If you have pus, pain, or pressure in your ear, you may have an ear infection. While you can treat it at home with apple cider vinegar, it should not take the place of a doctor’s advice. An ear infection occurs when bacteria, viruses, or even fungi get stuck in the middle or outer ear. Children are more prone to ear infections than adults.
Common causes of ear infections
Colds, flu, allergies or smoking can cause otitis media. Water entering the ear canal can cause external ear infection (otitis externa).
Factors increasing the risk of external ear infections in adults
Type 2 diabetes
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
Ear pain may be a sign of a mild ear infection and usually resolves on its own. But if you still have pain after 3 days, it is better to see a doctor. This is especially important for children. See a doctor if you see the following:
• Ear discharge
• Fever
• Loss of balance with ear infection
Apple cider vinegar may help with mild outer ear infections. Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties, meaning it kills bacteria, fungi, and possibly viruses.
Treatment with apple cider vinegar
No studies have definitively proven that apple cider vinegar cures ear infections, but it does contain acetic acid. According to a 2013 study, acetic acid has antibacterial properties, meaning it kills bacteria. Another study shows that apple cider vinegar can also kill fungi. A third study has shown that apple cider vinegar is effective against bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Apple cider vinegar should not replace a visit to the doctor or traditional treatment for an ear infection. This substance should only be used for external ear infections. If your tympanic membrane is not healthy, do not put anything in your ear without consulting a doctor.
Middle ear infections should be seen and treated by a doctor, especially in children. If you have an earache and aren’t sure what type of ear infection is causing it, see your doctor for a diagnosis before putting anything in your ear. Be sure to dilute the vinegar with equal amounts of water. Pure vinegar can burn the sensitive tissue of the ear canal.
Ear drops with apple cider vinegar and warm water
To prepare these ear drops, mix apple cider vinegar with warm (not hot) water in equal proportions. Using a clean dropper or baby syringe, put 5 to 10 drops of the solution in each ear.
Cover your ear with a clean cotton or cloth and lie on your side for the drops to enter the ear and stay there for a few minutes. Do this for 5 minutes.
You can repeat this as many times as you want to treat the external ear infection.
Ear drops with apple cider vinegar and alcohol (caution!)
This recipe is similar to the previous method, except that alcohol is used instead of hot water. Alcohol has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Do not use this method if you have ear discharge or think you have a middle ear infection. Also, if you feel any burning or discomfort while using these drops, stop using it.
Mix apple cider vinegar with medical alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) in equal proportions. Using a clean dropper or baby syringe, put 5 to 10 drops of the solution in each ear.
Cover your ear with a clean cotton or cloth and lie on your side for the drops to enter the ear and stay there for a few minutes. Do this for 5 minutes.
You can repeat this as many times as you want to fight the ear infection.
important points:
Be sure to dilute the apple cider vinegar with warm water. Pure vinegar can burn the sensitive tissue of the ear canal.
• Consult your doctor before using any apple cider vinegar ear drops, especially if you are unsure about the health of your eardrum.
• Discontinue use if you experience any pain, burning or discomfort while using apple cider vinegar drops.
• Middle ear infections require medical attention, especially in children. If you have an earache, see a doctor to diagnose the type of infection.
Frequently asked questions about apple cider vinegar and ear infections
1. Is apple cider vinegar effective for ear infections?
Some evidence suggests that apple cider vinegar may help treat mild outer ear infections. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that can help kill bacteria that cause infections. However, there are no definitive studies that prove that apple cider vinegar is effective for ear infections.
2. What are the risks associated with using apple cider vinegar for ear infections?
Using apple cider vinegar for ear infections can be dangerous. These risks include: irritation, infection and damage to the eardrum
3. When should you see a doctor?
If your ear pain is severe, lasts more than 3 days, or is accompanied by fever, ear discharge, or other symptoms, see your doctor right away. These can be symptoms of a serious ear infection that requires medical treatment.
Summary
Ear infections are usually the result of a viral or bacterial infection and can be very painful. Apple cider vinegar shows promise as an antibacterial treatment. However, there is no specific research on using apple cider vinegar to treat ear infections. As a result, people who want to use apple cider vinegar ear drops should use it in conjunction with traditional medical treatments. People with ear discharge or middle or inner ear infections should not use apple cider vinegar. If the symptoms worsen or persist, you should see a doctor.
