Ear Infectiosn

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EAR INFECTIONS

Annoying but uncomplicated achy ears are usually the result of a cold. The eustachain tube becomes congested. Since there a less air in the middle ear, it creates a negative pressure, sometimes associated with fluid accumulation. Ear pain can occur when the eustachain tube becomes inflamed or congested from a cold, allergy or sore throat.

Warm'em Up

Heat is excellent for earaches. Heat promotes blood flow and marshals infection-fighting white blood cells in the area. Keep the heat on your ear for 20 minutes or until the pain goes away, whichever comes first.

Reach for the hot sauce

Food that is so spicy that it makes your nose run can ease earaches associated with congestion. Try a good hot and sour aoup or, better yet, an authentic new orleans gumbo loaded with hot peppers.

Humidify your nose

Use a plain saline nasal spray, available over the counter, several times a day when your nose is congested. It will reduce the congestion caused by a cold or allergies, thereby reducing your ear discomfort.

Breathe away an ache

Breathe in deeply from your diaphragm, not your chest, bringing air in through your nose. Imagine the area right behind your naval to your upper chest area as an accordion, and fit it with air through your nose. Keeping your lips closed, expand the accordion, and allow the air to escape through your lips. Continue this exercise until you feel relaxed and the pain eases.