Ear infections can bring uncomfortable sensations of stinging and pain. Besides earache, the infection may also cause a feeling of fullness in the ear and even lead to fluid drainage. Ear infections usually occur after respiratory illnesses such as colds or the flu, and children are more prone to them than adults.

Although some ear infections may require antibiotic treatment, many can get better on their own. In fact, approximately 60% of children with middle - ear infections (the most common type of ear infection) can recover within 24 hours. Around 80% of children's ear infections can heal spontaneously in about three days.

Whether you or your child is taking antibiotics or waiting to see if the infection resolves on its own, there are several home remedies for treating ear infections that can relieve symptoms simultaneously.

One of the prominent symptoms of an ear infection is ear pain, medically known as otalgia.

Infants or young children may not be able to verbally express their ear pain. Instead, you may notice that they become fussy, cry incessantly, have a fever, have trouble sleeping, or tug at their ears frequently.

Generally, applying heat is a simple and cost - effective way to relieve pain. There are several easy ways to use heat therapy to ease the pain caused by an ear infection. You can:

Whichever method you choose, make sure the temperature of the compress is not too high.

Over - the - counter (OTC) painkillers can not only help alleviate ear pain but also reduce the fever that the infection may cause.

Children over 6 months old and adults can take Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen). If the ear pain is severe and does not respond to either of these OTC medications, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider to see if combining the two can be tried.

Children under 6 months old can only take acetaminophen. Never give aspirin to children of any age, as aspirin has a high likelihood of triggering Reye's syndrome, a serious disease that can damage the liver and brain.

In addition to OTC oral painkillers, you can also find OTC pain - relieving ear drops. When choosing a product, look for ear drops that contain lidocaine, or a combination of antipyrine and benzocaine.

The combination product of antipyrine and benzocaine ear drops can also reduce swelling. Usually, apply the drops every one to two hours.

There is some evidence that certain herbal ear drops from natural remedies may also be helpful in treating ear pain, although the relevant research was conducted some time ago.

Like many illnesses, rest is beneficial for the recovery process.

Ensuring that you or your child gets enough sleep will ensure that the immune system has the strength it needs to fight the ear infection.

Research shows that there is a close connection between sleep and immune function. During sleep, the body produces more cytokines, hormones that help the immune system fight various infections, including ear infections. Without sufficient sleep, the body may not have enough hormones to combat the infection most effectively.

Using OTC painkillers can help relieve the ear pain that may make it difficult for your child to fall asleep or stay asleep.

If you have an ear infection, drinking plenty of water or other fluids can make you feel better.

Besides water, good beverage options also include plain coffee or tea, soda water or flavored water, milk or milk alternatives, or 100% vegetable juice.

Some ear infection symptoms, such as fever, may cause fluid loss, so it is crucial to replenish the lost fluids to avoid dehydration.

When trying to treat an ear infection, you should avoid using decongestants and antihistamines.

There is no research to support the use of these drugs to relieve or treat ear infections. Cough and cold medications, which usually contain decongestants or antihistamines, do not seem to treat or reduce the complications of ear infections in children.

Clinical guidelines even discourage healthcare providers from recommending decongestants and antihistamines to patients.

Any child under 6 months old who has a fever or shows symptoms of an ear infection should be taken to a healthcare provider. Any child this young with an ear infection will receive antibiotic treatment, so they need to see a doctor for an evaluation and get a prescription for the medication.

If your child is older, your healthcare provider may recommend a wait - and - see approach. Instead of using antibiotics immediately, they will observe whether the infection will subside on its own. However, if your child's ear infection symptoms worsen or persist for more than two or three days, it is best to call the healthcare provider.

You should also see a doctor if your child has any of the following symptoms:

The doctor can examine the inside of the ear for any abnormalities. At this point, they may prescribe antibiotics for treatment.

If your child is prescribed antibiotics, make sure they complete the entire course of treatment. Although the ear infection may improve quickly, not finishing the full course of antibiotics increases the risk of recurrence.

Ear infections can be very uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are several home remedies for treating ear infections that can be used to relieve symptoms such as pain, swelling, and fever. Applying heat, using OTC painkillers, and ear drops can all help relieve ear pain. Getting enough rest and staying hydrated are also beneficial for the recovery process.

If the symptoms do not disappear within two or three days or worsen before that, you should contact a healthcare provider. Home remedies alone may not be enough, and the doctor may prescribe antibiotics for you. Children under 6 months old should always be taken to a healthcare facility for antibiotic treatment when they have an ear infection. Whether you are taking antibiotics or not, home remedies can help you feel better while waiting for the infection to subside.