Hyland’s Earache Tablets and
Earache Drops may be used to relieve pain and
symptoms from middle ear infections. Additionally,
Hyland’s Earache Drops may be
used to relieve swimmer’s ear. Hyland’s Earache Tablets and Drops do not treat
ear infections – rather, they alleviate the pain and inflammation associated
with earaches.
When a child complains of an earache, perhaps with a fever and nausea or
diarrhea, an ear infection should be suspected. Infection and inflammation of
the middle ear, known as Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is the most common illness for
which pediatricians are consulted.
Although otitis media is most common in young children, it also affects adults
occasionally. It usually occurs in the winter and early spring months when
accumulated fluid (pus and mucus) from a cold, allergy, or upper respiratory
infection builds up pressure in the middle ear.
The eustachian tube that connects the ear and the throat serves two purposes:
1. It equalizes the pressure on both sides of the ear drum, and
2. It provides a method for fluid to drain from the ear into the throat.
At birth, the eustachian tube is somewhat horizontal. As children grow, the tube
moves into a more vertical position. This is important because it allows fluids
to drain from the eustachian tube into the throat. When the tube is horizontal,
some fluid may be trapped in the tube because it can’t drain into the throat by
gravity. When the fluid gets trapped, bacteria can grow and a middle ear
infection (also known as Otitis Media) may develop.
ACUTE VS. CHRONIC EARACHES
There are two types of ear infections: acute & chronic. Acute ear infections are
bacterial or viral infections of the middle ear that usually have a fast onset
of symptoms and, when treated properly, will clear up in a short period of time.
Chronic ear infections can result from recurring or unresolved acute ear
infections. Chronic ear infections can result in more serious symptoms such as
perforation of the eardrum and possible hearing loss. The treatment of chronic
ear infections should always be supervised by a physician. In either case, if
there is any discharge from the ear, consult your physician immediately.
SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE EARACHES: WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Acute and penetrating pain in the ears (in children, crying, complaining of
pain or tugging on ear)
• Fever over 101ºF and general discomfort
• Nausea or vomiting
• Irritability and inability to sleep
• Loss of appetite
• Discharge from the ear
WHAT TO DO
When you or your child have an earache, you should first consult a physician to
rule out conditions more serious than Acute Otitis Media. For example, chronic
OM or effusion (accumulation of fluid) can be the signs of a more serious
condition. If there is any discharge from the ear, visit a physician
immediately.
TRADITIONAL TREATMENT OPTIONS
The traditional method of treating Acute Otitis Media is with a course of
antibiotics. Recent studies have shown that this treatment provides only
marginal benefit and could assist in creating antibiotic resistant bacteria in
the body. Some physicians who prescribe antibiotics may wait 48 hours after
seeing a patient to begin treatment to give the body a chance to resolve the
problem using its own defenses; this is known as the “wait and see” or WASP
period. During this time, you or your child may still be suffering from a number
of uncomfortable symptoms. Homeopathic medicines may help ease those symptoms.
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT OPTIONS
Homeopathy is a natural system of medicine that uses very tiny doses of active
ingredients to relieve symptoms. Clinical reports have shown that homeopathy may
be an effective treatment for Acute Otitis Media. Recently, a randomized
controlled clinical trial in the United States suggests that children treated
with homeopathic medicines experienced a faster decrease in symptoms over the
first 24 hours.
USING HYLAND’S EARACHE TABLETS AND EARACHE DROPS
Hyland’s Earache Tablets are indicated for the relief of symptoms of fever,
pain, irritability and sleeplessness that accompany earaches associated with AOM
after diagnosis by a physician. The recommended dose of Hyland’s Earache Tablets
is 4 tablets, 3 times per day for the first 48 hours. If using Hyland’s Earache
Drops, apply 3-4 drops into the affected ear 4 times daily or as needed. Tilt
the ear upward for at least 2 minutes after each application, or gently place
cotton in the ear to keep the drops in.
The purpose of the medicine is to relieve earache symptoms during this first 48
hours, or “wait and see” period. Please note that it is important that you be in
touch with your physician about the diagnosis of the ear infection. Remember, if
symptoms persist for more than 48 hours or if there is discharge from the ear,
discontinue use, and contact your physician. If after 24 hours there is severe
pain or a fever over 101ºF, see your physician immediately. If there is any
discharge from the ear contact your physician immediately.
In clinical trials, the following homeopathic medicines contained in Hyland’s
Earache Tablets and Earache Drops were shown to help relieve symptoms of fever,
pain, irritability and sleeplessness associated with ear infections:
• Pulsatilla • Chamomilla • Sulphur • Calcarea Carbonica • Lycopodium •
Belladonna
Both children and adults may also experience pain and discomfort from swimmer’s
ear, known as Otitis Externa. This is an infection of the skin lining the ear
canal, often brought on by exposure to water. While anyone can experience
swimmer’s ear from bathing, the risk increases for avid swimmers who are
constantly in the water.
Hyland’s Earache Drops contain homeopathic medicines in a pH- balanced citric
base to relieve pain associated with swimmer’s ear. Hyland’s Earache Drops may
be used to treat swimmer’s ear in adults and children of all ages. To use, tilt
the head sideways and apply 3-4 drops into the affected ear 4 times daily or as
needed. Tilt the ear upward for at least 2 minutes after application, or gently
place cotton in the ear to keep the drops in.
|
