Having pain in the ear does not necessarily spell out infection. It could just mean your ear is clogged due to a cold or sinus flair up. The longer the Eustachian tube is clogged, the more chance of the ear becoming infected and needing antibiotics. If the tube stays clogged with the fluid or congestion for any length of time, the infection can get in and really cause problems. The tube gets swollen and does not allow the proper drainage. The earache is always more painful at night and the home remedies for earache mainly concentrate on finding comfort through heat and ways to lay the ear down in a comfortable position. The home remedies for earache that are listed below are mainly for adult earache as young children are more susceptible to ear infections. Usually a child with an ear ache has already passed the drainage stage and has moved on to the infection itself. It is definitely time to administer antibiotic treatment for a course of seven to ten days.

Home Remedies for Earache

The earache can certainly cause a disruption in sleep for anyone. The problem comes when the head is laid down. The fluid shifts and the pain can increase. This is the time the heat packs come in handy as earache home remedies. They are wonderful for easing pain in the ear anytime but more especially at night. The use of a hot water bottle under the ear, while resting, will not only give heat but will also provide a soft place to rest the head. The hot water bottle needs to be a comfortable temperature but not as hot as to burn. There are even small water bottles available for purchase that fit directly over the ear itself so you can take it with you. This is mainly for those who suffer from problems more often. A warm wet towel in the microwave or microwave safe heat bags work nicely also. The heat pack is best if it contains moist heat instead of dry heat.

Many times, medication like acetaminophen and ibuprofen will help relive the pain you are having. If there is a cold involved, the use of antihistamine or decongestant products will serve to reduce the fluid causing the pressure. Children should not be allowed to take an aspirin product when suffering from an earache and should be seen by a physician right away. They can be given children's medication only. Mineral oil warmed will also be a relieving ingredient. Add the mineral oil to the ear but only a drop or two. Never use mineral oil natural remedy for earache on an ear diagnosed with a perforated ear drum. If there is drainage from the ear, it is also a sign of needing to see a physician. The drum has opened from the pressure and stretching from the intrusion of fluid inside it.

If the pain gets worse, it is time to see a physician. It could be something more serious requiring treatment. If the ear starts to swell, get red, pus, bleeding, becoming dizzy, or cannot hear properly, there is a serious problem and needs to be treated right away. Also, if the ear starts to hurt and there is no underlying illness such as a cold or congestion, it is time to visit the doctor. It might also be a good idea to check inside the ear for foreign objects like bugs. They love to hide in the ear and can get in unnoticed. If an insect is found in the ear and it is not dead, flush the ear with alcohol and the follow with water flush. This is an excellent earache treatment as alcohol kills the bug and the water will flush it out. Never put anything in the ear to try and grab the object from the ear. It could damage the ear.