Earaches & Homeopathic Treatment

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In a message dated 11/28/2008 10:16:38 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,

vaccineinfo@... writes:

Pulsatilla: This remedy is often indicated for ear infections that follow

or accompany a cold. (Cold symptoms include a stuffy nose, especially

indoors, and large amounts of yellow or greenish mucus.) The ear may be hot

and swollen, with a feeling that something is pressing out. Pain can be

worse in the evening and at night, as well as worse from heat, with a

pulsing sensation. Deep itching may be felt inside, especially if ear

infections are chronic. A child needing Pulsatilla usually is sad and

tearful, wanting to be held and comforted.

this one sounds like his i dont see where what to get

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PRINT THESE PAGES OUT SO YOU HAVE THEM HANDY - earaches (also would use

Vitamin A and C)

I have compiled these sites - These are from a variety of homeopathic

websites to give you clues as to what remedy is needed.

Also have on hand 2 books for a more detailed help:

Miranda Castro's - The Complete Homeopathy Handbook

links here http://www.wellwithin1.com/bookstor.htm#homeopathy

Dana Ullman's - Everybody's Guide to HOmeopathic Medicine

Sheri

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http://www.gnc.com/wellness/natpharm/Homeo/Ear_Infections_hm.htm

Homeopathic Remedies for Ear Infections

Small children often develop middle ear infections (otitis media) during

colds; however, ear infections can occur at any age. Allergy or swelling of

the tonsils and adenoids may block the Eustachian tubes and sinus passages,

and inflammation and fluid can increase in the middle ear, causing

pressure, pain, and sometimes even a ruptured eardrum and discharge. A

different kind of ear infection (otitis externa) affects the outer ear and

the sensitive skin inside the ear canal; it often starts with a scratch

that gets infected by bacteria or fungus (swimmer’s ear), becoming swollen,

inflamed, and very painful.

For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this

section. See also “Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is

Homeopathy?

Aconitum napellus: This remedy is indicated if an earache comes on suddenly

with cutting, throbbing pain—often after exposure to cold and wind, or

after a shaking experience. The person usually is fearful, agitated, and

restless. Fever may be high and thirst is strong. Symptoms are often worse

near midnight, and can even wake the person up.

Belladonna: Intense bouts of earache that come and go very suddenly, with

heat and inflammation, suggest a need for this remedy. Pain can be pounding

or throbbing, and may be worse from jarring. The person usually has a

fever, a flushed red face, eyes that are sensitive to light, and skin that

is hot to touch. The right ear is most often affected. A child needing

Belladonna may feel drowsy with the fever, or be restless and have nightmares.

Chamomilla: Paroxysms of pain that seem intolerable suggest a need for this

remedy. Children may seem angry and beside themselves, and often scream and

hit. They may feel better from being carried constantly and vigorously

walked around or rocked. Ear pain and other symptoms are worse from heat

and wind, and the cheeks (often only one) may be hot and red.

Ferrum phosphoricum: This remedy can soothe the ache and inflammation of an

ear infection—or even stop it, if given when the symptoms have just begun

to show. The person looks pink and flushed, with fever and a feeling of

weariness. The outer ear may look warm and pink, and the eardrum can

slightly bulge.

Hepar sulphuris calcareum: This remedy is indicated when an earache is very

painful or infection is advanced (with a bulging eardrum or pus formation).

Stabbing, sticking pains “like a splinter being driven in” are a likely

indication. The person is very sensitive to everything, especially cold and

drafts, and may feel extremely vulnerable and touchy.

Magnesia phosphorica: An earache that feels much better when warmth and

pressure are applied suggests a need for this remedy. The pain may be

mostly neuralgic, with little evidence of fluid or infection.

Mercurius solubilis: This remedy may be helpful if an ear infection is

advanced, with pus formation, shooting pains, and roaring in the ear. A

person who needs this remedy is often very sensitive to temperatures (both

hot and cold), has swollen lymph nodes, offensive breath, a puffy tongue,

and sweat and drooling during sleeping.

Pulsatilla: This remedy is often indicated for ear infections that follow

or accompany a cold. (Cold symptoms include a stuffy nose, especially

indoors, and large amounts of yellow or greenish mucus.) The ear may be hot

and swollen, with a feeling that something is pressing out. Pain can be

worse in the evening and at night, as well as worse from heat, with a

pulsing sensation. Deep itching may be felt inside, especially if ear

infections are chronic. A child needing Pulsatilla usually is sad and

tearful, wanting to be held and comforted.

Homeopathy Dosage Directions ­­­

Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions

where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a

physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used.

In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label.

Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take

one dose and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait

and let the remedy work. If improvement lags significantly or has clearly

stopped, another dose may be taken. The frequency of dosage varies with the

condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required several

times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and

in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.

If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a

different remedy.

********

http://www.saber.net/~bidarius/homeo/html/earaches.html

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Homeopathic Treatment for Earaches and Sore Throats

Aconite | Sulphur | Apis | Belladonna | Calcarea carbonica

Chamomilla | Hepar sulph | Kali muriaticum

Mercurius solibus | Pulsatilla | Sulphur

A well selected homeopathic remedy will give speedy pain relief, without

side effects. Match one of the pictures below with your child's symptoms.

You may need to consult a first aid book (like mine! The Complete

Homeopathy Handbook by Miranda Castro if these descriptions don't match

your child's collection of symptoms. Having selected the remedy:

give according to the urgency of the complaint i.e. every 15-30 minutes if

in severe pain, less often (every 1-2 hours) if in less pain.

stop on improvement (this is important, a homeopathic medicine works as a

trigger, stimulating the body to heal itself)

repeat if the same symptoms return.

change the remedy if you have given about 6 doses and had no reaction or if

the symptoms change.

You might want to purchase some remedies for those middle-of-the-night

times when the shops aren't open: Aconite, Belladonna, Chamomilla and

Pulsatilla are my favourite for painful, sudden earaches in children.

First-aid homeopathic kits are available from homeopathic pharmacies such

as Dolisos, 1-800-DOLISOS, or Boiron, 1-800-258-8823.

Aconite

Sudden onset of any infection, after a shock, after getting chilled

(especially by a cold wind.) Pains are severe, often waking them in the

night (around midnight). Child is distressed (anxious and scared), screams

with pain, is restless and thirsty.

Apis

Burning, stinging pains with earache or sore throat; worse for heat and

better for cold (drinks, compresses, ice packs). Doesn't want to be touched

or covered. Child is weepy, restless and thirstless.

Belladonna

Sudden onset of any infection. Pains are severe, throbbing and worse for

warmth. They radiate from ears to neck and face; or from throat to ears.

The throat is bright red and glands are swollen. Flushed, thirstless and

delirious with a burning, dry fever. Tongue is red with white spots (like a

strawberry). Child is angry when unwell and may throw tantrums.

to top

Calcarea carbonica

Infections with swollen glands in teething infants. Throbbing earache with

noises in the ear. Child is sweaty, especially the head and back of the

neck, especially at night. Everything smells sour (sweat, stools, breath).

to top

Chamomilla

Infections with unbearable pains in teething or angry children. Burning

fever with shivering. Child is inconsolable, wants to be carried, screams

with the pains and is very angry. Asks for things which are then rejected

or thrown down.

Hepar sulph

Infections with swollen glands. Stitching or splinter-like pains are better

for heat (hot drinks or warm compresses). Throat feels as if there is

something stuck in it. Tonsils are swollen and ulcerated. Sweat is smelly

and profuse.

For chilly types who become morose and irritable when ill and don't want to

be touched, who are better for being well wrapped up.

Kali muriaticum

Hearing loss after an earache or sore throat. Ears snap, crackle and pop

after an infection.

Mercurius solibus

Infections with swollen glands. Sore throat with pains radiating to ears on

swallowing. Tonsils swollen and ulcerated. Fever with heat alternating with

chills and profuse, smelly sweat. Breath smells, children drool especially

in their sleep. Sensitive to both heat and cold. Burning thirst. Glue ear

after a cold or earache with smelly discharge from ear.

Pulsatilla

Complaints may come on after getting wet, when teething, with emotional

stress (especially separation from mother, including weaning). Earache with

feeling of pressure from catarrh pressing on eardrum, hearing loss and

noises in ear. The external ear is red. There may be a thick yellow

discharge. Sore throat: throat is dry, irritated and raw, as if there were

dust in it. Symptoms are worse for heat and better for fresh air. Child is

thirstless, pathetic, clingy, wants to be carried and cuddled. Weeps with

the pains and needs lots of reassurance.

Sulphur

Left-sided infections with swollen glands. Earache with painful

ringing/roaring in ear. Sore throat — throat is dry, raw, burns and voice

is hoarse; pains are worse for swallowing and coughing. Fever with sweating

and shivering. All symptoms are worse for heat. Thirsty, restless, sluggish

and irritable. Hates being washed, especially in warm (hot) water.

**********

http://www.homeopathic.com/ailments/earache.htm

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A Homeopathic Perspective on Earaches

©1995, Dana Ullman, M.P.H.

(Excerpted from: Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicine,

Cummings, MD, & Dana Ullman, MPH Tarcher/Putnam, 1997)

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For further information about homeopathic medicine and for access to

homeopathic medicines, contact:

Homeopathic Educational Services

2124B Kittredge St.

Berkeley, CA 94704

(510) 649-0294

(510) 649-1955 (fax)

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Ear infection is the most common childhood illness other than simple runny

nose. Almost every child has had at least one ear infection by the time he

or she is six, and for many children and their parents, frequent

recurrences of these infections are a major problem. Further, there's

always the worry that the complications of ear infections can impair the

child's hearing and even delay learning to speak. Adults sometimes get ear

infections too.

There are two main types of ear infections. Infection of the middle ear and

eardrum is called otitis media. It is the more serious illness and is the

type most often meant when a health professional diagnoses an " ear

infection. " Otitis externa, as its name implies, is infection of the outer

ear or of the canal that leads to the eardrum. It is actually a skin

infection similar to those occurring elsewhere on the body, but it can

cause a great deal of ear pain and discharge. We'll discuss each type of

ear infection separately.

Not all earaches are due to infections. During a cold many people complain

that their ears feel stopped up or that they experience twinges of sharp,

brief pains. These symptoms are generally mild. They are due to pressure

differences on either side of the eardrum caused by the inflammation and

fluid secretion that accompanies a cold. Pressure changes also account for

earaches that happen in airplanes or in cars driving up or down a mountain.

Some people get earaches whenever they are out in a cold wind or swim in

cool water.

Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection)

The middle ear, the space behind the eardrum, becomes infected during an

episode of otitis media. The eustachian tube leads from the middle ear

forward and downward, connecting the middle ear to the cavity behind the

nose. Normally, the tube opens to allow fluids secreted by mucous cells in

the ear to drain into the throat, and to allow pressure in the middle ear

to become equalized with the pressure of the atmosphere. At other times,

the eustachian tube should be closed to prevent fluids in the nose, which

are full of microorganisms, from reaching the middle ear.

Ear infections develop when the eustachian tube opens and closes

improperly, allowing germ-laden fluids from the nose and throat to enter

but not depart from the middle ear. Inflammation resulting from a cold or

allergy may cause this improper function, but in young children sometimes

the tube is just too small and short to work properly.

As a middle-ear infection progresses, white blood cells and antibodies are

secreted into the tissues and the middle-ear area, where they attack and

kill infecting bacteria. As dead bacteria and white cells accumulate, pus

forms and puts pressure on the ear drum. The thin eardrum membrane bulges

outward, and pain increases as it is stretched. Eventually it may tear,

allowing pus to drain to the external auditory canal. Don’t be alarmed if

this happens (you’ll see pus or blood dripping out of the ear) this is the

way the body expels the infected material, and usually a torn eardrum heals

rapidly.

The symptoms of acute middle-ear infection are variable. A young child may

seem to be in pain, often playing with or pulling at the ears. Older

children or adults usually know if something is wrong with the ear, but

sometimes even during a severe infection the ear just feels stuffed up. If

the eardrum is ruptured, a discharge from the ear may be obvious, or the

hair around the affected ear may be sticky or crusty.

Many children with recurrent ear infections have their own characteristic

symptom patterns parents learn to recognize early in the illness. Unusual

irritability, emotional sensitivity, or clinginess may accompany ear

infection, and sometimes a child’s mood changes are the only evidence of

the problem. There may be a high fever, but ear infections often occur

without any fever at all. Sometimes the child vomits or has diarrhea

because of an ear infection, with no sign that something is wrong with the

ears. In most cases, if nothing else is responsible, these digestive

symptoms clear up rapidly.

The diagnosis of an ear infection depends on accurate visual examination of

the eardrum performed with an otoscope, a magnifying lens and light that

illuminates the drum and external canal through a small speculum that fits

into the canal. A normal eardrum has a pearly gray, slightly shiny

appearance and looks delicate and translucent. During an infection the most

characteristic change is outward bulging of the eardrum due to buildup of

pus inside. The eardrum becomes thickened and more opaque and often looks

quite red. Redness of the drum, however, may be caused by fever, crying, or

cold, and a diagnosis of otitis media should never be made on the basis of

a red eardrum alone.

Traditionally, physicians have held that antibiotics effectively treat ear

infections and prevent complications. However, many scientific studies over

the past 25 years contradict such beliefs. In one large study of children

with acute otitis media, those treated with antibiotics actually recovered

at a slightly lower rate than those who were not. (Froom, et al, 1990).

Another found that children with chronic otitis maintained on prophylactic

(preventative) antibiotics were two to six times more likely to have

recurrent acute infections than those on placebos (Catankin, et al, 1991).

Recently, Bailar, M.D., a Harvard professor and editorial board member

at the New England Journal of Medicine, comprehensively reviewed the

scientific literature on the treatment of otitis with antibiotics. He

concluded that the available research, " ... seems to demolish the

conclusion that antibiotics improve the outcome [in otitis media] " (Bailar,

1995).

In any case, be watchful if otitis media is diagnosed. Serious acute

complications of middle-ear infection are rare but do occur. These include

mastoiditis, infection of the bony area just behind the ear. Be alert for

any redness, tenderness, pain, or swelling in this area and report these

symptoms immediately to your health practitioner. Mastoiditis can become a

chronic problem and result in hearing loss and erosion of the bone.

Meningitis and other infections of the central nervous system may result

from acute otitis media if the infection spreads through the blood stream

to bony structures. Symptoms of these problems include severe or persistent

headache, stiff neck, persistent vomiting, and marked change in mood or

alertness.

The most common complications of middle-ear infections are the chronic ear

problems that often follow. Serous otitis media, accumulation of a

translucent noninfectious fluid in the middle ear, interferes with normal

motion of the eardrum and the tiny middle ear bones so that hearing is

reduced.

Homeopathic constitutional treatment is often effective with chronic serous

otitis. Antihistamines and decongestants are worthless, though they are

often prescribed. Conventional treatment for persistent hearing loss due to

serous otitis involves surgical insertion of polyethylene tubes into the

eardrum to allow drainage of middle-ear fluid. These tubes seem to improve

treated ears'hearing for a few months, and this may be very important to

the child who is at a crucial stage of language development. Research has

shown, however, that there is no long-term improvement in hearing when

tubes are inserted, and eardrums in which tubes have been placed tend to

become scarred. We believe that the tubes should be inserted for serous

otitis only when there is a significant, documented hearing problem, when

the risks of the surgery are clearly understood, and when the goal of

treatment is improved hearing within a short period.

General Home Care

General recommendations for any infectious illness apply to people with

acute middle-ear infections; they should rest, have plenty of liquids, and

be comforted. A heating pad or hot washcloth applied to the ear may help

reduce pain.

To help prevent ear infection, avoid nursing or bottle feeding children

when they are in a lying position; gravity may allow milk or juice to run

into the eustachian tubes, encouraging infection. Allergies may predispose

an individual to ear infection by causing inflammation and fluid buildup;

identification of the substances that trigger allergic reactions for that

person can be helpful.

Beyond Home Care See " Beyond Home Care " that follows " Otitis Externa. "

Otitis Externa (Outer Ear Infection)

External ear infections are essentially skin infections involving the canal

that leads from the outer ear to the eardrum, The symptoms of external ear

infections often include much ear pain and throbbing due to inflammation.

The pain is characteristically aggravated by moving the outer ear, so a

helpful way to differentiate between middle ear and external ear infections

is to pull on the earlobe. Both types of ear infections can be present at

the same time, so you should still use the guidelines in " Beyond Home Care "

to decide if medical consultation is needed. Often the ear canal is quite

itchy during an external ear infection. If you look into the canal, you can

see that it is red and scaly or wet, and a thick discharge may be present.

There is usually no fever or general symptoms of illness.

External ear infections do not endanger the organs of hearing, although the

discharge and swelling may reduce hearing for a time. As with all skin

infections, there is some small danger that the infection will spread

aggressively. Rapidly spreading redness or swelling of the outer ear or

nearby skin is a danger sign, as is onset of fever.

General Home Care

Gently wash out the accumulated scaling and discharge by placing a piece of

cotton soaked in dilute vinegar (half water/half vinegar) or Burow's

solution (available at drug stores) in the ear canal, leaving it there for

eight to twelve hours. Make sure you can pull the cotton out easily again.

Then briefly rinse the canal with warm water, using a bulb syringe. Let the

ear drain after this, but put in a drop or two of the vinegar solution

every eight hours or so.

Beyond Home Care

Get Medical Care Immediately:

if earache is accompanied by severe weakness, loss of alertness, severe

headache, or stiffness of the neck.

Get Medical Care Today:

if a baby begins to pull or rub her ears;

for any definite earache or any ear discharge in a child under seven years

old;

for anyone with severe earache, especially if it's accompanied by fever or

ear discharge;

if there is tenderness or redness in the bony area behind the ear;

if there is sudden, significant decrease in hearing with or without pain.

See Your Practitioner Soon:

if an older child or adult has had mild ear pain or discharge lasting

longer than one or two weeks;

if mild hearing loss lasts longer than two weeks.

Homeopathic Medicines for All Ear Infections

The following descriptions apply to children with ear infections, but the

indications for adults are the same. Most of the descriptions of

physical-exam findings (color and shape of the eardrum) apply to otitis

media, but all the other symptoms are applicable to those with both

middle-ear infections and otitis externa. You can also use these

descriptions to treat the person with a earache due to something other than

infection.

Many of these medicines share similar symptoms. For example, Silica, Hepar

sulph., and Mercurius are all equally indicated by the presence of

painfully swollen lymph nodes in the head and neck that commonly occur with

ear infections. If no medicine is strongly indicated, start with either

Pulsatilla, if the child is more clingy than usual, or Hepar, if the child

is somewhat irritable or severe pain is the predominant feature of the

illness.

Casetaking Questions for Earaches

Character of the symptoms:

Does the pain extend into the throat, neck, or behind the ear? D

escribe the color and consistency of any discharge from the ear.

Modalities:

At what time of day is the pain at its worst?

Is the ear tender or sensitive to touch?

How does heat and cold affect the pain?

How is the pain affected by stooping or bending over, motion in general,

and lying down? Does it help to lie on the affected ear?

Does swallowing make the pain worse?

Other symptoms:

What is the color and consistency of any nasal discharge?

Is perspiration or salivation increased? (See the appropriate articles if

the earache is accompanied by runny nose, cough, sore throat, or any other

symptoms.)

Remedy Summary for Earaches

Give the medicine: every 3-6 hours for 2-3 days, stopping when there is

definite improvement; repeat when symptoms begin to get worse again, or if

no further improvement has occurred after twelve hours. When to try another

medicine: if there is no significant improvement after 12-24 hours

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Belladonna

Essentials

Earache beginning suddenly with intense pain, with few prior symptoms of a

cold (no thick or colored nasal discharge) Confirmatory symptoms

Bright red outer ear, ear canal, or eardrum without pus formation

Accompanied by sudden high fever (see chapter 3)

Ear pain extending down into the neck, or accompanied by sore throat or

facial pain.

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Ferrum phos.

Essentials

Early stages of earaches before pus has formed; symptoms similar to

Belladonna but not as sudden or severe

Alternatively, give if Belladonna seems indicated but hasn’t helped.

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Hepar sulph.

Essentials

Sharp, severe earache

Earache accompanied by thick, colored discharge from nose or ears

Irritability Confirmatory symptoms

Chilliness and aversion to the cold or uncovering; desire for warmth

Earache worse in cold or open air or from cold applications better from

warmth; worse at night

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Pulsatilla

Essentials

Mild disposition; craves affection and physical contact

Yellow to green thick discharge from the nose or ears Confirmatory symptoms

Ear pain worse at night and in a warm room.

Worse in general from warmth, wants fresh air

Little or no thirst

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Chamomilla

Essentials

Extreme irritability; the child screams and cries angrily, doesn't want to

be touched or comforted, and may strike out

Severe ear pain Confirmatory symptoms

The child calms down when carried

Earaches during teething

Symptoms are worse when stooping or bending over and improved by warmth or

being wrapped in warm covers

Clear nasal discharge, usually of watery consistency

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Mercurius

Essentials

Another common earache remedy after pus has formed in the middle ear

Confirmatory symptoms

Earache worse from warmth and worse at night

Profuse, bad-smelling perspiration, head sweats

Increased salivation, bad breath, puffiness of the tongue

Symptoms are worse when stooping or bending over and improved by warmth or

being wrapped in warm covers

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Silica

Essentials

Later stages of an earache

Physical weakness and tiredness

Chilliness, desire for warm covering Confirmatory symptoms

Mild and whimpering disposition but less interested in affection than the

Pulsatilla patient

Pain behind the ear in the region of the mastoid

Sweating about the head or on the hands or feet

Belladonna is the most commonly indicated homeopathic medicine during the

early stages of an ear infection or earache, especially when the illness

begins suddenly with few prior cold symptoms, Within an hour or two the

child is in intense pain. He may have had a watery runny nose for a short

while, but the mucus isn’t cloudy, colored, or thick. The outer ear, ear

canal, or eardrum may be bright red, but pus hasn't formed and the eardrum

is still normally shaped. A sudden high feveroften begins about the same

time as the earache. The ear pain may extend down into the neck, and there

may be associated sore-throat or facial pain.

Ferrum phos. is used in much the same way as Belladonna, in the early

stages of suddenly occurring earaches not yet accompanied by pus formation.

The onset is not quite as sudden, the fever is not so high, and the overall

condition of the child is a little less intense. You can also give Ferrum

phos. if you’ve already tried Belladonna and it still seems indicated, but

hasn't worked. Chamomilla is indicated chiefly by the effects of the

illness on the child's mood, and less so by particular symptoms. Children

for whom Chamomilla is indicated are extremely irritable. They scream and

cry angrily, do not want to be touched, and can’t be comforted. They may

ask for things that they then reject, and they are likely to hit you for

crossing them at all or for no apparent reason. Sometimes the child can be

calmed by being carried. The earache generally doesn’t come on as quickly

as in the Belladonna case, but the pain is severe and the child may scream.

The symptoms may be made worse by stooping or bending over and improved by

warmth or being wrapped in warm covers. A discharge from the ear is less

typical of Chamomilla than of other medicines discussed later. There is

usually a watery runny nose and, less often, a very thick discharge. As

with Belladonna, the nasal mucus is usually not colored. Whatever the

particular symptoms, though, be sure to consider Chamomilla for the child

who is in severe pain, especially if he is extremely irritable.

Another commonly effective medicine is Pulsatilla. In contrast to

Chamomilla, it is indicated for children who are sweet, placid, loving, and

mild during the earache. The Pulsatilla child may be irritable, but the

irritability is weak and whiny, not violent as is the Chamomilla or Hepar

child. Pulsatilla children want to be held and cuddled and are comforted

when given affection. They too may scream with the pain but are just as

likely to weep piteously. Pulsatilla is more frequently indicated for ear

infections that develop after cold symptoms have been persistent for a few

days. The nasal discharge has become thick and yellow to green in color.

Though pain may be fairly severe, sometimes there seems to be no pain at

all. Examination often shows a red, swollen eardrum and a buildup of pus in

the middle ear. A thick yellow-green discharge may be seen at the external

canal. The pain is typically worse at night and in a warm room. There may

be a sensation of pressure in the ear. The child may or may not be feverish

but tends to feel uncomfortably warm and wants fresh air. She is noticeably

less thirsty than usual, even with a high fever. In any case, the strongest

indication for Pulsatilla is the characteristic mildness and clinginess of

the child.

Silica is also indicated for the middle and later stages of a cold

accompanied by an ear infection. The child who needs Silica also is mild

and whimpering but is less loving and less interested in affection than the

Pulsatilla child. Also characteristic of children for whom Silica is

indicated are marked physical weakness and tiredness. The illness seems to

have really worn them out. They are definitely chilly and want warm

covering. They may have sweat about the head or on the hands or feet. If

there is pain in the ear, it may be intense but usually not as severe as

the pain of some of the other medicines. It tends to occur at night and is

made worse by cold applications, moving, sitting for a long time, and

noise. Silica is the remedy most prominently indicated for pain behind the

ear in the region of the mastoid, though many other medicines also cover

this complaint. There may be itching in the ear (also symptoms of Hepar

sulph. and Mercurius) or a stopped-up sensation. The examination may show

inflammation and pus formation, and there may be drainage of pus or watery

fluid from the ear. A nasal discharge, of any character, often accompanies

the infection.

The physical symptoms indicating Hepar sulph. are similar to those of

Silica but more intense. Again, this is a remedy best given during the

middle and late stages of colds and ear infections, when a thick, colored

nasal discharge often precedes or accompanies the earache and when

inflammation in the middle ear has progressed to the point that pus has

formed. You should think of Hepar when the child is intensely, even

violently irritable about everything. Although this emotional state is

similar to that described for Chamomilla, the child is a little less

expressive, is less prone to scream constantly or hit, doesn’t have such a

strong aversion to being held, and is less likely to throw away things she

asked for. But the Hepar child lets you know, in no uncertain terms, that

she is angry. Hepar is indicated for children who are very chilly-cold air

or coldness of any sort makes them uncomfortable and provokes symptoms. The

child wants the heat turned up, and she wants lots of blankets. The earache

is usually severe and is worse at night. It is also made worse by cold air,

open air, and cold applications and is improved by warmth and bundling up.

Mercurius is also indicated for earaches after pus formation has occurred.

The child needing Mercurius is somewhat irritable and may act impulsively

or hastily, or he may be less alert than when normal. He may be generally

bothered by heat or cold or both, but this particular earache is typically

made worse by warmth, especially the warmth of the bed. Pain is worse at

night. Characteristic Mercurius symptoms also include profuse and offensive

perspiration, head sweats, increased salivation, bad breath, puffiness of

the tongue, and trembling or twitching.

The information provided here is not only applicable to children but to

most people with earaches.

For further information about homeopathic medicine for earaches or other

common ailments and for access to homeopathic medicines, contact:

Homeopathic Educational Services

2124B Kittredge St.

Berkeley, CA. 94704

(510)649-0294

(510)649-1955 (fax)

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EARACHES

Earaches are fairly common in children from 6 months to 7 or 8 years old.

There are three types of ear affections, those of the external, middle and

inner ears. Some earaches are infections whereas others are caused exposure

to cold, windy weather. Many reoccurring earaches are caused by dairy and

wheat sensitivities or allergies. It is important to restrict these foods

when there are ear problems. The Eustachian tubes may also become block

causing pain, a stopped up feeling, hearing loss, and pressure in the head.

Whenever there is a discharge from the ear, the ear drum has been ruptured

so there may be temporary loss of some hearing. This will be restored by

proper treatment. The following remedies are most useful in treating acute

attacks. They may remove the tendency for such problems. Chronic

reoccurring earaches should be treated with constitutional remedies. These

remedies should be use to prevent any further problems from arising.

Materia Medica

ACONITE (2). Useful in early acute stage. External ear hot, swollen, red,

meatus red and narrowed, painfully sensitive. Earache with sharp pains,

worse < at night. Acute pain, caused by exposure to dry, cold winds. Bright

red cheeks, high fever, dry skin, rapid pulse, with thirst for cold drinks.

Child holds the ear and is restless, anxious, fearful. Worse < violent

emotions, fright, shock; cold, dry winds; night in bed; pressure and touch.

Better > open air and by a warm sweat. Suits plethoric, sanguine and

nervous types

BELLADONNA (3). Acute infections of the middle ear, sudden onsets, sharp,

shooting, cutting pains in and around the ear. Great heat, dilated pupils,

throbbing of arteries in the throat, eardrums, head and body, sweats on

covered parts. Tympanic membrane is red, bulging with predominate blood

vessels. Pain makes the sufferer almost delirious, rolls head from side to

side, jerks during sleep, child cries out in sleep. The patient is either

delirious or has very little anxiety or fear, no thirst with fever (acon,

thirsty). Worse < drafts, hair cuts or washing head; noise, jar, touch,

motion, pressure; after taking cold or cold air. Better > bed rest, sitting

semi-erect. Suits plethoric sanguine types.

CAPSICUM (2). Soreness of the mastoid area of the temporal, mastoid

threaten by inflammatory action, pain and swelling behind the ear. Deep

pain within the ear worse < night, supparative infections with itching deep

in ear. Chronic suppuration with bursting headache, chilliness, ears are

hot, red, and pain goes to the throat, discharge is thick, yellow and

purulent. Sub-acute inflammation of the Eustachian tube with great pain and

dryness with heat in the throat. Aching in one or both ears when coughing.

Excessively peevishness, peppery deposition, homesickness. Worse < open

air, uncovering, draughts. Better > from heat, while eating. General

uncleanliness of body, suits individuals with lax fiber, diminished vital

heat, plethoric, sluggish, nature; pseudo-plethoric phlegmatic. Red face

yet cold to touch.

CHAMOMILLA (3). Violent stitching pains in ear which cause screaming and

great tossing about. Earaches with tearing pain, extorting cries, the

patient becomes almost furious and can not bear the pain. Children are very

irritable, fretful and must be carried all the time. The ears are hot, red,

or one cheek red and hot, the other cold and pale. Fever with hot, sweaty

head and thirst. Worse < anger. cold air, bathing, change of weather,

dentition, puberty. milk. Better > lying on painful side, dry climates.

FERR PHOS (2). Dull, heavy, full feeling in head from dilation of blood

vessels, face flushed, feels swollen, meatus and tympanic membrane are red

and infused with blood. Useful in the first stages of inflammation with

redness or if there is hemorrhages of blood. High fever with a lack of

accompanying symptoms, thirst is not marked. Better > by quiet and

recumbent position, Worse > night (4 to 6 A.M.), noise, cold air, by sudden

or continued motion which aggravate the beating and hammering. Not as

violent as Acon or Bell yet is attended by pulsations and heat.

HEPAR SULPH (3). Extreme sensitiveness to contact, dread of contact out of

proportion to the actual pain. Canal filled with white, cheesy, bloody pus,

and surrounded by irritated, scurfy skin with little pustules in meatus and

auricle wherever the pus has touched. In advanced stages the discharge is

green, thin, offensive, and smelly. Sore throat, with sharp stitching pains

that extend to the ears when swallowing. Worse < cold, uncovering, touch,

lying on painful parts. Better > heat, head wrapped up. Suits, irritable,

bad tempered individuals who sweat without relief and are very chilly and

hypersensitive to the slightest cold draft.

KALI MUR (2). Catarrh of middle ear, retracted tympanic membrane, thick

white mucus, tongue coated white or grayish-white, swollen Eustachian tubes

with swollen cervical glands. Ears problems due to flying or rapid ascend

and descend, snapping noises in the ears.

(a). Kali Bich (3). Discharges of thick, yellow, stringy, mucus or pus.

Inflammation of the middle and inner ear.

(. Kali Phos. Discharges of watery, dirty, brown, fetid pus with easy

bleeding.

(. Kali Sulph. Discharges of an orange yellow, sticky nature. Useful

after Pulsattila where the remedy does not complete the cure.

MERCURIUS (3). Ear infections with swollen parotid glands, offensive

breath, moist mouth with swollen tongue showing the indentations of the

teeth and thirst. Acrid, thick yellow-green, blood streaked, or fetid

bloody discharges. Pains in the ear extending to the face and teeth.

Excoriation and ulceration of the meatus, ulceration of the tympanic

membrane which bleeds on the slightest touch, ulceration of concha.

Constant cold sensation in the ears, creeping chilliness, sweat much

without relief, sensitive to cold and heat, great weariness, prostration

and trembling. Suits individuals who are slow in answering questions,

memory weakened and loss of will power. Mistrustful and weary of life.

(a). Mercurius Iod. Flav. Sudden sharp pains in the right ear, throbbing,

boring from within outward.

(. Mercurius Iod. Rub. Left Eustachian tube affected. Ears close for a

few moments at a time.

©. Mercurius Dulc. Middle ear infections, closure of Eustachian tube, ear

troubles in scrofulous children, membrane tympani retracted, thickened and

immovable. Pallor, flabby bloatedness and turgid flaccidity.

PULSATILLA (3). Inflammation of the external ear, heat, redness, sensation

as if something was being forced out of the ear, or of a plug with

defective hearing. Discharges of bland, inoffensive, yellow or yellowish

greenish pus or mucus. Suits fretful, whiny, tearful individuals who seek

sympathy and are better > by consolation. Adapted to warm constitutions who

are worse < warmth and closed rooms and seek fresh open air (even if

chilly). Thirstless even with dry mouth. Worse < warmth, warm air, closed

rooms, evening, rest. Better > by cold, fresh open air, uncovering, gentle

motion, erect posture and weeping or being held and consolation.

SILICA (3) Itching of Eustachian tube and in ears, the child bores into its

ears when asleep, causing discharge of blood and pus. Stopped up feeling in

the ears, passing off when yawning or swallowing. Offensive, watery, curdy

discharges with soreness of inner nose and crust on upper lip. Necrosis of

ear bones, mastoid (comes in after Caps.) or perforations of the drum that

refuse to heal. Suits chilly, yielding, nervous, excitable individuals who

seem to lack grit and have a tendency to foul foot sweats or sweat on the

head during first sleep. Obstinate children who do not outwardly object to

what they are told but just tend to ignore advice and do what they want.

Worse < cold air, drafts, uncovering, new moon. Better > warmth, wraps to

the head, wrapping ear.

SULPHUR (3). Much itching in the ears, changing to pain when attempting to

scratch them. Dirty, offensive, sometimes sour-smelling discharges.

Children who are averse to washing, feeling as if there is water in the

ear. burning. Suit to those who with heat on the vertex, palms or burning

feet with a tendency toward skin itching eruptions. Fever with hot head and

cold feet. Ill effects of suppression of discharges from the ears.

Repertorium

EARACHES - Acon., BELL., Caps., CHAM., FERR-P., HEP., Kali-b., Kali-m.,

kali-p., Kali-s., MERC., merc-d., Merc-i-f., Merc-i-r., PULS., SIL., SULPH..

bright red cheeks, high fever, dry skin, rapid pulse - Acon.

discharges -

bland, inoffensive, yellow or yellowish greenish pus or mucus - PULS..

dirty, offensive, sometimes sour-smelling - Sulph..

fetid, bloody discharges - Merc..

green, thin, offensive, and smelly - Hep..

offensive, watery, curdy discharges - Sil..

orange yellow, sticky nature - Kali-s..

thick -

yellow and purulent - Caps..

yellow-green, blood streaked- Merc..

yellow, stringy mucus or pus - Kali-b..

watery, dirty, brown, fetid pus with easy bleeding - Kali-p,,

white -

cheesy, bloody pus - Hep..

thick mucus - Kali-m..

dull, heavy, full feeling in head from dilation of blood vessel - Ferr-p..

fever with a lack of accompanying symptoms - Ferr-p.

heat, dilated pupils, throbbing of arteries in the throat, eardrums, head

and body, sweats on covered parts - BELL.

mind -

anxiety or fear, little - Bell..

child holds the ear and is restless, anxious, fearful - Acon.

delirious, rolls head from side to side, jerks during sleep, child cries

out in sleep - Bell..

fretful, whiny, tearful individuals who seek sympathy and are better > by

consolation - Puls.

furious, can not bear the pain- CHAM..

irritable -

bad tempered - Hep..

fretful and must be carried all the time - Cham.. peevishness, peppery

deposition - Caps..

homesickness - Caps..

worse < violent emotions, fright, shock - acon..

yielding, nervous, excitable individuals who seem to lack grit - Sil..

pains -

aching in one or both ears when coughing - Caps..

acute pain, caused by exposure to dry, cold winds - Acon..

Eustachian tube pain, dryness and heat in the throat - Caps..

extending to the face and teeth - Merc..

extreme sensitiveness to contact, dread of contact out of proportion to

the actual pain - HEP..

hot -

swollen, red, meatus red, narrowed, painfully sensitive - Acon..

red, and pain goes to the throat - Caps..

inflammation of the external ear - PULS..

itching in the ears changing to pain when scratching- SULPH..

sharp pains, worse < at night - Acon..

soreness of the mastoid area - Caps..

sore throat, with sharp stitching pains that extend to the ears when

swallowing - Hep..

tearing pain, extorting cries, the patient becomes almost furious and can

not bear the pain- CHAM..

violent stitching pain cause screaming and great tossing about- Cham..

thirst - acon., merc..

thirstless - Bell., Puls..

no thirst with fever - Bell..

tympanic membrane -

red, bulging with predominate blood vessels - Bell..

red and infused with blood - Ferr-p..

retracted - Ferr-p..

ulceration, bleeds on the slightest touch - Merc..

stages -

early acute - Acon., Bell., ferr-p..

--------------------------------------------------------

Sheri Nakken, former R.N., MA, Hahnemannian Homeopath

Vaccination Information & Choice Network, Nevada City CA & Wales UK

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