Here are 11 home remedies and over-the-counter treatments for earaches.
Q. How long does a middle ear infection last?
Middle ear infections often go away on their own within 2 or 3 days, even without any specific treatment. In some cases, an infection can last longer (with fluid in the middle ear for 6 weeks or longer), even after antibiotic treatment.
Q. How long do middle ear infections last in adults?
Most ear infections that affect the outer or middle ear are mild and go away within one to two weeks. Inner ear disorders can last longer. Chronic ear infections can last 6 weeks or more.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Cold or warm compresses.
- Olive oil.
- Naturopathic drops.
- Chiropractic treatment.
- Sleep without putting pressure on the ear.
- Neck exercises.
- Ginger.
Q. What can you do for a middle ear infection?
Middle ear pus causes pain and temporary hearing loss. Rupture of the eardrum allows the pus and fluid to drain into the ear canal. Ear infections are treated with observation, antibiotics, or ear tubes. Routine childhood and yearly flu vaccinations may help prevent this type of infection.
Q. What happens if a middle ear infection goes untreated?
Ear infections that happen again and again, or fluid in the middle ear, may lead to more-significant hearing loss. If there is some permanent damage to the eardrum or other middle ear structures, permanent hearing loss may occur.
Q. How do you know if you have a middle ear infection?
An instrument called a pneumatic otoscope is often the only specialized tool a doctor needs to diagnose an ear infection. This instrument enables the doctor to look in the ear and judge whether there is fluid behind the eardrum. With the pneumatic otoscope, the doctor gently puffs air against the eardrum.
Q. How should you lay with an ear infection?
Rest with your head on two or more pillows, so the affected ear is higher than the rest of your body. Or if the left ear has an infection, sleep on your right side. Less pressure = less ear pain. Doctor’s advice: It could be effective, though a few inches may not make a big difference in pressure measurement.
Q. How do I know if my body is fighting a cold?
The most common symptoms to look out for during this stage of a cold are:
- sore throat.
- cough.
- congestion or runny nose.
- fatigue.
- aches.
- chills or low-grade fever.
