Earache and recurrent infections are not inevitable. Whether you’re looking to protect a young child prone to middle ear infections or to prevent ‘swimmer’s ear’ during the summer, adopting a proactive approach to care can significantly reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
As we’ve seen in our comprehensive guide to ear infections, the majority of these infections are caused by poor ventilation of the Eustachian tube or irritation of the external ear canal. Let’s take a look at some good naturopathic practices for everyday life.
What does a daily ear infection prevention routine involve?
The key to successful prevention of ear infections lies in protecting the mucous membranes and supporting the immune system. As the middle ear is directly connected to the nasal cavities, preventing ear infections always begins with excellent hygiene in the ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) area.
Adopting this approach as part of your daily routine helps to:
- Maintain a healthy skin barrier in the external auditory canal.
- Prevent nasal secretions from accumulating in the Eustachian tube.
- Avoid sudden changes in pressure that can damage the eardrum.
- Boost the body’s defences against winter viruses (colds, nasopharyngitis).
What hygiene practices should you adopt for effective prevention?
To limit the spread of germs and protect ear health, a few simple measures should be carried out regularly.
1. Avoid using cotton buds and sharp objects
Earwax is not dirt: it is a natural antimicrobial protection. Using cotton buds or sharp objects pushes earwax further into the ear canal, creating blockages and causing micro-lesions to the skin. This is the main cause of bacterial or fungal outer ear infections.
The correct approach: Clean only the outer ear with the corner of a damp towel. Allow the ear canal to clean itself.
2. Blowing your nose and nasal rinsing
If you have a cold, nasal secretions containing viruses or bacteria may travel up into the ear if the pressure in the nose is too high.
- Blowing your nose: Always blow one nostril at a time, without blowing too forcefully.
- Nasal rinsing: Use saline solution or an isotonic seawater spray to rinse your nose in the morning and evening during an outbreak.
How can we adapt ear infection prevention for babies and young children?
Infants and young children are most affected by acute otitis media (AOM). Because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal, germs from the nose reach the middle ear very quickly.
Best practice for very young children:
- Prioritise breastfeeding: It passes on valuable antibodies that protect the child against ENT infections.
- Eliminate passive smoking: Cigarette smoke is a major risk factor that irritates a child’s respiratory mucous membranes and disrupts the functioning of the Eustachian tube.
- Limit the use of dummies: Continuous sucking movements encourage nasal secretions to flow up into the middle ear.
- Follow general hygiene practices: Wash your child’s hands regularly, clean their toys and raise the head of their bed slightly if they have a cold to aid drainage.
- Support the immune system: In consultation with your paediatrician or naturopath, the use of immune-boosting herbs (such as purple coneflower for older children) and keeping up to date with recommended vaccinations (pneumococcal, flu) can make a real difference.
Preventing ear infections when flying and swimming: how can complications be avoided?
Certain environmental situations create conditions conducive to ear infections. It is advisable to take specific precautions.
When swimming (prevention of otitis externa)
After a visit to the swimming pool or the sea, water often remains in the ear canal.
- Dry your ears thoroughly after every swim by tilting your head to one side.
- Avoid water of dubious quality or stagnant water.
- Wear suitable earplugs if you are prone to recurrent outer ear infections.
When travelling or diving (to prevent barotrauma)
Rapid changes in pressure (take-off, landing in an aeroplane, descending whilst diving) can cause the eardrum to bulge.
- Chewing and yawning: Chewing gum or yawning frequently helps to open the Eustachian tube to equalise the pressure.
- The Valsalva manoeuvre: Close your mouth, pinch your nose and exhale gently through your nose (without straining) until you hear a slight ‘pop’ in your ears.
- Protecting babies: Give the baby a bottle or dummy during take-off and landing to encourage swallowing.
What should you do if an ear infection develops despite these measures?
Although these preventative measures drastically reduce the risks, an ear infection can sometimes still occur. If you or your child start to experience sharp pains, a loss of hearing or a fever, you should act quickly to relieve the pain.
Read the rest of our feature: Treating ear infections naturally with herbal medicine and aromatherapy.
Sources
- https://www.ameli.fr/pyrenees-orientales/assure/sante/bons-gestes/soins/pratiquer-lavage-nez-enfant
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3567907/
- https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/themes/otite-externe/le-traitement-de-lotite-externe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can you blow your nose properly without risking an ear infection?
You should never blow both nostrils at the same time with force. This creates excess pressure which forces infected secretions directly into the Eustachian tubes. Block one nostril with a finger, blow the other gently, then switch sides.
Why does passive smoking increase the risk of ear infections in children?
Cigarette smoke paralyses the cilia lining the airways and the Eustachian tube. These cilia can no longer clear mucus, which leads to a build-up of bacteria and increases the risk of recurrent middle ear infections.
Is it dangerous to perform the Valsalva manoeuvre too forcefully?
Yes. You must breathe out very gently. If you blow too hard whilst pinching your nose, you risk causing damage to the eardrum or forcefully pushing germs back into the ear if you have a cold.
