Otitis externa treatment

Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.

Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Otitis externa treatment

How it works

Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.

Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.

Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.

Learn about Otitis externa

Otitis externa, widely known as swimmer's ear, is an inflammation or infection of the external ear canal. It can cause significant discomfort, affecting anyone who exposes their ears to water regularly, but it’s not limited to swimmers. Globally, otitis externa affects millions of people, indicating its commonality and the universal need for effective management strategies.

Causes

The primary cause of otitis externa is water that remains in the ear after swimming, which creates a moist environment that fosters bacterial growth. However, aggressive cleaning of the ear canal with cotton swabs or other objects can also lead to infections by creating small abrasions in the skin of the ear canal, where bacteria or fungi can settle and flourish. Other causes include allergies, skin conditions like eczema or seborrheic dermatitis, and wearing devices like earbuds or hearing aids that can trap moisture or injure the skin inside the ear canal.

Signs and symptoms

- Ear pain, which can be severe and worsen when pulling on the outer ear - Itching inside the ear - Redness and swelling of the ear canal - Drainage of clear, odorless fluid, which may turn to pus - Feeling of fullness or pressure inside the ear - Temporary hearing loss

Diagnosing Otitis externa

Diagnosis typically involves a medical professional examining the ear with an otoscope, a device designed to look inside the ear canal and assess the condition of the eardrum and the ear canal. In some cases, if discharge is present, a sample may be taken to determine the exact type of bacteria or fungus causing the infection.

Prevention and natural treatment

Preventing otitis externa revolves around keeping the ears dry and clean. This can include wearing earplugs while swimming, drying ears thoroughly after exposure to water, and avoiding inserting foreign objects into the ears. When it comes to treatment, the functional medicine perspective prioritizes addressing the root cause of the condition rather than only treating symptoms. For mild cases, a few drops of warmed olive oil or garlic oil in the affected ear can provide relief and natural antibacterial benefits. For more serious infections, a combination of diluted apple cider vinegar with water, known for its antimicrobial properties, can help restore the ear's natural environment and promote healing. However, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before trying any home remedies, especially in severe cases. Moreover, bolstering the body's overall immune response through a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, adequate hydration, and regular exercise can be an effective complementary strategy in both preventing and treating otitis externa. Implementing these natural and preventative measures not only aligns with the principles of functional medicine but can also lead to a more holistic and sustainable approach to health and well-being.

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