Earaches should be examined by a doctor to avoid permanent damage. Many people have already had to make the painful experience. Onion bags are a popular home remedy for earaches. But do they actually help?
Causes of earache
The causes of earaches are varied. However, they often occur together with colds, especially in autumn. Then there are particularly many bacteria and viruses in the nose and throat. These pass through the eustachian tube from the nasopharynx into the inner ear, where they trigger a middle ear infection.
Ear infections are not only very painful, but often lead to hearing loss, dizziness, fever or ringing in the ears. Mostly children are affected by a middle ear infection, because the eustachian tube is shorter than that of adults.
Inflammation of the external auditory canal is also often associated with ear pain in adults. It can be caused by injury with cotton swabs or by penetrating bath water.
But not all types of earache are directly related to ailments of the ears. For example, diseases of the teeth, temporomandibular joint or mouth and nose can also cause ear pain.
Treatment with onion bags
The discomfort often occurs in the evening or at night. Here, affected people can try to relieve the pain with the help of onion bags. The onions are diced small and wrapped in a clean cotton cloth. It is important that, if possible, there is only one layer of cloth between the onion and the ear and that the sachets are small. These can be easily tucked under a headband or cap. The pack can be applied warm or cold. Depending on how it is more comfortable for the patient.
If the pain has not improved the next day, it is advisable to see a doctor. A visit to the doctor is necessary if
- The pain lasts longer and becomes more severe,
- Fever is added,
- A hearing loss occurs,
- Ringing in the ears and dizziness occur,
- Self-treatment does not bring improvement.
Timely treatment can help prevent permanent damage.
