How to make a ear infection stop hurting?

Ear infections can be a major pain in the, well… ear. They can make it hard to sleep, concentrate, and even hear properly. And let’s not forget about the throbbing pain that feels like someone is repeatedly stabbing you with a toothpick. But fear not, my fellow sufferers! With a few helpful tips and tricks up your sleeve, you too can kick that pesky ear infection to the curb.

Understanding Ear Infections

Before we dive into how to get rid of an ear infection, it’s important to understand what exactly causes them in the first place. An ear infection occurs when bacteria or viruses enter the middle ear and start multiplying. This leads to inflammation and fluid buildup behind the eardrum which puts pressure on it causing pain.

Common causes of an ear infection include:

• Cold or flu
• Allergies
• Smoking exposure
• Blocked Eustachian tubes (the tube connecting your middle ear with your throat)

Know When it’s Time for Professional Help

While there are plenty of things you can do at home to help alleviate symptoms of an ear infection, if things are getting really bad or persistent then it may be time to seek medical advice. Here are some signs you should head in for professional evaluation:

• Severe dizziness or vertigo
• Difficulty hearing sounds clearly from one or both ears
  -Sudden drainage fluids from ears

Failing these will more than likely require medication directed by professionals.

Home Remedies That Work Wonders

Your grandma was right: sometimes old-fashioned remedies go very far in helping us out.No need for elaborate medicines; here are ten easy hacks that will get rid of all those agonizing pains :

Apply Heat

Applying warmth through hot pads on either side of affected areas also provides relief from nagging pain.Secondly,cloth material soaks in hot water can be useful and soothing.

Painkillers

If it’s unbearable or very painful, administering Tylenol or Ibuprofen helps too. It is important to take the correct dosage as directed on the packaging – overdose could lead to more harm than good.

Garlic Oil

With potent properties that reduce inflammation and fight bacteria ,a few drops of garlic oil into ear cavities are effective in relieving pain.

Chew gum

Chewing sugarless gum as well promotes salivation thus helping unclog blocked Eustachian tubes of respective ears bringing about relief pressure buildup & easing pain .

Keep Your Head Elevated

Make sure you sleep with an extra pillow under your head so fluid should drain more easily from your ear canal while sleeping & promote quick healing process

Preventative Measures for Future Ear Infections

Even if you have found a cure, prevention remains critical . To prevent future occurrences or recurrence of the infection here’s what you need to do:

• Quit smoking
• Wash hands regularly, especially during cold and flu season
• Stay away from others who have a cold/flu symptoms,
  -Disinfect any infected material
  -Clean beddings frequently

Conclusion

Whether we like it or not they happen; but now you know how easy combatting an annoying ear infections can get.Give’em thunder!