Homeopathic Treatment of Ear Infections

Looking at any baby brings a smile to your face, and softens just about anyone’s heart. Witnessing a baby in pain however, can cause great distress - and ear infections are one of the most common childhood ailments that can cause baby’s pain and discomfort, thus triggering distress and sometimes panic in their parents and care providers. For these types of childhood ailments, you want to be able to take control of the situation. Homeopathic medicines can be effectively delivered at home given the right information even if you canʼt see your homeopath in the middle of the night!

Ear infections are one the most frequently diagnosed conditions and are responsible for the overuse of antibiotics. Recent research suggests that antibiotics tend to slow the rate of recovery compared to patients not on antibiotics. (Froom, et al, 1990).  Otitis media is the most common infection of the middle ear.  During a typical otitis media episode, the infection occurs behind the ear drum. These infections develop when the eustachian tube opens and then closes improperly which allows fluids containing germs from the nose and throat to enter, but not depart from the middle ear. Inflammation may result from a cold or allergy; it may also be due to the tube just being too small or too short to work properly.

Symptoms of an acute middle ear infection vary. The child may seem to be in pain by pulling at the ears. Older children and adults will know there is a disturbance, and will feel excessively congested. For some, there may be discharge that oozes out of the ear which may be crusty and sticky.
If the infection is more severe the symptoms displayed may include persistent crying, unusual irritability and clinginess, or high fever. Sometimes there may be no fever at all.

Excellent Remedies For Ear Infections.

Pulsatilla is the number one remedy especially for left sided ear infections. The baby is very clingy and wants to be consoled, kissed and carried around, but less capricious than a child who needs chammomila.  There is little or no thirst even with a fever which is peculiar.  Symptoms that confirm the choice of this remedy are thick yellow discharge from the nose and ear canal. There may or not be fever. The baby or child calms down in fresh air. The strongest indication for this remedy is the clinginess and mildness of the baby or child.

Chamomilla is often used for teething, but is also an excellent remedy for ear infections.  The decision to use this remedy is confirmed by the babyʼs mood.  Here the baby screams angrily. The baby or child does not want to be touched or consoled and may lash out. Very common for earaches during teething.  There may be clear nasal discharge of watery consistency. If the symptoms persist, see your health care provider (homeopathic physician, naturopathic doctor, nurse practitioner or family doctor) for a physical examination, detailed consultation and directed prescription.