== Symptoms Causes ==* The small space behind the eardrum in the middle ear is normally filled with air. It is connected to the back of the throat by a tiny channel called the Eustachian tube. The middle ear space sometimes becomes filled with mucus (fluid), often during a cold. The mucus may then become infected by germs (bacteria or viruses). Children with glue ear who have mucus behind their eardrum are more prone to ear infections. *Sometimes an ear infection occurs 'out of the blue' for no apparent reason.*Susceptibility to ear disease in children may be a result of deficiencies of [[zinc]] and [[vitamin A]].
== Home remedies ==
* Put few drops of [[garlic]] juice into the infected ear, as it is known to act as a natural antibiotic as well.
* Avoid processed foods and hydrogenated oils.
* Use an ear syringe to squirt a 50/50 mixture of apple cider vinegar solution into the ear and let it sit for a minute or so, then turn your head and let the liquid drain out.The vinegar solution can be a 50/50 mixture of ACV and pure water, a 50/50 mixture of ACV and rubbing alcohol or a solution consisting of one-third vinegar, one-third pure water, and one-third rubbing alcohol.
* [[Xylitol]] helps Prevent Ear Infections: Researchers in Finland have found that xylitol has antibacterial activity and when children chew this special gum they can reduce middle ear infections (acute otitis media) by 40 percent.
* [[Larch Arabinogalactan]] is used for infections, including the common cold, flu, H1N1 (swine) flu, ear infections in children, and HIV/AIDS.
* Aromatherapy : Do NOT put oils into ear : Mix 1 drop of an oil with 2 tablespoons Carrier oil : You can use Eucalyptus, Rosemary oil, Lavender oil or Oregano oil : Apply a drop of the mixture onto a cotton ball, then place the cotton ball at the entrance of the ear canal. Keep it there, as long as possible : Eucalyptus will 'open' the eustachian tube, and 'prepare' the ear. Rosemary will fight the bacterial/viral infection. Lavender oil to help with pain, Oregano oil to fight infection and for pain.