EAR INFECTIONS

IF YOU'RE A SWIMMER, THEN you probably know about the type of middle-ear infection that involves the ear canal, typically resulting from swimming. Inner-ear inflammation is not nearly as common, but it does happen. It's caused by viral upper respiratory infections that extend to the inner ear.

If you do get this kind of infection, take all the normal precautions you would for any other viral illness. Be prepared to seek medical attention, because the symptoms of such infections can be dramatic: severe dizziness, nausea, vomiting and sometimes difficulty maintaining a fixed gaze.

Other things that can make adult ears ache are traumatic injuries, foreign bodies lodged in the ear canal, and referred pain from swollen lymph nodes in the neck caused by sore throats.

DRUG TREATMENT

Antibiotic or Antifungal Eardrops

Polymyxin B sulphate + neomycin sulphate + hydrocortisone (Otosporin), chloramphenicol, neomycin + hydrocortisone (Neo-Cortef), clotrimazole (Canesten). Function: eliminate active outer-ear infections. Side effects: allergies to neomycin resulting in local swelling and redness.

Oral Antibiotics

Amoxicillin (Amoxil), erythromycin (Erymax, Erythrocin, Ilosone), trimethoprim, cefprozil (Cefzil), cefaclor (Distaclor). Function: eliminate bacterial infections of the middle and inner ear. Side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, sore mouth or tongue, thrush (white patches in the mouth due to fungal infection), fungal nappy rash in infants and toddlers, rashes and other allergic ractions, and vaginal infection in teenagers and women.

 

Antinausea Drugs

Prochlorperazine (Stemetil), promethazine hydrochloride (Phenergan), meclozine hydrochloride (Sea-legs). Function: help reduce vertigo that accompanies inner-ear infection. Side effects: drowsiness; dryness of mouth, nose and throat; for prochlorperazine, dizziness, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty urinating, low blood pressure.

Other Drugs

Acetic acid eardrops. Function: keep the ear dry to discourage subsequent outer-ear infection. Side effects: none known.

A HEALING HELPING OF HEAT

Ear infections can hurt, especially middle- and outer-ear infections. You can reduce discomfort by applying a hot water bottle or warm flannel or by putting warm olive oil into the ear canal. You can also try a herbal ear oil. Look for commercial products that contain garlic, mullein or St John's wort. Caution: do not put anything in the ear canal if you have signs of a perforated eardrum (any drainage from the ear), or if you are going to see a doctor soon.

HERBAL REMEDIES

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida)

This powerful immune-booster is the one to reach for when fighting an acute infection. Typical dosage: up to nine 300- to 400-milligram capsules per day; or 60 drops of tincture three times per day. Some herbalists recommend taking a dose every hour or two while you have symptoms. Caution: if you're allergic to other members of the aster family, such as ragweed, you may be allergic to echinacea. Do not use if you have autoimmune disease.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

This herb, revered in traditional Chinese medicine, is the one to take long-term if you or a child seems to be prone to recurring infections.
Typical dosage: eight or nine 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 15 to 30 drops of tincture twice per day.

Oregon Graperoot (Berberis aquifolium)

Berberine-containing herbs such as Oregon graperoot act as natural antibiotics. Studies show that berberine kills many types of bacteria; you can substitute other berberine-containing herbs such as goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), barberry (Berberis vulgaris) or gold thread (Coptis species). Typical dosage: 1 teaspoon of tincture in water three times per day; or up to six 500- to 600-milligram capsules per day. Caution: do not use if you are pregnant.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Compounds in this familiar bulb kill many organisms, including bacteria and viruses. Studies show that garlic is active against some of the viruses that cause the colds and flu that make conditions ripe for ear infections. Typical dosage: one or more fresh garlic cloves per day; or up to three 500- to 600-milligram capsules per day (look for products that deliver a dose of 4,000 to 5,000 micrograms of allicin per day).

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

This pleasant-tasting herb is antiviral, antibacterial and calming.

If an ear infection has you feeling on edge, it may be just what the herbalist ordered. Typical dosage: 3 to 4 cups of tea per day (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves in '/, litre of hot water for 10 minutes); or up to nine 300- to 400-milligram capsules per day.

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Antiviral and anti-inflammatory, liquorice may help tame an infection while fighting the viruses that caused it. Typical dosage: up to six 400­to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 20 to 30 drops of tincture up to three times per day. Caution: do not take liquorice for more than six weeks. Do not take it at all if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or disease of the thyroid, kidney, liver or heart; or if you're taking diuretics; or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are taking other corticosteroids, consult your doctor.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Studies have found ginger effective in relieving motion sickness and other causes of nausea. Typical dosage: % to 1 teaspoon of dried powder made into a tea or taken in capsules; or 10 to 20 drops of tincture diluted in water three times per day; or up to eight 500­milligram capsules per day. You can also suck on ginger sweets (as long as the flavouring comes from real ginger) or crystallised ginger.

SWIMMER'S EARDROPS

If you have a tendency to get swimmer's ear or feel the beginnings of an infection, you can make your own antibiotic eardrops or irrigation solution.

4 tablespoons white vinegar
4 tablespoons rubbing alcohol

One of the following:

2-3 drops grapefruit seed extract
3 drops of garlic tincture
3-5 drops echinacea tincture

Sterilise a 120-millilitre bottle by immersing it in boiling water for 10 minutes. Mix all ingredients in the bottle. Cap tightly; store out of light. To use, put a few drops into the ear with a sterile eyedropper. Allow to run out of the ear.