What is an ear infection?
An ear infection can be caused by a virus, bacteria or fungal microorganisms. These microorganisms many times are already present in the body, but the immune system keeps them on check. Once the person or animal is exposed to a stress, like cold weather, swimming, or damaging the skin in the outer ear by putting objects in the ear like a key, ear buds or pen, to name a few, then the whole organism is affected, the immune system lowers its defences and the microorganisms are allowed to proliferate.
Ear infections can affect the outer ear or middle ear. The outer ear infection is called otitis externa and the middle ear infection is termed as otitis media. Usually, the middle ear infection is secondary to some nose or throat infection.
Basically, the infection from the throat or upper respiratory system travels to the middle ear through the Eustachian tubes. The Eustachian tube is the channel that connects the throat to the middle ear.
Common symptoms of ear infections
The main symptoms of ear infections are pain which is often strong and excruciating, ear discharge (which can vary from fluid to thick discharge and from white to yellow-green colour, sometimes even bloody) and a pressure feeling in the ear. Fever may or may not be present with the acute infection. Diminished hearing and noises in the ear (tinnitus) and vertigo may also accompany the main complaint.
Conventional Treatment
Ear infections are commonly treated with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like Advil, Motrin (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen), and/or prescription medications like antibiotics which aims to kill the pathogenic microorganism. While in most cases it offers a quick and effective approach, the antibiotic kills indiscriminately not only the pathogen, but also the native intestinal bacteria, having a marked impact on the immunity overall. In addition, it doesn’t address the cause of the problem, given the fact that in many cases the infections keep recurring.
Homeopathic Treatment
The biggest advantage of homeopathic approach for ear infections over conventional medicine is that it works through a holistic approach and deals not only with the symptoms, but also addresses the root cause of the infection, preventing over time the recurrence of infections.
Homeopathic Medicines for Ear Infections
Homeopathy offers complete recovery from ear infections. These are natural medicines that work by boosting the natural defence mechanism of the body to fight the infection process. They also provide immunity against contracting ear infection in the future. They can effectively manage the pain, discharge from the ear and also the fever accompanying the ear infection. They also can help preventing complications resulting from an ear infection, like hearing loss, eardrum perforation, and mastoiditis, which is an inflammation of a portion of the temporal bone referred to as the mastoid air cells. The mastoid air cells are epithelium lined bone septations that are continuous with the middle ear cavity.
Common Remedies for Ear Infections
The most common remedies for ear infections are Belladonna, Chamomilla, Kali Mur, Merc Sol, and Calcarea Sulph.
Belladonna is commonly indicated when acute pain appears from an ear infection. It often affects the right ear. There is a sudden onset of intense pain that may shoot or throb. The colour of the ear canal or ear can be bright red. Glassy eyes or dilated pupils with the pain. High fever, might be present, often with headache. Hot head with cold hands and feet. Prefers the dark. Better for sitting rather than lying. Pain worse with light, noise, cold air, or being bumped.
Chamomilla is effective when ear pain is of a stitching nature. Even a slight touch worsens the earache. There is pressure in the ears with obstruction sensation. The pain usually makes the child angry, impatient and irritable. Worse at night and for warmth.
Kali Muriaticum is one of the best medicines for an ear infection with white coloured ear discharges. Deafness or earache from congestion or swelling of middle ear or Eustachian tubes, with swelling of the glands, or cracking noises on blowing nose, or swallowing.
Merc Sol can work very well when ear discharges are offensive and bloodstained. It is a remedy more for chronic ear infections rather than for the first stage. Often the right ear is more affected. If discharge is present is of pus that is thick, burning, and has an offensive odour. Pus is usually green though sometimes yellow. The patient is thirsty with bad breath. Lots of salivation and drenching sweats. The tongue looks swollen and the imprint of teeth can be seen on edges. Glands or tonsils may be swollen too. Pain worse at night.
Calcarea Sulph this remedy is recommended when the discharge is typically yellow in colour, with ringing noises in the ear. Deafness might be present as well as mastoiditis.
If you need help or advice regarding ear infections or earaches book a homeopathy consultation with us, and find out how homeopathy can help you.
About the Author
PRACTICING CLASSICAL HOMEOPATH AND DOCTOR OF MICROBIOLOGY
ALEXANDRA CARNEIRO DE MELO, PhD MSc, PhD (London), DIHom (Pract), FBIH, RSHom
Education Personal
Accreditations:
- BSc – Food Engineering, 1989 – Porto University, Portugal (High Class Honors)
- MSc – Food Microbiology, 1991 – University of Reading in the UK
- PhD – Applied Microbiology, 1997 – King’s College, London
- DIHom(Pract) – Diploma in Homeopathic Medicine, Practitioner Level British Institute of Homeopathy
- FBIH – Fellowship for life, British Institute of Homeopathy
- RSHom – Member of The Society of Homeopaths
As a homeopath, my ultimate goal is to help you live to your fullest capacity, where the entire spiritual, mental, emotional, social and physical being is restored to the natural state it was created in. Please do get in touch if you are ready to begin your healing journey.
Website: www.alexcmelo.com
Alexandra Melo