Home Remedies for Ear Infection: Which to Consider (and Which to Skip)
Home remedies, even those marketed as ‘natural,’ may not always be safe. Find out which ones may be worth trying and when to see a doctor.
There are two main types of ear infections, explains Inna Husain, MD, an ear, nose, and throat doctor in Munster, Indiana: otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear, which affects the ear canal; and otitis media, an infection of the middle ear behind the eardrum. “[Otitis media] can be associated with pain and often has to do with eustachian tube dysfunction. This is a muscular tube that connects the middle ear space with the nose. So when you have a cold or allergies, this tube can be affected and that makes it harder to equalize ear pressure,” Dr. Husain explains. If that happens, fluid can buildup and become infected. Both types of ear infections are traditionally treated with antibiotics. Swimmer’s ear can be treated with antibiotic drops and by keeping the ear dry, while otitis media treatment requires oral antibiotics, says Husain.
In some instances, you can try certain home remedies for ear infections. But many experts including Husain advise getting an exam and diagnosis first to ensure that you have an ear infection in the first place. And keep in mind that in general, DIY ear infection remedies may do more harm than good, including causing injury, she says. It’s always important to talk to your healthcare team before trying any treatments on your own. Plus, home remedies (including those touted or marketed as natural or organic) aren’t necessarily safe.
The hope with an at-home treatment is that it can help you clear up the infection without a visit to your medical provider, but many of these DIY options include putting things in your ears — and that usually isn’t advisable. Before putting anything into your ears, including a homemade eardrop, you’ll want to see a medical provider to make sure that your eardrum is not perforated (meaning it does not have a hole in it), says John Boyle, MD, an ear, nose, throat doctor at Wilmington Health in Wilmington, North Carolina. With that said, here are some options you can try.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (such as Advil) can be taken according to directions to decrease pain, says Boyle. “While these do not treat infections per se, they can help with symptoms, and a small subset of patients will resolve the infection with their immune system only,” he says.
Warmth helps ease discomfort. Plus, the warmth can increase blood flow, which is helpful in promoting healing, says Dr. Boyle.
Just like you’d try to hydrate with water, bone broth, tea or another comforting fluid when sick with a respiratory virus, sipping on fluid can help now. “Hydration is generally important for healthy functioning of the body and, as such, can participate in fighting infections,” says Boyle.
A mixture of equal parts white vinegar and isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) can make a safe eardrop for an outer ear infection, says Boyle. This solution reduces moisture and kills bacteria and fungi. Use a couple of drops in each ear and blot the excess with a towel.
Again, just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe. In fact, some at-home remedies can make the infection worse, cause injury to ears, or delay correct treatment that can help you feel better.
Here are things you should absolutely avoid, experts say.
If you have persistent ear pain for three days, see your healthcare provider, Husain recommends. “Symptoms can be very similar between otitis externa, media, ear trauma, or even wax buildup and all can cause discomfort,” she says. It’s important to get the right diagnosis so you can be treated appropriately.
In addition, your provider may want to rule out more serious causes. “Although the risk is low, one of the first signs of nasopharyngeal cancer can be ear fluid buildup,” says Husain.
You can go to an urgent care, primary care office, or ENT office, says Boyle. For non-severe infections, you can use measures like pain relievers and warm compresses at home for 48 to 72 hours to see if that helps your symptoms. But if you have a high fever, significant pain, drainage from your ear, or a change in hearing, he recommends being seen by a provider.
Ear infections can’t always be prevented, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk.
Podcasts can be your best friend out on walks, but Husain likens them to earplugs that can cause a buildup of sweat and wax in the ear. They also prevent normal drainage, she says, and all these factors can set the stage for an infection. Make sure to clean them often and take breaks from wearing them. Same goes for earplugs; these should be cleaned after use, too. In addition, toss disposable earplugs after use, and wear a fresh pair next time.
If you have allergies or an upper respiratory infection, your sinuses may be congested. Introducing a “nasal regimen” can help keep your eustachian tube clear. Husain recommends using nasal saline irrigation, nasal steroid sprays, or both, depending on the cause of your symptoms.
All the things that you do to reduce the risk of illness, like washing your hands or staying away from those who are sick (to the best of your ability) can help you avoid the viruses and bacteria that cause ear infection, says Boyle.
If you get swimmer’s ear often (but still want to swim), Boyle recommends using a drop of isopropyl alcohol in the ear after swimming to dry up excess water.
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