Ear infections can cause pain not only in the ear canal, but can also produce other symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and respiratory problems. Fortunately there are a variety of ways--medicinal and natural--to treat infections.

Causes of Ear Infection

Ear infections can happen in all parts of the ear, from the ear canal, or otitis externa, the eardrum or the middle ear, according emedicinehealth.com. While most ear injuries are caused by changes in pressure during a direct blow to the ear, or activities such as sport scuba diving, persistent ear pain could be a sign of infection. Besides pain the common signs of ear infection are fullness in the ear, hearing loss, ringing, a discharge from the ear, nausea, vomiting and vertigo. Infection symptoms can also follow a bout with the common cold. Discharge from the ear is often caused by an infection known as swimmer's ear. Infections can also cause a fever, sore throat, runny nose, sinusitis and respiratory problems, according to associatedcontent.com.

Traditional Treatments

According to emedicinehealth.com, there are a number of ways to treat an ear infection. Simply resting by avoiding activities such as SCUBA diving, coughing, sneezing, bending, or trying to equalize the ears is one option. Taking a pain reliever such as acetaminophen every four hours, or an ibuprofen every six to eight hours, is another way to treat infection. Antibiotics are usually given to children ages two and under who have a severe ear infection, according to webmd.com. Children ages three and under should go to the doctor for a checkup four weeks after they have been treated, even if there are no signs of infection. If fluid behind the eardrum is present for more than three months, the child's hearing should be tested. If the ear canal is infected, two drops of Cortisporin, Otocort or Poly Otic four times a day for five days can be an effective treatment.

Natural/Alternative Treatments

If you are looking for alternative ways to treat an ear infection, there are several natural methods available. According to associatedcontent.com, garlic and mullein ear oil are the most popular herbs used in treating ear infections. Both are available at health food stores, or can be made at home by crushing cloves of garlic with one cup of mullein-infused olive oil. For treatment, three drops should be applied to the ear twice a day or as needed. Applying warm washcloths to the ear is another natural way of treating ear pain, while echinacea helps provide immunity against infection, as well as reduce how long a current infection will last. For the best results, echinacea should be taken in a tincture twice a day. St. Johns Wort oil can also reduce ear infection, and can be used with mullein ear oil. Taking tablets of zinc can also provide immunity against infection, while vitamin C also helps boost the immune system.

Source:

Webmd.com

Emedicinehealth.com