Ear infection

The human ear is divided into three sections – outer, middle and inner. Two types of ear infections are otitis media, which is the inflammation of the middle ear that is common on children, and otitis externa, which is the infection of the outer ear and is common during winter season with the boys..

Symptoms
Symptoms for otitis media include catching fever or a minor illness, dizziness, fluid or pus discharge, hearing problems, itchiness, painful sensation and vomiting.

For otitis externa, there is itchiness in the infected ear, inflammation accompanied by fluid discharges, severe pain even by the slightest movement of the jaw or ear lobes, slight fever, and temporary decline in hearing.

Causes
Otitis media is primarily caused by a blockage of the eustachian tubes, an air passageway that is found in the middle of your middle ear and throat. It can be due to cold, allergies or other respiratory problems. This blockage allows entry to bacteria to build up in the middle ear and cause infection. Ear drums may swell if infected by a virus. Although infant and children are the main targets, it can also affect adults.

Meanwhile, otitis externa is the inflammation of the outer ear and the ear canal. It can be caused by none, or both bacterial and fungal infections. It is often called the “swimmer’s ear” primarily because the condition is most prevalent to swimmers and those who have prolonged exposure to water. Swimming in contaminated water will trigger this condition as there are chances bacteria can infect the skin, especially if there are ear impairments.

Nutritional deficiency, allergy and other infections are also some factors that may cause ear infections.

Home Remedies
Garlic: Put few drops of garlic juice into the infected ear.

Blow dry: To remove excess water trapped in the Eustachian tube, use a blow dryer from about 12 to 15 inches from your head.

Olive oil: Using a warm spoon, put 2 to 3 drops of olive oil in each ear.

Lobelia: Put few drops of lobelia extract into the infected ear and rub it gently.

Colloidal Silver: It is a natural antibiotic that the patient can use to wash and clean their ears.

Mango: Put few drops of mango juice in the infected ear using a warm teaspoon.

Diets
Eat lots of foods reach in calcium and vitamin C to boost your immune system and help fight infection. You can also take in tablet form.

Zinc will also help reduce ear infection.

Avoid processed foods and foods that are rich in hydrogenated oils.

Breast-feeding is the most effective way to combat any infection for infants.

Other Treatments
Stay away from smoke fumes as it blocks the Eustachian tube passageway.

Stay away from people with colds.

Keep your hands clean when touching your ear by washing it regularly in antibacterial soap and sterilized water.

Avoid touching the nose and the eyes.