As the monsoon season arrives, it brings a refreshing respite from the scorching heat. However, it also ushers in many health problems, including ear infections. The humid weather creates a perfect breeding ground for fungi and bacteria, making ear infections a common occurrence during this time.
Ear infections can affect any part of the ear, including the inner, middle, or external ear. Fungal infections, known as otomycosis, are particularly prevalent during the monsoon season. Bacterial infections, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, are also common during this time.
Also Read: Cold and Cough Caught You OFF GUARD this Monsoon?
The Risks of Ear Infections
Ear infections can cause significant discomfort, especially in children, who are more susceptible to this illness. If left untreated, ear infections can lead to long-term ear disorders, including hearing impairments, chronic infections, and persistent fluids in the middle ear.
Ayurvedic Perspective on Ear Infections
Ear infections, which affect the middle ear, are more common in children than adults and can cause significant discomfort due to inflammation and fluid buildup. While the infection usually resolves on its own, Ayurvedic treatment at Ayushakti focuses on managing pain and monitoring the condition. In severe cases, especially in newborns, internal medicines and specialized treatments like Dhoopana may be necessary. If left untreated, ear infections can lead to long-term complications such as chronic infections, hearing impairments, and persistent fluid in the middle ear.
Also Read: How Monsoon Season Worsens Edema and How Ayurveda Can Help?
In Ayurveda, ear diseases (KarnaRoga) are caused by imbalances in one of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. Vata imbalances lead to thin discharge, dry ear wax, and acute discomfort, while Pitta imbalances cause yellow discharge, swelling, and burning. Kapha imbalances result in white, slimy discharge, itching, and moderate discomfort. If all three doshas are out of balance, this is known as Sannipataja, and the dominant dosha determines the discharge color.
Kapha imbalances are the most common cause of ear infections, particularly in children with a Kapha body type, during the spring season, or when consuming a Kapha-aggravating diet high in sweets, wheat, and dairy. Ayushakti’s Ayurvedic treatment for ear problems aims to identify and address the underlying cause of the infection, providing a holistic approach to healing.
Also Read: Ayurvedic Diet Tips to keep yourself healthy during Monsoon
Ear Infection Symptoms: Differences in Children and Adults
While ear infections can affect individuals of all ages, the symptoms can vary between children and adults.
Children:
-
- Ear pain or discomfort, especially when lying down
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Irritability
- A feeling of blockage or fullness in the ear
- Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
- Loss of balance
- Fever (100°F or higher)
- Yellow or greenish pus-like discharge from the ear
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
Adults:
Similar symptoms to children, including:
- Earache
- Yellow or greenish pus-like discharge from the ear
- Hearing impairment
Additional symptoms that may occur:
-
- Feeling of blockage or fullness in the ear
- Difficulty concentrating, affecting productivity
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Itchiness in the ear
- Watery discharge
- Severe headaches
- Fever
Ayurvedic Treatment for Ear Disorders
To address various ear problems, Ayurvedic treatment involves the following measures:
- Take ghrita and rasayanas orally to treat all ear-related issues.
- Avoid physical exertion and strenuous activities.
- Refrain from taking head showers..
- Abstain from sexual intercourse
- Practice vocal relaxation techniques.
For the four Vatika ear ailments, including Karnasula, Karnapranada, Badhirya, and Karnaksveda, a comprehensive treatment plan is required, which includes:
- Internal and external oleation (application of oil) and purgation using oily formulas.
- Administration of Vata-suppressing formulations, such as Nadisveda and Pindasveda (bolus fomentation).
- For Nadisveda, a special preparation is made by cooking the ingredients with sour gruel, which is effective in treating Karnasula caused by Kapha and Vata.
- Alternatively, Karnasula can be treated with Pindasveda bolus, made from fish, cock, batera, or milk.
Additionally, the following dietary recommendations are advised:
- Replace dinner with ghrita.
- Consume milk before bedtime.
- BalaTailam is recommended for Shirobasti, Nasya, Shiroabhyanga, and as a food supplement, after boiling it 100 times.
Also Read: Monsoon Season Skin Problems: Discover Ayurvedic Home Remedies
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Ear Infections
To prevent ear infections, it’s essential to make some lifestyle changes, including:
- Keeping your ears warm
- Massaging the area surrounding the ear
- Increasing vitamin C and zinc consumption to boost immunity
- Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke exposure
- Maintaining proper hygiene and staying away from colds
- Using neem formulations to treat ear infections and aches
- Practicing neti or nasal rinsing with a moderate saltwater solution to eliminate accumulated Kapha or phlegm.
By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of ear infections and ensure a healthy and happy monsoon season.
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Blog Author: Dr Komal Gawli
Expert Review: Dr Smita Pankaj Naram
Co-Founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Ltd
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before trying or consuming any medicines, home remedies or treatments mentioned in this blog. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.