Rafael Lauta, a reader from Philippines, asks: I am 36-years old. My problem is I'm suffering from otitis media (ear infection) since child. My question is. Is there any other cure for this aside from operation? Another question is I'm using home medication: it’s coconut oil and garlic is it safe?
I hope you can help me?
Dr Jomol Mariam Thomas, Dubai Health Authority licensed Ayurveda Practitioner, Senior Ayurveda Consultant, Dr Shyam’s Ayurveda Centre, Dubai, replies: An ear infection is caused by a bacterium or virus in the middle ear. This infection often results from another illness — cold, flu or allergy — that causes congestion and swelling of the nasal passages, throat and Eustachian tubes. Among ear disorders otitis media is one of the most common diseases and it is classified into two: Acute and chronic otitis media.
If the disease is ignored in an acute stage it turns to chronic otitis media and if it is not managed in time, will give rise to serious complications, including deafness.
In your case, it is a chronic case of otitis media that requires an appropriate therapy to control the infection and to prevent its progress. Hence it is my kind advice to avoid the trial of home remedies without proper guidelines from a doctor.
In Ayurveda, otitis media is termed as Karnapaka and the discharge from the ear (Karnasrava) is the main symptom .
The Ayurveda line of treatment for the long-term control of infection includes:
- Ghritapana (internal use of medicated ghees)
- Nasya (Nasal medication)
- Karnadhupana (Ear Fumigation)
- Karnapurana (Ear filling with oil or juice of medicines) etc.
Though many treatment procedures are used for the treatment , as in any other case, avoidance of causative factors is most important. It is better to avoid head bath, swimming , exposure to extreme cold, intake of cold food items and any other cause of allergies. Vacha Lasunadi Thailam, an Ayurvedic herbal oil with garlic as one of the ingredients, is used in the treatment of ear infections. It is used for head massage and also as ear drops. It helps to relieve ear aches, pus collection, ear discharge and related ear problems. According to stages of the disease, an expert Ayurveda doctor can suggest you the treatment.
Disclaimer: This blog is a conversation and is not an alternative for treatment. The recommendations and suggestions offered by our panel of doctors are their own and Gulf News will not take any responsibility for the advice they provide.
