Ear Infection 

 EarInfection can affect the ear canal (otitis externa), the eardrum, or the middle ear (otitis media). Most ear injuries are caused by pressure changes during direct injury (such as a blow to the ear) or sport scuba diving, but, a persistently painful ear may signal an infection that requires treatment. Because an ear scope (otoscope) may not be available to examine the canal and inner ear in remote locations,
    
 Middle ear infections are one of the most common childhood problems. Let's start by talking about infections. An infection (say: in-fek-shun) happens when germs like bacteria and viruses get inside the body and cause trouble. Germs can get into your ears. The ear is divided into three parts: outer, middle, and inner. When the germs bother your outer ear, it's called swimmer's ear.

The middle ear is a small pocket of air behind the eardrum. You have a middle ear infection when germs get into the middle ear and the area fills up with fluid (or pus), which contains germ-fighting cells. When the pus builds up, your ear starts to feel like a balloon that is ready to pop, which can really hurt.
Ear Infection Symptoms

Symptoms of ear infection include:

ear pain,

fullness in the ear,

hearing loss,

ringing,

discharge from the ear,

nausea,

vomiting , and

vertigo.

Symptoms may follow a respiratory infection such as the common cold.

Discharge from the ear canal is often caused by the infection known as swimmer's ear (otitis externa). A painful ear with decreased hearing is often the result of otitis media, an middle ear infection.

Homeopathic Treatment

Aconitum napellus: This remedy is indicated if an earache comes on suddenly with cutting, throbbing pain—often after exposure to cold and wind, or after a shaking experience. The person usually is fearful, agitated, and restless. Fever may be high and thirst is strong. Symptoms are often worse near midnight, and can even wake the person up.

Belladonna: Intense bouts of earache that come and go very suddenly, with heat and inflammation, suggest a need for this remedy. Pain can be pounding or throbbing, and may be worse from jarring. The person usually has a fever, a flushed red face, eyes that are sensitive to light, and skin that is hot to touch. The right ear is most often affected. A child needing Belladonna may feel drowsy with the fever, or be restless and have nightmares.

Chamomilla: Paroxysms of pain that seem intolerable suggest a need for this remedy. Children may seem angry and beside themselves, and often scream and hit. They may feel better from being carried constantly and vigorously walked around or rocked. Ear pain and other symptoms are worse from heat and wind, and the cheeks (often only one) may be hot and red.

Ferrum phosphoricum: This remedy can soothe the ache and inflammation of an ear infection—or even stop it, if given when the symptoms have just begun to show. The person looks pink and flushed, with fever and a feeling of weariness. The outer ear may look warm and pink, and the eardrum can slightly bulge.

Hepar sulphuris :This remedy is indicated when an earache is very painful or infection is advanced (with a bulging eardrum or pus formation). Stabbing, sticking pains “like a splinter being driven in” are a likely indication. The person is very sensitive to everything, especially cold and drafts, and may feel extremely vulnerable and touchy.

Magnesia phosphorica: An earache that feels much better when warmth and pressure are applied suggests a need for this remedy. The pain may be mostly neuralgic, with little evidence of fluid or infection.

Mercurius solubilis: This remedy may be helpful if an ear infection is advanced, with pus formation, shooting pains, and roaring in the ear. A person who needs this remedy is often very sensitive to temperatures (both hot and cold), has swollen lymph nodes, offensive breath, a puffy tongue, and sweat and drooling during sleeping.

Pulsatilla: This remedy is often indicated for ear infections that follow or accompany a cold. (Cold symptoms include a stuffy nose, especially indoors, and large amounts of yellow or greenish mucus.) The ear may be hot and swollen, with a feeling that something is pressing out. Pain can be worse in the evening and at night, as well as worse from heat, with a pulsing sensation. Deep itching may be felt inside, especially if ear infections are chronic. A child needing Pulsatilla usually is sad and tearful, wanting to be held and comforted.