Preventing Ear Infections
Some do’s, don’ts and valuable tips

If you are looking for foul-proof tips for preventing ear infections, we will have to disappoint you

The reason is that it is perfectly normal for children to have two or more bouts of ear infections during their childhood. Unfortunately there is nothing you can really do to prevent this, there is no miracle way to prevent this known yet. This also goes for adults by the way

Unfortunately pain relief is often the only available option when you develop an ear infection

Although there are no surefire ways for preventing ear infections, there are however some things you can do to reduce the chances of developing an ear infection and the accompanying ear pain


Don't smoke and also avoid secondary or passive smoking, which means try not to go where others smoke. Smoke can block the Eustachian tubes. Children who live in a smoke free home are less likely to develop ear infections. Besides that smoke can also cause many other problems in children

Clean air is important in preventing, so kill the fire in your fire place or wood stove, the smoke and soot have the same effects as cigarette smoke

If possible try to avoid people with a cold. Might be difficult sometimes, but getting a cold from somebody else is one of the most common reasons you or your child develop an ear infection

Wash your hands and learn your children the proper ways to do so; this cleans bacteria and germs which might cause infections. Try to avoid touching your nose and eyes

Crowded and unsanitary living conditions also increase the risk

Going to high altitudes increases the chance, especially when you already have a cold

Keep your ears and the surrounding area dry and clean using soft cotton fabrics

To further lower chances of getting an ear infection you can cover the outside of the ear with cotton. This acts as a safe coverage for the ear and prevents it from various air and water borne ear infections


Like we said they are no guarantees when it comes to preventing ear infections but these tips could lower the chance of attracting them

Babies

Besides the tips above, there is also evidence that you can increase the possibility of preventing ear infections in babies and little children when you consider the following:

Children who are breastfed more than 6 months are not as likely to develop it as bottle-fed babies. Researchers believe that babies who are breastfed have a stronger immunity to infections in the nose, throat and sinuses

Children in larger groups run a higher risk, the chances of running into (or crawling into) bacteria, germs and viruses which can cause an infection are bigger. When you have a child which is very susceptible to ear infections, consider a smaller group or family day care option

Babies who do not use dummies seem to develop it less. If you give your child a dummy try to do it only to get the baby to sleep, limit the use


Do's, don'ts and other tips for preventing ear infections and ear pain


Steam inhalation often clears all the spaces in the ear, nose and throat. Put some eucalyptus leaves or Vicks vapo rub in a steamy hot bowl or bath and inhale

Eat green vegetables; they are rich in minerals, vitamins and zinc. This will build a better immune system and can soothe the pain and fight the infection

Take small sips of water. When swallowing you open up the eustachian tubes and drain them which eases the pain

Before you go to bed clear your nose, throat. A fast and safe way to do this is with a salt water solution or a seawater nose spray. Take a tablespoon of clean water and put in some sea salt (make it taste like tears). Use this as nose drops and your nose will open like magic

Try to keep your head up, also when sleeping, this way the Eustachian tubes drain naturally. A bit more difficult at night but helpful

For pain relief never give an aspirin to anyone younger than 21! (they risk Reye's syndrome, a life-threatening neurological disease)

During a middle ear infection avoid dairy products like cow's milk, butter, cheese, yogurt etc and sugar. These products increase mucus production

Avoid spicy and oily food, they seem to irritate the infections and the earache

Avoid drinking alcohol

When you want to reduce the amount of earwax you make, eat less saturated fatty acids

If you lost your hearing or your ears stay plugged up for more than a couple of days after a cold, you should call your doctor. You could already have an ear infection or fluid in the middle ear. When you leave an ear infection untreated it can cause permanent hearing loss in children and adults

Some children have ear infections close together. If this happens contact your doctor

Patience…we know it is difficult with a crying baby keeping you up at night, but your baby will outgrow it eventually


That's it, the chances of you actually preventing ear infections have grown dramatically, that is if you keep these tips in mind. It's still not 100% guaranteed but you are on your way


  • Ear infection intro and quick facts
  • Symptoms of ear infections
  • Causes of ear infections
  • Home remedies for ear infections and ear pain
  • Prevention, what to avoid, do's, & don'ts

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    For more info on middle ear infection:

    emedicinehealth.com

    Wikipedia


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    Smile!

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    We from Natural-Homeremedies-For-Life.com hope that our suggestions have helped you ease the pain and/ or let your baby sleep through the night

    Hopefully some or all information on this page has taught you what you needed to know

    Any way now you're armed with surefire pain relief tips for an infection and pain in the ear. This way the next time you can fight the pain and the infection immediately

    However the best would be if you didn't have to come back anymore because we have helped you to set up the best natural line of defense against a possible future infection

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