Ear infections can be treated at home with various remedies that can help relieve pain and discomfort. Most ear infections clear up without medical care or special medicines. Here are some home remedies that can help:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain and fever reliever: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can often relieve the pain of an earache.
- Warm compress: A warm compress can help reduce ear pain. Just soak a washcloth in warm water, wring out the excess water, and then hold it against the infected ear for up to 20 minutes. If the compress seems to help with the pain, reapply the compress throughout the day.
- Rest: Sleeping and resting strengthens the immune system and helps your body fight off infections and other sickness.
- Saltwater gargle: Add one teaspoon salt to one cup of warm water and gargle it for a couple of minutes. If your ear infection is related to a swollen throat, this can help reduce your symptoms.
- Drying eardrops: Drying eardrops can help clear up an ear infection.
Its important to note that decongestants, antihistamines, and cold medicines wont cure an ear infection, but they may help with your symptoms. Also, avoid using Q-tips for ear infection.
If the ear infection is severe or lasts longer than 2-3 days, antibiotics may be needed. However, most doctors agree that a wait-and-see approach is one option for mild ear infections. In addition to the remedies mentioned above, your doctor may recommend pain relievers, antibiotic eardrops, or steroid eardrops to bring down swelling.
If you or your child have earache that does not start to get better after 3 days, regular ear infections, or any fluid coming out of the ear, its important to see a doctor.
