Natural Remedy For Ear Infection In Kids

Having ear infections is a very common seasonal occurrence in kids. And during cold and winter months it is even more acute. A flu, cough or cold triggers infection into the ears and children undergo immense pain and discomfort from ear infection. Antibiotics are prescribed by pediatricians and this is the most common condition where antibiotics are administered under age 3 children. As a parent our apprehensions for using antibiotics or any form of medicines such early, are justified and when there are ample natural remedy for ear infection in kids, why opt for antibiotics in the first place. The earlier it is treated, the lesser its impact would be. But be sure to check with your health care provider before opting any of these. Young kids are susceptible to allergies and specific methods must be adopted to introduce anything even natural.

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Antibiotics for ear infection, though treat the microbes causing pain and unease , also comfort the child but their side effects are ample. Also, they take a few days to begin their effects and their long course is sometimes too tiring for children and parents. Side effects of antibiotics include diarrhea, intestinal yeast, bloating and even irritation in the gut. These may even compromise the developing immune system of the kids. So beware when opting for antibiotics, we need to build upon their immune system so endurance is also needed. The child must not be given antibiotics as soon the first signs pop up, wait until the child is not able to bear it further.

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Not all ear aches are ear infection from bacteria:

It is important to carefully study and analyze the symptoms and condition. Do not blame the bacteria immediately, rather check for more details. Though it is advisable to talk to pediatric nurses but you may proceed with a few checks by yourself.

1- Sometime the clogging from cold and coughing reflexes may trigger ear ache. It may not be an infection. So understand the causal symptoms from the past few days

2- Sometimes viruses and other germs may cause ear pain and it is difficult even for the pediatrician to diagnose is it a viral or bacterial outbreak. Check for prevailing outbreaks in your region.

3- Sometime dental deformities may add up to painful ears. Check for any dental decay or pain.

4- There must be fever accompanying ear ache and the fever must be abrupt. Though its is not certain to what readings of fever fall under ear infection causes.

5- Check for fluids in mid ear, if you can do without causing any damage to the ear drum. For fluids are sure symptoms for ear infection by bacteria

6- Red and bulging eardrum is a sure sign for ear infection. But this cannot be exacted at home

Natural remedy for ear infection in kids include:

1- Hot compress:

Make home made hot compress by using common salt or rice. Heat a few teaspoons of salt in a pan and when hot put in a sock, cloth or ziplock. Seal it and check behind your hand for if it is bearable. Only when your hand can feel it fine and fair to proceed use it for your child’s ears. Lay the child in bed and dab this sock of warm salt. Keep dabbing gently for 8-10 minutes. Repeat 3 times a day to relax and clear the swelling and bacterial infection from ears.

2- Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Its benefits are far too many for any one particular item. It is a magical possession for any household. Mix apple cider vinegar with water in equal proportions. Now using a cotton ball soaked in this solution, put around your ear buds. Do not press hard and leave it for 5 minutes. While you put the ear bud on the right ear, be sure to put the child in bed with left ear down. The fluids will get out from the other side along with infection causing bacteria.

3- Warm oil drops:

Just warm the oil to lukewarm level and using a cotton ball soaked in the oil, squeeze a few drops in the ear. Make the child rest on one side of ear while you put the drops in other side of ear. The warm oil and its aroma will help in easing off the pain and removing infection causing bacteria.

4- Warm water with lemon:

Warm water with lemon has antiseptic and hydrating properties. Additionally add salt to make it more valuable for the treatment. Just warm it to a level where your child can sip it and gulp it down. The swallowing motion also helps in clearing the clogging from ears. So keep giving fluids to the child.

5- Warm onion:

Onion has ample benefits of healing properties and is a rich antioxidant. Just warm the onion in oven, and put in a clean cotton cloth if it is difficult to apply directly. Wrap it and when its bearable enough, either give the child to use as a compress for the ear or you yourself apply on the child’s ears.

Some more precautions to ease the pain and comfort the child further:

1- Alleviate the head of the child in bed:

This will help in de-clogging and making the passage clear for the ears and throat

2- Give a warm head-bath:

Warm head bath can stimulate freshness and ease down the impacts from bacterial infection.

3- Give plenty of fluids and specially warm water, to dilute the congestion from phlegm

4- Let the child rest as much as possible, cut down on rigorous physical activities for until the infection clears out

5- Do not send the child to day care or school, as it is a highly contagious infection.

6- Use a cool mist humidifier to help clearing the respiratory tract.

7- Add more probiotics like yogurt and citrus fruits like orange, lemon and berries for quicker healing and antiseptic benefits

Be sure to see your pediatrician, and do not attempt any of the above without consulting the medical professionals. The symptoms are nearly same for any form of infection so it is better to get diagnosed before trying out these methods. Use them more for preventive measures, as once it actuates it is difficult and too painful to combat using home remedies.

The above compilation on Natural remedy for ear infection in kids, is based on my own experiences and elaborate readings through the parenting books, in identifying and curing for my little one. There have been times when antibiotics were the only choice i could give, while on air-travel. When external pressure and temperature levels are too complicating and can damage the hearing of a child.

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Minu Manisha