Hydrogen Peroxide for Ear Infection

Hydrogen peroxide is a pale blue colored liquid, which is known for its strong oxidizing and bleaching properties. It is a highly reactive chemical with the chemical formula, H₂O₂. Hydrogen peroxide has found a wide range of applications in the medical and industrial sector. It is mainly used to disinfect wounds in medicine, while in the industrial sector, hydrogen peroxide is one of the most common bleaching agent. As a bleaching agent, it is widely used in pulp and paper bleaching. Hydrogen peroxide is also prized for its antibacterial properties, for which it is used as a disinfectant and antiseptic. Many times, it is used to treat ear infection and is considered as an effective home remedy for this condition.

Ear Infection Remedy

Infection can occur basically in three regions of the ear. When infection develops in the external ear, it is known as otitis externa, while middle ear infection is termed as otitis media. A case of internal ear infection on the other hand, is known as otitis interna. Out of these, middle ear infection is more frequent. Usually, people get ear infection after a cold, as this condition can cause swelling of the small tube, called Eustachian tube that connects the middle ear to the pharynx. The swollen tube easily gets blocked, and traps fluid inside the ear, which provides a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria and germs, and this ultimately result in infection.

Ear infection is more prevalent among the young children, due to the fact that they have smaller Eustachian tubes, which tend to get blocked easily. Another common cause is impacted earwax. Now, hydrogen peroxide can be used to treat this problem. However, only 3% hydrogen peroxide is generally used to treat wounds and infections. Higher strength solution is basically used in industrial sector and not for medicinal purposes. Its benefits can be attributed to the fact that it causes an effervescence reaction, which helps to remove tissue debris even from an inaccessible area.

As far as hydrogen peroxide, it is basically used to treat infections of the external ear, as well as to remove foreign bodies trapped in the ear. The effervescence reaction caused by hydrogen peroxide can help to bring out the trapped foreign particles outside, so that they can be removed easily in order to prevent any kind of infection. Again, it is one of the effective home remedy for softening and removing earwax.

It has to be poured in the ear. First, you have to tilt your head sideways, in order to pour this solution in your infected ear. Put only a few drops of hydrogen peroxide and let it stay for a few seconds, until it stops fizzing completely. Then turn your head to the opposite site and drain it out completely from the ear.

Safety Issues

It is generally considered safe, when it is used occasionally to treat external ear infection. However, it should never be used if eardrum is perforated. Otherwise, it can cause ear pain, as well as mastoiditis, if it reaches the mastoid cavity and the middle ear. Likewise, it should not be used in the case of inner ear infection, especially if the infection is too close to the eardrum. In such a case, it can cause deafness.

In general, the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide depends on the severity of the infection. However, it needs to be used only sparingly, and also with adequate care and precaution. For severe ear infection, as well as for middle or internal ear infection, it is better to take the help of a physician, rather than trying to cure it on your own. Excessive use of hydrogen peroxide, as well as using it in the ear when the eardrum is perforated, or when the infection is too close to the site of infection, should be strictly avoided. Lastly, you should talk to your physician even before using it for external ear infection.