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Earache
Description
Most often an ailment of infants and young children, earache
signifies an Infection of the middle ear. The outer ear
may become infected as well, especially from swimming in
a lake or pool.
Infants and young children
have been suffering middle-ear Infections in ever-increasing
numbers in recent years. Up to one third of all children
under the age of six, experience recurrent Infections. Often
this indicates allergies, usually to dairy foods, although
other common food sensitivities may be involved.
Treatment of an earache
usually involves administering antibiotics and inserting
a tube in the infected ear to drain excess fluid. However,
antibiotics kill "friendly" bacteria and often
contribute to a depressed Immune System.
Nutritional Supplements
Evening Primrose Oil
Manganese
B Complex
Vitamin C (1)
Zinc (2)
Homeopathy
This Painful complaint can respond well and rapidly to a
well chosen homoeopathic medicine.
Always seek medical advice if no relief is obtained.
Aconite
Give straight away in a rapidly developing earache.
Especially useful if after cold exposure or coming on at
night.
Helpful if accompanied by Anxiety or panic.
Belladonna
Fairly sudden, throbbing Pain in hot, flushed individual.
The affected ear may be hot and red.
Ferrum phos.
Give early on in a gradually developing ear Pain.
Pulsatilla
For earache that varies in intensity, especially if there
is congestion and yellow mucus from nose or ear.
Patient is often miserable and whining.
Hepar sulph.
Exquisite sensitivity such that even a draught of air causes
Pain.
There may be some fluid or purulent discharge.
Sulphur
Useful for earache due to Eczema or Infection of the Skin
in the ear.
There is a burning, itchy sensation and often a smelly discharge.
References
1. Aleo JJ and Paadh H. Inhibition of ascorbic acid uptake
by endotoxin: evidence of mediation by serum factors. Proc
Soc Exp Biol Med 1985; 179(1):128-31.
2. Lombeck I, et al. Hair Zinc of young children from rural
and urban areas in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Euro
J Pedia 1988; 147(2):179-83. | 
