EAR INFECTIONS

INTRODUCTIONS

• Ear infection also known as otitis media , is an inflammation of the ear , typically caused by bacteria or viruses.

There are different types of ear infections including:

• Otitis externa (infection of the outer ear canal)
• Otitis media (infection of the middle ear)   

• Bacteria (streptococcus pneumoniae or haemophilus influenzae).
• Viral infections
• Allergies can cause inflammation in the nasal passages , throat and eustachian tube , leading to bloackages and increased risk of ear infections.
• Excess mucus : excess mucus production due to allergies or colds can block the eustachian tube which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose , leading to fluid buildup and infection.
• Environmental factors : exposure to tobacco smoke , air pollution or respiratory infections.

• Ear pain : This can range from mild to severe and may worsen when lying down.
• Tugging or pulling at the ear
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fever
• Fluid drainage from the ear : This can be clear , pus -like or bloody.
• Hearing loss
• Feeling of fullness in the ear
• Vertigo

• According to Ayurveda Ear pain occurs due to the vitiation of 3 Doshas (vata , pitta and kapha) mainly vitiation of Vata and Kapha Dosha .
• Vitiated vata Dosha cause dries the ear wax , thin discharge in the ear , may lead to severe pain in the ear ,  tinnitus and deafness .
• Pitta Dosha cause redness, inflammation , burning , yellow discharge .
• Vitiated kapha dosha lead to discharge of white , slimy fluids and abnormal hearing , swelling , itching and mild pain.

• Karnasrava - Discharging ear
• Putikarna - Foul - smell due to discharge
• Krimi karna - Maggots in the ear

• Kanapoorna : In this procedure instillation of the medicated drug in the ear.
• Karna Dhoopan : This involves fumigation of the ear.
• Pramarjana : It is known as ear cleaning
• Shirovirechana
• Prakshalana

• Garlic oil : Garlic has natural antimicrobial properties . Mixing a few drops of garlic oil with warm olive oil and applying it to the affected ear .
• Tea tree oil : Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• Warm compress : Applying a warm compress to the ear can help reduce pain and discomfort.