The ear
The human ear is separated into three parts; these are the inner ear, the middle ear and the outer ear. Parts of the ear include the ear drum, the hearing nerve and Eustachian tubes. An ear infection normally occurs in the middle and outer ear and is due to bacterial presence inside the ear.
Ear Infection
Currently, there are two general classifications of ear infection, these are: otitis media and otitis externa. Otitis media refers to the infection of the middle ear and is usually common amongst young children; Otitis externa on the other hand refers to the infection of the external ear. An infection in the ear cannot be transmitted to another person.
Otitis media infections result from an enlargement or irritation of the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube can be irritated by a severe cold, an infection in the throat, as well as allergic reactions that results in a build-up of liquid in the middle ear. When bacteria is present in the middle ear, it causes an inflammation in the eardrum, which later causes a build-up of secretion behind the ear drum. This may be harmful to the hearing nerve, and if this problem is left unattended, the compression in the middle ear may become intensified to a level that will result in a hearing loss as well as the leaking of secretion and blood from the ear.
Otitis externa is concerned with infections in the canal of the outer ear. This canal is the connection between the eardrum and the outside of the head. These infections often result from water residue, or too much moisture in the ear, which usually occurs when swimming and sometimes showering. A moist environment within the ear encourages the growth of bacteria and fungi. The outer ear also includes the thin skin layer that positions the ear canal. It can be damaged when foreign objects are used to clean the ear and the object grazes this layer.
Home remedies for ear infection
- One of the most popular home remedies for ear infection is garlic juice. If you insert two drops of the juice into the infected ear, it will remove the infection.
Another common practice amongst home remedies for ear infection is the application of heat. Using a blow dryer approximately fifteen (15) inches away from the ear, will take out the entrapment of any water in the Eustachian tube. - The insertion of three drops of warmed olive oil into each ear is a common remedy used to remove an ear infection.
- Inserting three drops of Lobelia extract into the infected ear with continuous gentle rubbing is a common ear infection remedy used in homes.
- Washing of the infected ear with colloidal silver has the ability to remove an infection from the ear, this is due to the presence of antibiotics in this substance.
- Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to remove an ear infection of an adult.
