Ear infections can be excruciatingly painful, especially in children. The inflammation and pressure in the ear can cause severe discomfort and even lead to hearing loss.
Although it is essential to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of ear infections, some home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms. One of the popular remedies for ear infections is chewing gum. In this article, we will discuss how gum chewing can provide relief from acute ear infections, the science behind it, and precautions to take.
How Gum Chewing Helps with Ear Infections
Gum chewing can help relieve the pressure and pain associated with ear infections. When you chew gum, your salivary glands produce saliva, which increases the production of chemicals that aid in digestion.
These chemicals also help to regulate the pressure inside your ears, known as the eustachian tube. The eustachian tube plays a crucial role in equalizing the pressure between the middle ear and the environment outside the ear. In case of an infection, the eustachian tube can become blocked, leading to a buildup of pressure inside the ear.
Chewing gum stimulates the muscles around the eustachian tube, helping to open it up, and allowing the pressure to equalize.
The Science Behind it
A study conducted by the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy found that chewing gum could indeed provide relief from ear infections. The research involved a group of children aged six to eleven years old who had middle ear infections.
Related Article
Chew gum to ease acute otitis
The children were divided into two groups, one given gum to chew and the other not. After an hour of observation, the group that chewed gum reported a decrease in ear pain and less pressure in their ears than the group that did not chew gum.
The scientific explanation for this phenomenon is that chewing gum creates a continuous chewing motion, which triggers the release of increased amounts of saliva and mucus. This increase helps to promote the normal function of the eustachian tube. As a result, the pressure inside the ear is equalized, and the pain subsides.
Precautions to Take
Chewing gum is a simple and natural home remedy for ear infections that can provide temporary relief, but it should not be relied on as the sole treatment for a severe infection. Additionally, some precautions should be taken when using this remedy:.
- Choose a sugar-free and non-stick gum to avoid adding to the infection’s bacteria.
- Avoid excessive gum chewing as it may lead to overstimulation, which can cause more discomfort and pain.
- Chewing gum is not advised for children below four years of age as they are at risk of choking or aspiration.
- If the pain and discomfort persist, see a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The Bottom Line
Gum chewing can provide temporary relief from acute ear infections by stimulating the muscles around the eustachian tube and promoting its normal function.
The increased production of saliva and mucus aids in equalizing the pressure inside the ear, thereby reducing pain and discomfort. However, it should be used as an adjunct treatment, and medical advice should be sought if the symptoms persist to avoid complications.
