture believe that deep-breathing techniques are an effective way of getting rid of an earache. Deep breathing oxygenates the entire body completely and opens up any blockages in the system. The secret of this deep breathing technique is to breathe in, not from your chest, but from your diaphragm. Inhale deeply, filling the body with fresh air, and then exhale slowly through your lips. Repeat this breathing exercise until you feel the pain fading away.

    Home Remedies for Earache

    • There are several home remedies you can use to find relief from earaches. For instance, garlic has natural antibiotic properties and pouring juice of garlic into the ear alleviates the pain to a great extent. Another such remedy is olive oil; warm it, and pour two to three drops into each ear. Make sure that the oil is at a comfortable temperature. If you believe that the pain is primarily because of excessive ear wax, you can treat the problem with hydrogen peroxide. Pour one capful of this substance into each ear and let it stay there for a couple of minutes, after which it can be drained out.

    Severe Cases of Earache

    • While there is no need to worry about mild earaches, as they can be easily treated at home, there are some definite signs of serious earaches which will require the expertise and attention of your doctor. For instance, people who are diabetic should be rushed to the doctor if they experience earache, whether mild or severe.

      In other cases, if you notice discharge from the ear accompanying the pain, or you have fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, it's time to go to a doctor. Warning signs that the patient requires emergency care include sudden feeling of dizziness or change in hearing and muscle weakness on the same side of the face as the affected ear.

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