Earache? American Doctors Share Home Remedies

Anyone who has ever experienced an earache knows it's one of the most uncomfortable, if not downright painful, sensations there is.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, ear infections aren't just painful but can last one to two weeks for full recovery. Many doctors adopt a 'wait-and-see' approach, avoiding antibiotics and instead letting time and home remedies do their thing. Although there's no scientific data backing up home treatments, American ENT specialist Professor Matthew Bush from the University of Kentucky states, "From our experience, home concoctions, or what are often called 'grandma's remedies,' can be soothing."

He adds, "I am not aware of any harm that can be caused from home remedies. They may indeed get the job done."

Another ENT specialist, Dr. Austin Rose, who heads the Pediatric Department at the University of North Carolina's School of Medicine, recommends a completely natural method for earaches in both children and adults. "When you feel your ears 'popping,' close your mouth, pinch your nostrils, and try to breathe out through your nose," he says. "You should hear a small 'pop,' similar to the pressure change feeling experienced on a plane or when ascending a mountain. This method works from my experience, especially when repeated often."

"Occasionally, we see severe complications from ear infections," notes Dr. Rose, emphasizing the need for immediate medical attention if ear pain is accompanied by facial weakness, high fever, bloody discharge from the ear, or if it involves a baby's earache. "For children, recurrent ear infections also carry the risk of hearing loss and speech problems."

Home remedies that may relieve ear pain include:

Warm/Cold Compress

Soak a cloth in warm water, squeeze out excess water, fold it into a rectangle, and hold it over the ear. The warmth and moisture can help relieve ear congestion. If the pain is accompanied by a fever, a cold water compress might be more beneficial.

Steam Inhalation

Fill a large bowl with hot water. Place a towel over your head to cover it entirely and inhale the steam emanating from the water.

Salt Water Gargle

"Since earaches can be linked to sore throats, gargling warm salt water can help alleviate your symptoms," says Dr. Rose. "Mix a teaspoon of salt with a quarter cup of warm water, which is also the recommendation of the American Academy of Family Physicians."

If the ear is blocked, Dr. Bush suggests using a solution of a quarter teaspoon of vinegar in the ear canal, provided you don't have a perforated eardrum or any allergies.

Other remedies both doctors suggest include:
Garlic oil
Hydrogen peroxide
Tea tree oil
Breast milk
Coconut oil
Rubbing alcohol
Oregano oil
Onion juice
Garlic and olive oil
Castor oil
 

In conclusion, both doctors state that while ear infections and pain often improve over time with 'grandma's treatment,' some situations warrant more aggressive care. "If you've tried these methods for a day or two and are still suffering from pain and fever, it's time to contact your doctor for help."