How familiar are we with ear infections?
Most of us would easily understand the meaning of the word “ear infection”. Anyone can say that some infection is caused to the ear. But do we know the factors that cause ear infection? Are we familiar with the means, to protect our ears from getting infected? Do we know the steps to overcome ear infection. How safe are we? How safe are our loved ones?
What is infection?
To define, Infection is the encroachment or invasion of pathogenic microorganisms into the different bodily parts and tissues, leading to damages or injury to subsequent tissues, thereby progressing to overt disease through different cellular or toxic mechanisms.
Some of the common Ear Infection:
Infection can be caused to different parts of the ear through different means and are given different names, accordingly. The infection caused by bacteria or fungi is called as otitis externa.
Inflammation of the middle ear would be referred as otitis media. When there occurs infection to the otitis media, is called ear infection or acute otitis media. Tinnitus is another kind of ear infection in which the patient hears a buzzing, ringing, or whistling sound occurring in one or both ears, without an external stimulus.
Thus, when this infection is caused to the various tissues and cells of one’s ear/ears, and/or, to the middle ear, we say that the one has developed an ear infection.
The causing factors of ear infections:
Moisture and wetness in the ears are favorable for the growth of the bacteria or fungi, when a person is affected by otitis externa . Therefore, exposure to water would aggravate this infection.
When the Eustachian tube is blocked because of cold, allergy or some foreign particles, it causes the ear infection known as otitis media, in the ear. If there is an infection caused by virus in the middle ear, it causes the ear drum to swell. This infection leads to fluid collection in the middle ear. Weak immune system will lead to a prolonged infection.
The use of certain drugs or a blockage in the auditory tube or canal, or a head injury might cause a buzzing, ringing, or whistling of sounds in the ear without any external stimulus. Also, due to allergy and deficiency of certain nutritional requirements, one can develop ear infection.
Symptoms of the ear infections are as below:
In the case of patients suffering from otitis externa, there would be itch in the infected ear . There would be some discharges in the infected ear. There would be pain which aggravates when there is ear lobe movement or the movement of the jaw. There might be temporary ear impairment. One might also develop slight fever and inflammation in the ear.
In the case of patients suffering from otitis media, vomiting and dizziness would accompany with fever, pain and itch in the the infected ear, with hearing problems and fluid discharges.
How to be cautious in avoiding them?
One should avoid the exposure to cigarette smoke as it can block Eustachian tubes . People with weak immune system should avoid contacts with people when suffering from cold.
Cleaning one’s ears regularly with the help of soft cotton buds is important. While cleaning, one must be cautious of not damaging the ear drums, as they are very tender by nature.
What are the steps to cure them naturally?
- Intake of food rich in vitamin C on a daily basis, would build the immune system. This facilitates the body to fight infection on its own. Goose berry is the best source of vitamin C. Guava has Vitamin C in abundance. Orange, lemon, sweet lime and tomatoes are all rich in Vitamin C.
- Zinc also helps fight ear infections.
- Infants who are given breast feeding are less prone to any infection as their immune system is stronger.
- Ear drop made out of garlic is a good remedy for ear infections. To prepare this, take 50 ml of edible oil and put one peel of garlic in it. Heat the oil containing garlic, in a slow flame for 5 to 8 minutes. Allow it to cool. Then filter the oil and store it in a dry and clean bottle. Use 2 drops when needed.
- If available, one can use mullein flower oil as a remedy for pain in the ear due to infection. Dip a piece of cotton in the oil and gently place the cotton in the ear.
- Thulsi (Ocimum Tenuiflorum) also called the holy basil, is a good remedy. Extract a few drops of juice from the freshly plucked leaves of the plant. Apply 2 drops inside the infected ear. This will reduce the pain caused, due to infection.
- Take half a teaspoon of white vinegar and dilute it with equal portion of pure water. Put 2 or 3 drops of the liquid into the ear and allow it to dry. This is good for people suffering from pain and itching sensation.
- Take good precautions so that no infection rules you. By consuming vitamin C rich food daily, boost your immunity to fight infections naturally. Take good care and live a happy life.
