Treatment of otitis media depends on the localization of the process, clinical manifestations and includes ear drops with analgesic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. Antibiotics are often used, which can be in the form of topical preparations or tablets. Physiotherapeutic procedures, such as warming compresses, dry heat, can play an important role at various stages of the disease. A worthy place among the methods of treating otitis media is occupied by traditional medicine. Some of them are firmly established in the appointments recommended by otolaryngologists.
The value of the revised diagnosis
Otitis media is a disease in which it is important to prescribe the correct drug treatment on time. Drugs that are effective and safe in the catarrhal stage of otitis media of the middle ear can be toxic in the perforated stage, accompanied by otorrhea. On the other hand, drugs prescribed for otitis externa can lead to hearing loss in otitis media. Taking into account the fact that the ear is closely anatomically interconnected with the structures of the brain, it can be concluded how important it is to timely consult an otolaryngologist and clarify the diagnosis.
Thermal treatments
Traditional methods of treating otitis media are most common as additional measures, especially thermal procedures. Compresses using camphor alcohol or oil are widespread due to their effectiveness and availability, the presence of an antiseptic and warming effect.
Camphor oil is regularly used due to its ability to keep warm for a long time.
These funds are used not only in the form of compresses, but also cotton swabs soaked in a solution, or in the form of drops.
With regard to contraindications, these folk remedies for otitis media cannot be used for purulent otitis media of the middle ear, in a stage characterized by suppuration. In addition, essential oils, including those prepared on the basis of camphor, are powerful allergens. Therefore, using them, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of developing complications such as itching in the ear, redness and swelling of the external auditory canal. In this case, most likely, we are talking about signs of allergies. If such symptoms appear, treatment should be discontinued.
The warming effect, which helps relieve pain, is characteristic not only of heated alcohol or vegetable oil. Butter can also be used for the same purposes. At a temperature of 40 degrees, it can be used as an impregnation agent for cotton wool. By putting it on for several hours, you can achieve a significant reduction in pain. The same effect is expected if turunda is soaked in infusion on birch buds.
Absolutely affordable products such as beets, honey can be used as folk remedies for the treatment of otitis media. The mashed boiled beets are mixed with a spoonful of honey until a homogeneous mass is formed. Then it is warmed up in a water bath and laid out on a gauze napkin, which has a hole for the ear. In the form of such a cake, covered with polyethylene, it can be placed on the parotid region. The duration of such a procedure is several hours, during which the warming effect will be maintained.
The use of herbal remedies for otitis media
It is also possible to use phytopreparations as a treatment for otitis media with folk remedies at home. The most popular herbs are
- succession;
- chamomile;
- celandine;
- St. John's wort;
- calendula.
It is allowed to use each of the herbs separately or a medicinal decoction from their mixture. To do this, pour a tablespoon of each component into an enamel bowl, pour a glass of boiling water over it and insist for several hours. After straining, the agent can be used as a solution for preparing a compress.
In addition to compresses or turunda with herbal decoctions, herbal remedies can also be used in the form of ear drops.
For this, the resulting broth is mixed in equal proportions with 70% alcohol. When warm, 2-3 drops can be instilled into each ear. To enhance the analgesic effect, folk remedies for otitis media in adults must be warmed up to body temperature. This applies to both ear drops and products used in the form of compresses or moistened turunda.
Onions and garlic are widely used among traditional methods of treatment. To prepare a healing remedy, 2-3 cloves of garlic or half an onion must be squeezed out, the resulting juice must be poured with sunflower oil in a volume of 50 ml, and infused for several hours. This product is warm
ready to use in the form of ear drops. Some doctors suggest using walnut oil obtained by pressing a ripe nut at the first symptoms of otitis media.
Features of treatment at the recovery stage
In the reparative stage, when there is no purulent exudate, and the injured tympanic membrane needs an early recovery, beekeeping products, which have a unique healing effect, can be actively used as folk remedies for the treatment of otitis media. Turunda dipped in propolis tincture is inserted into the ear for several hours. This procedure can be repeated daily throughout the entire treatment period. This method is quite effective for patients who are not allergic to this component.
At the same stage, when all efforts are directed to restorative measures, not only local treatments are used, but also for oral administration. Ginseng tincture, echinacea are widely used as an immunostimulating component of the complex treatment of patients with otitis media. A delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment can lead to the development of a patient's hearing loss or even permanent hearing loss. Thus, turning to treatment with folk remedies, it is necessary to consult with an otolaryngologist, who, observing the patient, at the right time could correct the treatment.
