[Twinkletoes]

I've had a double ear infection for a few days now. Taken Allergra for a week (b/c of hay fever allergies). Been on antibiotics for 48 hours, but nothing seems to help.

I called the Health Food store and the guy said to try putting garlic cloves in my ears! And so I did (just a few minutes ago). I've never heard of such a thing.

Now I'm searching the internet and one place says you should warm the cloves and put a little salt on them, wrap them in a cloth and insert them.

Does anyone have any experience with a tried and true remedy on how to get my ears to drain? I've been chewing a stick of gum for about 20 min., hoping it will help.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[mrsD]

Please don't put ANYTHING in your ears!

An infection may be behind the ear drum. These are called middle ear infections.

If the infection is in the canal, if you mess with the skin there,
it can become worse.

If your ear drum perforates (ruptures) from the pressure of the fluid behind it, and you put a NON STERILE thing in your ear canal, it can seep into the middle ear, which cannot handle foreign substances. All manner of germs can then take hold in your middle ear space. Fungi, viruses, bacteria, etc.

All ear DROPS sold by RX are sterile!(until you open them).
They are only designed for a short term usage.

[Twinkletoes]

MrsD, I hope I didn't trade one problem for another, but...

When I read your post I immediately removed my garlic ear plugs (like a good girl) and took a shower.

My ears actually opened up some -- first time since Sat. night.

I hadn't thought about fungi, viruses, bacteria, etc. invading my inner ear.

Mom always said not to put anything other than your elbow in your ear, lol! You'd think I'd listen. But then again, I CAN'T HEAR!!!

[karousel]

Originally Posted by Twinkletoes

MrsD, I hope I didn't trade one problem for another, but...

When I read your post I immediately removed my garlic ear plugs (like a good girl) and took a shower.

Well at least you won't have to worry about the vampires visiting you tonight!

Sorry you are in pain and hope you find relief soon. I remember when I had a double ear infection and how horrible it was. Can't remember what I used but I do remember whichever ear was the one pressed to the pillow where it was nice and warm would feel better.

[Chemar]

my dad taught us to warm castor oil and soak sterile cotton swabs in it then make an ear plug...so you are plugging the outer ear rather than inserting anything into the canal. seems to work tho we havent ever had to treat anything seeming severe, so good that you are on the antibiotics

if you like garlic you sure can eat more of it ...it is a great natural antibiotic!

hope it gets better quickly Twink

[Jomar]

I don't know about infections ,
but i place a warm washcloth against my head/ear when it is bothering me.

I have been known to warm up peroxide - not too hot!
and let a few drops of the warm stuff into my ear with a cotton ball.
I let it bubble and then tip my head to drain it all out.

but that's just me - done it for the kids & dh too when they had ear aches

[Koala77]

Never, ever put anything in your ear that's smaller or sharper than your elbow!

Not ever!!!!

[mrsD]

Twink... some people develop chronic otitis externa--that is inflammation of the outer ear canal, from water that gets trapped in there from showers or washing the hair.

There are flexible silicone ear plugs called Mack's, which you put in when you are exposed to water/swimming:

http://www.macksearplugs.com/pillow_...e_earplugs.htm

Most places carry these, and if your pharmacy does not, they can order them for you.

My son used these when he had the tubes put in his ears when he was little. They have been around "forever".

[soxmom]

My neighbor swears by garlic oil. She drops a couple of drops in her ear.
So, I have heard of the garlic thing before Twinks.

But what Mrs. D said did make sense. Maybe you should give the doc
a call as there are drops you can get that numb your ear up, I get them
for my kids.

feel better

[Twinkletoes]

I just got a phone call from the clinic. I can pick up a "Z" pack from the pharmacy to be taken along with my amoxicillin.

That's good, cuz my ears are still somewhat plugged. Maybe that'll do the trick.

Thanks, friends, for your concern and well-wishes.

As my dear mother would say: "This, too, shall pass."

To which I'd always reply: "Yeah, like a kidney stone."