Ear Infection in Children (Karnakandu-Karnasopha)

कण्डूशोफौकफात्श्रोत्रेस्थिरौतत्सन्जयास्मृतौ l

Ear Infection in Children- Karnakandu-Karnasopha

It is the type of infection that occurs commonly in children. Ear infection usually refers to infection of middle ear. It happens commonly when water or mucus gets filled behind ear drum and bacteria grow in it. The condition is medically called as Otitis media. It is more common in children because of the structural peculiarity of their ear and also due to their reduced immune power. Ayurveda explains the condition of ear infection as Karnakandu&Karnasopha. There is detailed description of causes, signs, symptoms and treatment of ear infection. Dr.Gupta’s IAFA is certain about proper Ayurvedic treatment for ear infection. As the condition is more common in children, IAFA has intimate concern about its complete cure and ensures the same.

Symptoms of Ear Infection in Children

The symptoms differ in different types of ear infection. In acute otitis media there may be ear ache and fever. In ear infection with effusion there may not be any symptoms. Chronic infection can even affect hearing in children. Other common signs expressed by affected children include:

Pulling ears
Restlessness
Fever
Sleep disturbances
Oozing of fluid from ears
Loss of body balance
Problems with response to sounds

The symptoms described in Ayurveda include severe itching, swelling etc.

Ayurvedic Reference of Ear Infection in Children- Karnakandu-Karnasopha

Causes of Ear Infection in Children

Usually ear infection is caused by bacterial attack in children. When child has sore, throat, cold etc. due to bacterial infection, the same bacteria may spread to middle ear. Due to the infection, there will be further filling of fluid behind the ear drum. In children, due to the reduced length and straight structure of Eustachian tube, accumulated fluid will not get emptied easily. This results in easy occurrence of ear infection in children.

In Ayurveda, the reasons for ear infection are explained as excess exposure to snow, water, severe noise etc.

Types of Ear Infection in Children

There are mainly three types of Ear infection in children. They are:

Acute Otitis Media
It is the most common type of ear infection. Some parts of middle ear get infected and become swollen resulting fluid accumulation behind the eardrum.
Otitis Media with Effusion
It occurswhen an ear infection has already completed its course and fluid remains trapped behind the eardrum.
Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion
It happens when fluid gets retained in the middle ear for a long time or comes back again and again even without infection.

“Institute of Applied Food Allergy® provides genuine Ayurvedic treatment for the management of otitis media in children. IAFA has always focused in delivering absolute management for all types of allergies in children through its Ayurpediatric department.”

Listen to IAFA & make your child’s ear disease free!!!

-Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFAⓇ

Diet in ear infection in children

Do’s (Pathya) in Ear Infection of Children

Light and easily digestible food
Intake of lesser quantity of food
Frequent intake of small amounts of warm water
Consume hot & fresh food only
Green gram
Take vegetables with bitter taste
Mild exercises
Take enough rest

Don’ts (Apathya) in Ear Infection of Children

Non vegetarian food
Fatty and heavy food
Cold water
Fried and bakery food
Alcohol consumption
Head bathing
Day sleep
Application of oil on head
Use of A/C room
Journey, especially on window seat

Yoga and Pranayama in ear infection in children

Yoga practice helps in improving strength of body’s immunity. It helps to reduce severity of infection.

Karnapidasana
Makarasana
Simhasana
Paryankasana
Sasangasana
Seetalasana

Pranayama provides control over body movements. It helps to bring relaxation to mind and prepares mind to face adverse situations like pain and other discomforts.

Ayurvedic Treatment of ear infection in children

Ayurveda put forwards effective treatment for ear infection by combining internal medicines and external therapies.

Internal Medicines for ear infection in children

GuggulutiktakaKwatha
Pathyashadanga kwatha
Nimbamrutasava
Gorochanadigulika

Kaisoraguggulugulika
Guggulutiktakagrita
Sirasulaadrivajra rasa
Rasagandhimezhuk

External medicines ear infection in children

Ksharataila
Vachalasoonaditaila
Dasamooladitaila

Nirgundyaditaila
Thriphaladitaila

Treatment Procedures for ear infection in children

Virechana (Purgation)
Karnapoorana (filling medicated liquids in ears)

Nasya (Nasal administration of medicine)
Lepana (Application of medicated paste)

Single Herbs in the Management of Treatment

Haridra (Curcuma longa)
Nimba (Azadirachtaindica)
Vilwa (Aeglemarmelos)
Asana (Pterocarpusmarsupium)

Vibheetaki (Terminaliabellerica)
Nirgundi (Vitexnegundo)
Guggulu(Commiphoramukul)

References

Ashtang Hrudaya by Vagbhata, Utharasthana, Karnarogavijnaneeya (Chapter 17), Shlok 12.
Acharaya Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita. Ayurved Tatva Sandipani by Ambikadutt Shastri, editor. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; Sutra Sthana, 45/112 – 113, 2006. p. 178.
Sarangadharacharya, Pandit Parasurama Shastri, Vidyasagar editor. Sarangadharasamhita Madhymakhanda, Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2016. p. 204.
Chakrapanidatta. Chakradatta. Ramnath Dwivedi. Editor. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2005. p. 269.
Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Aspects of Allergies and Fungal Infections, Edition 2021, Fungal Ear Infection Chapter No. 43, Page No. 272-276.
Child Health and Ayurveda, Edition 2021, by Sahil Gupta, Ear Infection Chapter No. 23, Page No. 98-102.

Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the common causes of Ear infection in children?

Answer: In children, ear infection is caused commonly by bacteria mostly as a continuation of other infections like sore throat, cold etc.

Question: What are the common symptoms shown by a child affected with ear infection?

Answer: A child with ear infection generally shows symptoms like itching, fever, restlessness etc.

Question: Is Ayurvedic treatment effective in the management of ear infection in children?

Answer: Yes, Ayurvedic treatment can help to cure ear infection in children completely. Following all advised food and regimen along with exact internal and external medicines ensure relief from ear infection in children.

Question: Can Ayurveda treat ear infection in children?

Answer: The Ayurvedic treatment of ear infection in children comprises of finding the dosha imbalance and pacifying it to bring balance in the vitiated doshas.

Question: What causes ear infection in children?

Answer: Usually, ear infection in children is caused by bacteria attack. When a child suffers from sore throat, cold etc., the same bacteria may spread to the middle ear and cause infection.

Question: What is the Ayurvedic treatment of Ear infection in children?

Answer: Ayurvedic treatment of ear infection in children includes the prescription of internal medicines as well as external medication.

Question: What are the herbs useful in ear infection in children?

Answer: Herbs such as Haridra, Bilwa, Guggulu, Nirgundi, Nimba etc. are quite effective.

Question: What triggers ear infection in children?

Answer: Ear infections in children are generally due to the imbalance of Kapha dosha. Children are more susceptible to ear infections in springtime or around Kapha dominating life span such as around 8 years old and the risk increases when a child eats kapha dosha aggravating diet such as sweets, dairy products etc.