Home Remedies for Ear Infections

Infant Ear Infections

Ear infections in infants can be painful for your child. Home remedies for ear infections can provide relief for infant ear infections. Treat baby ear infections naturally, and as soon as possible.

Infant Ear Infections

Ear infections are caused by either bacteria or through a virus infection. Fluid builds up behind the eardrum and the result is an infection.

Fluid that is trapped in the middle ear - usually from a blocked Eustachian tube from a sinus infection, allergies or a cold - breeds bacteria. It's also quite common when babies are teething (gums swollen) that ear infections flare up as secondary infections.

If undetected or untreated, your baby's ear infection can become inflamed and painful. A fever may develop in untreated infant ear infections as the baby tries to fight the infection.

Ear infections in infants are a common illness. Infants are more susceptible to ear infections as their Eustachian tubes are still short (they grow as they get older). The tubes are also horizontal in babies making it more difficult to drain fluid however they grow more vertical over time.

Treat Baby Ear Infection Early

Babies can't tell you that their ear hurts so you need to learn to understand the symptoms. Crying, screaming, rubbing the side of the head is usually an indication of either teething or infant ear infection (or both). Usually ear infections are worse when lying down so babies will cry and fuss more during bedtime.

If your baby is fussing, check for teething (swollen red gums) and check the ears. If the ear is red, swollen, and/or tender visit your doctor.

Natural Old Home Remedies for Ear Infections

Since babies can't talk and tell you whether the remedies are working, for the most part we don't recommend natural old home remedies for ear infections. However, mullein oil (flowers of the mullein weed steeped in olive oil) has been used for children's ear aches (one drop twice daily).

We do recommend preventive actions:

• Breastfeeding your baby for a minimum of six months will reduce the likelihood of ear infection and other childhood diseases (studies show that formula fed babies have a high risk of ear infections); breastmilk provides immunity
• Do not smoke or allow smoking around your infant; second hand smoke can affect your baby's resistance;
• Milk or dairy allergies can be an ear infection trigger; don't give your infant milk products too early;

Treatment for Baby Ear Infection

If you suspect your baby has an ear infection, visit your doctor for medical advice and treatment. Ear infections can be painful and untreated infections can result in burst eardrums and damage to the inner ear. Take care of your baby's health.

In addition to our home remedies for ear infections above, check out this wonderful product, Ear-OK to relieve pain, itching and discomfort.

Another natural solution for an earache is Ear-Heal. This product from Native Remedies will help you move past those painful and annoying earaches.

Additional Reading:

• Ear & Eye Health
• Common Eye Infections
• Dry Eye Irritation
• Inner Ear Infection Symptoms
• Pink Eye Remedies
• Stye Treatment