Labyrinthitis is a disease that causes inflammation in the inner ear. It majorly infects labyrinth (inner part of the ear that carries out the functions of hearing and equilibrium). The exact root of labyrinthitis is unknown, but according to doctors, it may be caused by viral infections. This disease is not known to be transferable, but the viruses/bacteria that originate the condition may be contagious. Labyrinthitis diagnosis is made by examining the inner ear with the help of an otoscope.
Symptoms of labyrinthitis:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Vertigo (Chakkar aana) rel=”nofollow”
- Unsteadiness
- Hearing Loss
- Pain in the inner ear
- Ringing & Buzzing (tinnitus)
- Ear discharge/ Pus
- Blurred Vision
- Headaches
- Fever
In most cases, labyrinthitis is cured by itself in some time, but the symptoms may disrupt daily activities. That is why it is better to either take medication or try some home remedies for labyrinthitis to relieve the pain and accelerate the recovery. You may also treat it with the help of some specific labyrinthitis exercises.
Natural Treatments
You can take some natural measures and precautions to treat labyrinthitis. First of all, you must discontinue any habit or activity that may deteriorate your ear’s condition and the pain such as smoking, alcohol consumption, any medication that is causing an adverse effect, etc. You should stay away from allergens and try not to take the stress.
When you are suffering from labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis, you should take enough rest and consult your doctor for medication. You may also try some home remedies that are beneficial in such conditions. We have mentioned some old-age home remedies below.
- Salt: Salt is known to have healing properties and is easily available. You may heat some salt in a pan. Put this hot salt in a cloth and tie it. Now put this in a bag. Once you find the temperature to be toleratable, keep this bag on the affected ear for nearly about five to ten minutes. Salt helps relieve pain and irritation and reduces swelling.
- Onion: Onion and onion seed oil are preferred home remedies due to their medicinal properties. All you need is to squeeze fresh onion juice from onion pulp. You may simply grind onion and squeeze its juice. Pour this juice directly into your ear and let it set. You can also use onion seed oil instead of onion juice. Let the oil or juice be poured into the affected ear and watch your pain go away.
- Basil: Infections generally cause labyrinthitis, and basil has magical antibacterial properties. Thus, it is used to treat ear problems. You can take 5-6 basil leaves and take out the juice. Apply this juice on the ear and pour some of it inside the ear.
- Neem Oil: Neem oil has been used for ages for its antimicrobial properties. Neem oil can kill bacteria or viruses and relieve the pain. It also alleviates the inflammation. Pour the neem oil directly into your ear canal twice daily.
- Garlic Juice/ Garlic Oil: Garlic also holds amazing antimicrobial and anti-oxidizing properties. You can simply take a few garlic cloves and crush them. Wrap them in a cloth and place the cloth on the ear. The garlic draws out the pain and soothes swelling. You may also use garlic oil instead of garlic cloves. Mix 2-3 drops of garlic oil with warm water in a bowl. Place the ear inside this water for about 5 minutes.
- White Vinegar: White vinegar is made of acetic acid. This acid acts as a toxicant for microbes that are responsible for ear infection. You can use white vinegar to recover from labyrinthitis. Put some drops in your ear and warm compress against it for some time.
- Tea Tree Oil: A boon for respiratory diseases and sinuses, tea tree effectively kills infection-causing bacteria and viruses. The best way to consume it is by steam inhalation. Tea tree works wonder for labyrinthitis vertigo with its antiseptic properties.
- Lavender Oil: Lavender oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can help relieve some ear pain and swelling. Put some drops of the oil in warm water. Soak a cotton ball and place it over the affected ear.
- Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin which is known to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. You may mix a spoon of powdered turmeric into warm milk and drink it every day (preferably at night).
Labyrinthitis Exercises
There are certain physical exercises that you are advised to do if you are suffering from labyrinthitis. These exercises speed up the recovery and help relieve some pain. To improve dizziness and unsteadiness, you may also go for vestibular rehabilitation vertigo exercises. Here are some exercises for the treatment of labyrinthitis.
- Epley Manoeuvre: Epley manoeuvre is performed according to the side of the affected ear. Below steps are given for the treatment of the left ear. If you have a problem in the right ear, you should change the directions in the below instructions.
- Sit on the bed with legs extended in the front. Turn your head 45 degrees towards left.
- Now lie down on the bed while keeping the head turned. Stay in the same position for 30 seconds.
- Then turn your head 90 degrees towards right, so that it is 45 degree to the right. Again wait 30 seconds.
- Roll onto your right and then sit up.
- Brandt-Daroff: This exercise is suggested if you want to recover from vertigo soon. You can perform these easy steps at home without any help. Also, you must remember that this exercise will increase the dizziness for a while.
- Sit on your bed just like you sit on a chair.
- Turn your head to the farthest left possible. Now lie down on the bed without moving your head. Legs should be still in the same position as the beginning.
- Stay still for 30 seconds in the same position.
- Sit up and turn your head back to the centre.
- Repeat the steps with on the right side.
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Balance on One Foot: This exercise will help improve your balance as a part of vestibular rehabilitation vertigo. Try balancing yourself on one foot. Always do this exercise beside a wall or a chair to have something for support in case you lose balance.
Walk Heel-To-Toe: This is another great exercise for improving balance. Put one foot on the floor; place another foot right in front of the other in a way that the heel of your second foot is in line with the toe of your first foot.
You may try any of the above-mentioned home remedies for labyrinthitis considering what suits you best and what you are not allergic to. Along with home remedies perform the exercises once daily. If you still find the problem persisting, consult with a doctor for vertigo medication. Labyrinthitis diagnosis is required for the confirmation before you go for any medication or treatment.