Best thing for earaches. Nine Effective Home Remedies for Earache

14.05.197020.07.2021 by alexxlab

What are some effective home remedies for earache? Discover nine proven methods to relieve ear pain without medical intervention.

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Over-the-Counter Medication for Earache Relief

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can temporarily reduce the pain of an earache. People experiencing ear pain can try taking over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen. However, it’s important to remember that aspirin should not be given to babies and young children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. The FDA recommends that parents speak to a doctor before giving any over-the-counter drugs to a child under 2 years old, as the dosage for children is often significantly lower than for adults.

Using Heat and Cold for Earache

Applying heat from an electric heating pad or hot pack can reduce inflammation and pain in the ear. People should apply the hot pad to the ear for 20 minutes, and also touch the neck and throat with the hot pad. The heating pad should not be unbearably hot, and people should never fall asleep with a heating pad or allow a child to use a hot pack without adult supervision.

A cold pack can also help with the pain of an earache. Try wrapping ice in paper towels or freezing a cold pack and then covering it with a light cloth. Hold this to the ear and the area immediately under the ear for 20 minutes. The cold should not hurt, and parents should never apply ice directly to their children’s skin.

Some people find that heat offers greater relief than cold, while others find that alternating hot and cold packs (20 minutes hot, followed by 20 minutes cold) provides the best pain relief.

Ear Drops for Earache

Ear drops can reduce pressure in the ear caused by fluid and earwax. People should read the directions carefully and talk to a doctor before using ear drops on a child. Ear drops are no substitute for prescription ear drops or antibiotics, so people should only use them for a few days. If symptoms return, people should see a doctor. It’s important to remember that people should not use ear drops in a child with tubes in their ears or whose eardrum has ruptured.

Massage for Earache Relief

Gentle massage can help with ear pain that radiates from the jaw or teeth, or that causes a tension headache. People can massage the tender area, as well as any surrounding muscles. For example, if the area behind the ear hurts, try massaging the muscles of the jaw and neck. Massage may also help with the pain of an ear infection. Using a downward motion, apply pressure beginning just behind the ears and down the neck, then work forward to the front of the ears. This type of massage may help drain excess fluid from the ears and prevent the pain from getting worse.

Natural Remedies for Earache

Garlic and onions have long been used in folk medicine to relieve pain and fight infection. Some research suggests that garlic has antimicrobial properties that can help fight infection. People should not use it as a substitute for antibiotics a doctor has recommended, but they can consider adding garlic to an antibiotic regimen to speed up relief. Garlic ear drops may also reduce pain and prevent an infection from getting worse.

Similarly, onions can help fight infection and reduce pain. Heat an onion in the microwave for a minute or two, then strain the liquid and apply several drops to the ear. A person may want to lie down for 10 minutes, and then allow the liquid to flow out of the ear. Repeat this as needed.

Sucking and Breastfeeding for Earache Relief

Sucking can help reduce pressure in the Eustachian tubes, offering some relief. Babies who are nursing may feel better when allowed and encouraged to nurse as frequently as possible. Adults and children can suck on hard candy or cough drops.

Breast milk has antimicrobial properties and may also help soothe an earache. If a person has access to breast milk, they can apply a few drops to the affected ear for relief.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Earache

While home remedies can provide relief for some earaches, it’s important to seek medical attention if the pain is severe or persistent. People experiencing severe ear pain should always speak to a doctor, especially for the first time. Home remedies should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment, but rather as a way to provide temporary relief while waiting for medical care or for antibiotics to take effect.

Nine effective home remedies for earache

People may think that earaches are just a minor nuisance, but they can cause debilitating pain. While waiting for medical care or for antibiotics to work, some home remedies can help.

Ear pain can feel unbearable, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or do anything but think about the pain. Many children find it particularly difficult to deal with an earache.

People who are experiencing severe ear pain should always speak to a doctor, especially for the first time. However, there are remedies that people can use at home to relieve less severe earaches, or as a means of reducing pain.

This article explores nine effective home remedies that may help people experiencing ear pain.

If an earache is not severe, or if a person is waiting for medical treatment to take effect, they may wish to try home remedies to relieve pain.

Here are a series of nine effective home remedies for people experiencing ear pain:

1.

Over-the-counter medication

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) can temporarily reduce the pain of an earache. People experiencing ear pain can try:

It is important to remember that it is not safe to give aspirin to babies and young children. This is because of the risk of a potentially life-threatening condition called Reye’s syndrome.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend that parents speak to a doctor before giving over-the-counter drugs to a child under 2 years old.

These drugs can cause serious side effects in babies and young children. Note also that the dosage for children is often significantly lower than the proper dosage for adults.

2. Heat

Heat from an electric heating pad or hot pack can reduce inflammation and pain in the ear.

Apply a hot pad to the ear for 20 minutes. For best results, people should touch the neck and throat with the hot pad.

The heating pad should not be unbearably hot. People should never fall asleep with a heating pad, or allow a child to use a hot pack without adult supervision.

3. Cold

A cold pack can help with the pain of an earache.

Try wrapping ice in paper towels or freezing a cold pack and then covering it with a light cloth. Hold this to the ear and the area immediately under the ear for 20 minutes.

The cold should not hurt, and parents should never apply ice directly to their children’s skin.

Some people find that heat offers greater relief than cold. For others, alternating hot and cold packs (20 minutes hot, followed by 20 minutes cold) provides the best pain relief.

4. Ear drops

Ear drops can reduce pressure in the ear caused by fluid and earwax.

People should read the directions carefully, and talk to a doctor before using ear drops on a child.

Ear drops are no substitute for prescription ear drops or antibiotics, so people should only use them for a few days. If symptoms return, people should see a doctor.

It is important to remember that people should not use ear drops in a child with tubes in their ears or whose eardrum has ruptured.

5. Massage

Gentle massage can help with ear pain that radiates from the jaw or teeth, or that causes a tension headache.

People can massage the tender area, as well as any surrounding muscles. For example, if the area behind the ear hurts, try massaging the muscles of the jaw and neck.

Massage may also help with the pain of an ear infection.

Using a downward motion, apply pressure beginning just behind the ears and down the neck.
Continuing to apply pressure downward, work forward to the front of the ears.

This type of massage may help drain excess fluid from the ears, and prevent the pain from getting worse.

6. Garlic

Garlic has long been used in folk medicine to relieve pain. Some research suggests it has antimicrobial properties that can fight infection.

People should not use it as a substitute for antibiotics a doctor has recommended. Instead, consider adding garlic to an antibiotic regimen to speed up relief.

To prevent ear infections, try eating a clove of garlic each day.

Garlic ear drops may also reduce pain and prevent an infection from getting worse. Cook two or three cloves in two tablespoons of mustard or sesame seed oil until brown, then strain the mix. Then, apply a drop or two to each ear.

7. Onions

Like garlic, onions can help fight infection and reduce pain. Also like garlic, onions are not a substitute for medical attention.

Heat an onion in the microwave for a minute or two. Then, strain the liquid and apply several drops to the ear. A person may want to lie down for 10 minutes, and then allow the liquid to flow out of the ear. Repeat this as needed.

8. Sucking

Sucking can help reduce pressure in the Eustachian tubes, offering some relief.

Babies who are nursing may feel better when allowed and encouraged to nurse as frequently as possible. Adults and children can suck on hard candy or cough drops.

9. Breast milk

Breast milk has antimicrobial properties. Some research suggests that a mother’s breast milk changes based on the microbes to which a baby is exposed.

This means that breast milk is most effective in babies. However, some sources suggest that breast milk may even help adults. Infants and children should continue nursing to get the most benefits from breast milk.

In nursing babies, as well as in children and adults, topical application of breast milk may also help. Even if it doesn’t, breast milk is unlikely to cause any serious side effects.

People can try dropping a few drops of breast milk in each ear, and repeat the application every few hours as needed.

Share on PinterestAn earache can be mild but an ear infection can cause debilitating pain.

Ear infections are the most common cause of ear pain. When the ear becomes infected, inflammation and buildup of pressure cause pain that can be intense.

People with ear infections often have other symptoms, such as sinus pressure or a sore throat because infections from nearby areas may affect the ear. An ear infection can also be a standalone condition. Most ear infections are bacterial, not viral.

Only a doctor can diagnose an ear infection. People should not take antibiotics without a prescription, or assume that symptoms are due to an ear infection.

However, earaches are not always caused by an ear infection. Other conditions can also cause pain in the ear.

Those include:

Referred pain: This may be from infections or inflammation elsewhere in the body. For example, a toothache may cause aching pain in the ear.
Chronic conditions: These include temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
Skin infections: If they are in or around the ear.
Allergic reactions: These could be from a range of things, such as soap, shampoo, or earrings.
Water: This may cause pain if trapped in the ear.
Pressure: Changes in altitude can affect pressure in the ears. This usually resolves on its own, often with a popping sensation.

If left untreated, ear infections can spread to the jaw and other regions of the body. They may also damage the ear itself and can cause dangerously high fevers.

When symptoms of an ear problem are present and do not resolve on their own within a day or two, people should speak to a doctor. If the pain is intense, is accompanied by a high fever, or includes hearing loss, people should seek medical attention immediately.

Read the article in Spanish

Nine effective home remedies for earache

People may think that earaches are just a minor nuisance, but they can cause debilitating pain. While waiting for medical care or for antibiotics to work, some home remedies can help.

Ear pain can feel unbearable, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or do anything but think about the pain. Many children find it particularly difficult to deal with an earache.

This article explores nine effective home remedies that may help people experiencing ear pain.

If an earache is not severe, or if a person is waiting for medical treatment to take effect, they may wish to try home remedies to relieve pain.

Here are a series of nine effective home remedies for people experiencing ear pain:

1. Over-the-counter medication

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) can temporarily reduce the pain of an earache. People experiencing ear pain can try:

It is important to remember that it is not safe to give aspirin to babies and young children. This is because of the risk of a potentially life-threatening condition called Reye’s syndrome.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend that parents speak to a doctor before giving over-the-counter drugs to a child under 2 years old.

These drugs can cause serious side effects in babies and young children. Note also that the dosage for children is often significantly lower than the proper dosage for adults.

2. Heat

Heat from an electric heating pad or hot pack can reduce inflammation and pain in the ear.

Apply a hot pad to the ear for 20 minutes. For best results, people should touch the neck and throat with the hot pad.

The heating pad should not be unbearably hot. People should never fall asleep with a heating pad, or allow a child to use a hot pack without adult supervision.

3. Cold

A cold pack can help with the pain of an earache.

Try wrapping ice in paper towels or freezing a cold pack and then covering it with a light cloth. Hold this to the ear and the area immediately under the ear for 20 minutes.

The cold should not hurt, and parents should never apply ice directly to their children’s skin.

Some people find that heat offers greater relief than cold. For others, alternating hot and cold packs (20 minutes hot, followed by 20 minutes cold) provides the best pain relief.

4. Ear drops

Ear drops can reduce pressure in the ear caused by fluid and earwax.

People should read the directions carefully, and talk to a doctor before using ear drops on a child.

Ear drops are no substitute for prescription ear drops or antibiotics, so people should only use them for a few days. If symptoms return, people should see a doctor.

It is important to remember that people should not use ear drops in a child with tubes in their ears or whose eardrum has ruptured.

5. Massage

Gentle massage can help with ear pain that radiates from the jaw or teeth, or that causes a tension headache.

People can massage the tender area, as well as any surrounding muscles. For example, if the area behind the ear hurts, try massaging the muscles of the jaw and neck.

Massage may also help with the pain of an ear infection.

Using a downward motion, apply pressure beginning just behind the ears and down the neck.
Continuing to apply pressure downward, work forward to the front of the ears.

This type of massage may help drain excess fluid from the ears, and prevent the pain from getting worse.

6. Garlic

Garlic has long been used in folk medicine to relieve pain. Some research suggests it has antimicrobial properties that can fight infection.

People should not use it as a substitute for antibiotics a doctor has recommended. Instead, consider adding garlic to an antibiotic regimen to speed up relief.

To prevent ear infections, try eating a clove of garlic each day.

7. Onions

Like garlic, onions can help fight infection and reduce pain. Also like garlic, onions are not a substitute for medical attention.

8. Sucking

Sucking can help reduce pressure in the Eustachian tubes, offering some relief.

Babies who are nursing may feel better when allowed and encouraged to nurse as frequently as possible. Adults and children can suck on hard candy or cough drops.

9. Breast milk

Breast milk has antimicrobial properties. Some research suggests that a mother’s breast milk changes based on the microbes to which a baby is exposed.

In nursing babies, as well as in children and adults, topical application of breast milk may also help. Even if it doesn’t, breast milk is unlikely to cause any serious side effects.

People can try dropping a few drops of breast milk in each ear, and repeat the application every few hours as needed.

Share on PinterestAn earache can be mild but an ear infection can cause debilitating pain.

Ear infections are the most common cause of ear pain. When the ear becomes infected, inflammation and buildup of pressure cause pain that can be intense.

Only a doctor can diagnose an ear infection. People should not take antibiotics without a prescription, or assume that symptoms are due to an ear infection.

However, earaches are not always caused by an ear infection. Other conditions can also cause pain in the ear.

Those include:

Referred pain: This may be from infections or inflammation elsewhere in the body. For example, a toothache may cause aching pain in the ear.
Chronic conditions: These include temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
Skin infections: If they are in or around the ear.
Allergic reactions: These could be from a range of things, such as soap, shampoo, or earrings.
Water: This may cause pain if trapped in the ear.
Pressure: Changes in altitude can affect pressure in the ears. This usually resolves on its own, often with a popping sensation.

If left untreated, ear infections can spread to the jaw and other regions of the body. They may also damage the ear itself and can cause dangerously high fevers.

Read the article in Spanish

How to Get Rid of an Earache Fast

It doesn’t matter how old you are – earaches hurt. And since most earaches are not the result of a bacterial infection, antibiotics won’t help get you better.

But you don’t have to take a wait-and-see approach.

There are several earache treatment methods that can help to reduce your symptoms, including the pain and swelling you’re experiencing.

Best Method for Soothing an Earache Quickly

Typically, an earache or ear infection is associated with the common cold or flu. These viral upper respiratory infections can lead to fluid buildup in the ear.

To alleviate any pain, doctors often recommend using a warm compress, which can help to loosen congestion and ease any discomfort.

Creating a warm compress is simple. Just soak a washcloth in warm water, wring out excess water, fold it, and place it on the affected ear for 10 to 15 minutes. But be careful, as an overly hot washcloth could cause a burn.

You can also create a warm compress from a heating pad or warmed gel pack. Wrap a towel around your heating pad, set it to a low setting, and place it on top of the sore ear.

To be safe, you can also use a towel with a warmed gel pack.

Other Home Remedies for Earaches

If a warm compress doesn’t do the trick, there are other home remedies for an ear infection.

Depending on the cause of your earache, certain methods will be more effective at providing relief, as they’re designed to get to the root of why you’re having ear pain.

Steam – Does your little one have an earache that’s making them fussy? They might not sit still long enough for a warm compress to have an impact. Steam from a humidifier, shower or bath can have the same effect as a warm compress. It helps to open and relax airways, thus reducing ear pressure and easing pain.
Sleeping Upright – Ear discomfort from viral infections is often the result of fluid buildup in the middle ear. Draining this fluid can help to relief pain. Rather than sleeping lying down, try sleeping in an upright position, either propped up with a couple pillows or in an armchair that’s reclined a bit.
Gargling with Saltwater – An earache is sometimes associated with a sore throat, and gargling with saltwater can help ease your symptoms. Simply mix a 1 to 5 ratio of salt to warm water, then gargle, spit out, and repeat. If you have a sore throat, warm liquids like honey and lemon tea or a broth soup can provide some relief. Do this up to four times daily.
Essential Oils – Many essential oils have antibacterial or antiviral properties which help to kill bacteria or prevent viruses from reproducing. Tea tree oil, oregano oil, basil oil, and garlic oil, in particular, are known to alleviate ear pain. Try mixing a couple drops of essential oil with a couple drops of olive oil and placing them directly inside the ear. You can also soak a cotton ball in essential oil and put it on the opening of the ear to let the essential oil seep in.
Onion – For centuries, moms have sworn by the curative power of onions. While there is no scientific evidence behind their effectiveness, onions do contain chemicals, like flavonoid quercetin, that have anti-inflammatory properties which can help with ear swelling. To help heal an earache, place a couple drops of onion juice in the affected ear or half of an onion on top of the affected ear.
Hydrogen Peroxide Mixture – Spending time at the pool in the summer can help to cool you off, but too much time in the water can result in swimmer’s ear. To get rid of water trapped in the ear, you can make hydrogen peroxide earache drops from a 1 to 1 ratio of peroxide to water and use a dropper to put the liquid into your ear. Combining equal parts vinegar and rubbing alcohol can have the same effect. Both combinations help provide earache relief by drying out the ear and getting rid of excess moisture.
Chewing Gum – If you’ve just been on a plane or scuba diving, you might experience ear pain from changes in air pressure. Chewing gum can help to “pop” your ears and help to reduce any pain or pressure you’re experiencing.

Earache Remedies for Kids

Since children are especially prone to ear infections, given their smaller eustachian tubes, there are some medications on the market specifically for earaches in kids. Drugstores sell pain-relieving eardrops that can help your child feel better if their earache is due to a cold or flu, swimmer’s ear, or allergies.

In addition, children’s formula acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used as earache remedies to help ease discomfort from inflammation in kids 6 months or older. Be sure to consult your child’s pediatrician before giving an kind of anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) and avoid aspirin for children under 16.

When to Come into GoHealth Urgent Care

Most earaches will go away in a few days. But if it doesn’t get better, or symptoms worsen in 24 to 48 hours, it’s time to visit a GoHealth Urgent Care center.

Other reasons to seek medical advice include:

Pus-like fluid or blood oozing from the ear
A high fever (for children, a temperature over 100.4°)
Headache and dizziness
Swelling behind the ear (especially if you’re experiencing facial weakness)
An object might be stuck in your ear and needs to be removed
Severe ear pain that suddenly stops (which could be a sign of a ruptured eardrum)

Healthcare professionals at our centers regularly see and treat earaches and ear infections. Just use the dropdown below to save your spot online – or you can walk in to the GoHealth Urgent Care nearest you.

Preventing an Earache Before It Starts

Want to protect against ear infections in the first place? Your surest bet is to prevent the spread of germs that can lead to infection.

Make sure your child receives (in addition to all recommended vaccines) the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), since pneumococcal bacteria is the most common cause of an ear infection.

Also, breastfeeding for at least 6 months has shown to boost the baby’s immune system, helping to prevent sickness.

More generally to prevent earaches, you should keep your home smoke-free and practice healthy everyday habits like handwashing.

These methods will not only protect against ear infections but a whole host of illnesses you and your family are much better without!

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Ear Pain & Earache Home Remedies for Children & Adults

Most people have had at least one earache in their lifetime. Ear pain can range from a dull ache to severe acute pain. Earaches can make life quite miserable. Earache home remedies for adults and children range from pain-relieving ear drops to staying upright, but first you need to know the probable cause.

As an adult, you can identify the problem in most cases. But young children may not be able to tell you what’s wrong. How do you know if your or your child’s ear pain is something serious or something you can try managing at home? The answer to this question depends on your or your child’s symptoms. It may also depend on if treatment at home brings relief or not.

Ear Pain Causes and Symptoms

If you don’t already have a diagnosis, it’s important to know that bacterial ear infections (including middle ear infection and swimmer’s ear) are a frequent cause of ear pain, particularly among children. But there are many other reasons you may be suffering, such as:

A foreign body in the ear
Change in air pressure (from flying or diving)
Arthritis in the jaw
A hole in the eardrum
Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ)
Sinus infections
Tooth infections

Treating ear pain depends on the cause. Infections may require prescription antibiotics. A foreign object needs to be removed by a doctor. Parents shouldn’t try to remove a small object due to the risk of pushing it further in.

If any of the following symptoms occur, contact your doctor or visit an urgent care clinic for an evaluation and diagnosis:

Pain appears to be worsening instead of improving. (A child will be increasingly fussy or crying.)
Pain returns after it went away (sign of perforated eardrum)
Hearing loss
Vertigo (feeling like your surroundings are spinning even though you are standing still)
Dizziness
Signs of infection (fever, discharge from the ear, nausea and vomiting)
Swelling behind the ear
Muscles on one side of the face feel weak
Bad taste in your mouth, possibly from a dental or sinus infection

Earache Home Remedies for Ear Pain in Children

A doctor should evaluate infants and very young children before you try home treatments to relieve what you think is ear pain. With infection, children can get quite sick very quickly. For children who don’t show signs of an infection (and you know there is nothing inside the ear that shouldn’t be), you can try these home remedies for earache relief:

Ice packs (wrapped in a cloth or towel) or warm compresses, placed on the outer ear, can help relieve pain. Keep it in place for about 20 minutes and repeat every few hours throughout the day. Some people see relief with heat, others with ice. Some people alternate heat with cold.
Keep your child upright when not sleeping. Lying down can increase pressure in the ear, increasing the pain.
Over-the-counter (OTC) ear drops may help ease the pain. It is very important that there be no signs of a perforated (broken) eardrum though. Signs of a perforation include discharge from the ear, sudden and sharp pain, and hearing loss.
OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Aspirin should never be given to children without a doctor’s approval, as it can contribute to a rare but often fatal condition called Reye’s syndrome.
A few drops of warm olive oil (if there is no sign of perforation)
Keeping your child hydrated with extra water or other fluids

If the ear pain is caused by air pressure while flying, encourage infants to nurse or drink from a bottle during takeoff and landing. Older children can drink water or chew gum.
If your child does have an ear infection, your doctor might not prescribe antibiotics right away. The latest guidelines encourage a wait-and-see approach in many cases. If your child does have an ear infection but you are waiting to see if it will resolve on its own, you can still use the home remedies to help relieve the pain and pressure in the ear.

Treating Earaches in Adults

Unlike children, ear pain in adults is not usually related to infections. (Children have shorter Eustachian tubes, which makes them vulnerable to infections. These tubes lengthen as you grow, making infections less common in the teen and adult years.) At-home treatment for adult ear pain is the same as for children. If the pain is caused by pressure while flying, adults and older children may try sucking on a candy.

If you are concerned about ear pain, contact your doctor or the on-call doctor or nurse if it’s after hours. If you have repeated bouts of ear pain, ask your doctor if additional tests are necessary to determine the underlying problem and possible treatment options.

Earache

Is this your child’s symptom?

Pain in or around the ear
The older child complains about ear pain
Younger child acts like he did with last ear infection or cries a lot
Not caused by an ear injury

Causes of Earaches

Ear Infection. An infection of the middle ear (space behind the eardrum) is the most common cause. Ear infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Usually, a doctor can tell the difference by looking at the eardrum.
Swimmer’s Ear. An infection or irritation of the skin that lines the ear canal. Main symptom is itchy ear canal. If the canal becomes infected, it also becomes painful. Mainly occurs in swimmers and in the summer time.
Ear Canal Injury. A cotton swab or fingernail can cause a scrape in the canal.
Ear Canal Abscess. An infection of a hair follicle in the ear canal can be very painful. It looks like a small red bump. Sometimes, it turns into a pimple. It needs to be drained.
Earwax. A big piece of hard earwax can cause mild ear pain. If the wax has been pushed in by cotton swabs, the ear canal can become blocked. This pain will be worse.
Ear Canal Foreign Object. Young children may put small objects in their ear canal. It will cause pain if object is sharp or pushed in very far.
Airplane Ear. If the ear tube is blocked, sudden increases in air pressure can cause the eardrum to stretch. The main symptom is severe ear pain. It usually starts when coming down for a landing. It can also occur during mountain driving.
Pierced Ear Infections. These are common. If not treated early, they can become very painful.
Referred Pain. Ear pain can also be referred from diseases not in the ear. Tonsil infections are a common example. Tooth decay in a back molar can seem like ear pain. Mumps can be reported as ear pain. Reason: the mumps parotid gland is in front of the ear. Jaw pain (TMJ syndrome) can masquerade as ear pain.

Ear Infections: Most Common Cause

Definition. An infection of the middle ear (the space behind the eardrum). Viral ear infections are more common than bacterial ones.
Symptoms. The main symptom is an earache. Younger children will cry, act fussy or have trouble sleeping because of pain. About 50% of children with an ear infection will have a fever.
Diagnosis. A doctor can diagnose a bacterial ear infection by looking at the eardrum. It will be bulging and have pus behind it. For viral ear infections, the eardrum will be red but not bulging.
Age Range. Ear infections peak at age 6 months to 2 years. They are a common problem until age 8. The onset of ear infections is often on day 3 of a cold.
Frequency. 90% of children have at least 1 ear infection. Frequent ear infections occur in 20% of children. Ear infections are the most common bacterial infection of young children.
Complication of Bacterial Ear Infections. In 5% to 10% of children, the eardrum will develop a small tear. This is from the pressure in the middle ear. The ear then drains cloudy fluid or pus. This small hole most often heals over in 2 or 3 days.
Treatment. Bacterial ear infections need an oral antibiotic. Viral ear infections get better on their own. They need pain medicine and supportive care.

When to Call for Earache

Call 911 Now

Not moving or too weak to stand
You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

Severe earache and not improved 2 hours after taking ibuprofen
Pink or red swelling behind the ear
Outer ear is red, swollen and painful
Stiff neck (can’t touch chin to the chest)
Walking is not steady
Pointed object was put into the ear canal (such as a pencil, stick, or wire)
Weak immune system. Examples are: sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids.
Fever over 104° F (40° C)
Your child looks or acts very sick
You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

Earache, but none of the symptoms above. Reason: could be an ear infection.
Pus or cloudy discharge from ear canal

Seattle Children’s Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Care Advice for Earache

What You Should Know About Earaches:
Your child may have an ear infection. The only way to be sure is to look at the eardrum.
It is safe to wait until your doctor’s office is open to call. It is not harmful to wait if the pain starts at night.
Ear pain can usually be controlled with pain medicine.
Many earaches are caused by a virus and don’t need an antibiotic.
Here is some care advice that should help until you talk with your doctor.
Pain Medicine:
To help with the pain, give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
Use as needed.
Cold Pack for Pain:
Put a cold wet washcloth on the outer ear for 20 minutes. This should help the pain until the pain medicine starts to work.
Note: some children prefer heat for 20 minutes.
Caution: heat or cold kept on too long could cause a burn or frostbite.
Ear Infection Discharge:
If pus is draining from the ear, the eardrum probably has a small tear. Usually, this is from an ear infection. Discharge can also occur if your child has ear tubes.
The pus may be blood-tinged.
Most often, this heals well after the ear infection is treated.
Wipe the discharge away as you see it.
Do not plug the ear canal with cotton. Reason: retained pus can cause an infection of the lining of the ear canal.
Fever Medicine:
For fevers above 102° F (39° C), give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
Note: fevers less than 102° F (39° C) are important for fighting infections.
For all fevers: keep your child well hydrated. Give lots of cold fluids.
Return to School:
Ear infections cannot be spread to others.
Can return to school or child care when the fever is gone.
Call Your Doctor If:
Pain becomes severe
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the ‘Call Your Doctor’ symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 05/30/2021

Last Revised: 03/11/2021

Earache – HSE.ie

Earache and ear pain affects both children and adults. It is particularly common in young children.

Earache usually comes on suddenly and the pain can be quite severe. The severe pain generally lasts only a day or two but isn’t usually a sign of anything serious.

Most earaches are caused by a virus so antibiotics won’t help.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of earache are:

severe pain (caused by the pressure of mucus on the eardrum)
a high temperature
slight deafness

About three-quarters of these ear infections happen in children under 10 years of age. If there is no fever or temperature, the earache may be caused by a wax blockage or glue ear. A sore throat can also cause an earache.

Sometimes the pressure can cause the eardrum to burst and fluid may come out of the ear. There is no cause for alarm if this happens. You should just keep the ear dry and make an appointment to see your GP.

Symptoms of earache in babies and young children

Most earaches in children are caused by viral infections which will clear up by themselves in 3 to 4 days. Usually, pain relief is the only treatment needed. Antibiotics will not reduce the pain of an ear infection.

A young child with earache might also:

have a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above
rub or pull their ear
not react to some sounds
be irritable or restless
be off their food
keep losing their balance

Earache and ear pain can affect one or both ears.

Treatment

There are some things you can do to help relieve an earache and ear pain.

You can take over-the-counter medicines to help with the pain and high temperature. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

Do not take antibiotics for an ear infection unless your GP prescribes them. Ear infections are generally caused by viruses and antibiotics cannot treat viruses.

After an ear infection, you may still have fluid behind your eardrum. This can last for several months. Your ear may feel uncomfortable but it will be a more of a dull, abnormal feeling than a sharp pain. This may also affect your hearing for a short while until the fluid is gone.

Do:

use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Children under 16 should not take aspirin

Don’t:

do not put anything inside the ear, such as cotton buds
do not try to remove earwax

When to see your GP

Usually, you do not need to see your GP for an earache. But, if you have dizziness, severe headache, discharge or fluid from the ear or your earache does not improve within 3 to 4 days, you should visit your GP.

page last reviewed: 13/06/2019
next review due: 13/06/2022

Antibiotics for Ear Infections in Children

When you need them—and when you don’t

Many children get ear infections. The infections are usually in the middle ear behind the eardrum. They may be caused by bacteria or by a virus. Doctors often treat bacterial infections with antibiotics. Antibiotics are strong medicines that kill bacteria.

Infants and some babies and children do need antibiotics.

But using antibiotics too often can be harmful. Here’s why:

In most cases, antibiotics are not needed.

They do not work for ear infections caused by viruses.
They do not help the pain.
Usually, viral infections and many bacterial infections go away on their own in two to three days, especially in children who are over two years old.

First, call the doctor and treat the pain.

If you suspect your child has an ear infection, you should call the doctor’s office and describe the symptoms. Usually, your doctor should ask you to wait a few days before bringing your child in.

The main sign of an ear infection is pain, especially on the first day. Or, a child may have a fever.

Start by giving your child an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as:

acetaminophen (Infants’ or Children’s Tylenol and generic).
ibuprofen (Children’s Motrin and generic).

Antibiotics do not relieve pain in the first 24 hours. They only have a small effect on pain after that. So, pain relievers are an important treatment, and usually they are the only treatment needed.

Give most children two or three days to get better.
Ask the doctor if antibiotics are necessary or if a “wait and see” approach may work. Children whose ear infections are managed this way recover just as well as children who get antibiotics right away. However, your child should see a doctor if symptoms do not improve in two to three days or if they get worse at any time.

Antibiotics can have side effects.
When children take antibiotics at the first sign of an ear infection, they are more likely to have vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reactions because of the medicine. Also, antibiotics can kill “friendly” germs in the body and cause other problems like diarrhea.

Over-use of antibiotics is a problem.
Antibiotics can help drug-resistant bacteria grow. These bacteria are harder to kill. They can cause illnesses that are harder to cure and more costly to treat. This increases the risk of complications and side effects. The resistant bacteria can also infect other people.

Antibiotics can be a waste of money.
Prescription antibiotics can cost as much as $50 to treat a mild ear infection in the average two-year-old. Drug-resistent infections can lead to more doctor visits and medicines that cost more.

When is treatment with antibiotics needed?
If the infection is very painful and lasts more than a few days, chances are it is a bacterial infection.

Sometimes immediate treatment is important. These children often need antibiotics right away:

Infants six months old or younger.
Babies ages six months to two years, who have moderate to severe ear pain.
Children age two or older who have a fever of 102.2 Fahrenheit or higher.
Children with another condition that could make it harder to heal, including children with:
A cleft palate
Down syndrome
An immune disorder
A cochlear implant

This report is for you to use when talking with your healthcare provider. It is not a substitute for medical advice and treatment. Use of this report is at your own risk.

Developed in cooperation with the American Academy of Family Physicians.

02/2021

90,000 What to do if your ear hurts? Nimesil or ENT doctor?

Agree that when your ear hurts, you can no longer think about anything but this pain.
And it is not always possible to make pain less with the help of popular drugs.

Most often, we do not go to the doctor right away, but start treatment on our own: we drip drops, drink pain relievers, or, even worse, take antibiotics uncontrollably.

But ear pain can be a manifestation (symptom) of various diseases, which are treated in different ways.Therefore, with self-medication, it often turns out that the cause of the disease is one, and we treat our beloved ears from a completely different one. And, alas, the result is not recovery, but the development of the disease, and, very often – concomitant complications due to the development of the disease. And since the ears are in close proximity to the brain, complications can be very dire.

So, if you start having pains inside the ear, it is better to contact an ENT doctor (otolaryngologist) without delay.
He will determine the cause of the pain, if necessary, he will conduct himself or prescribe additional examinations (endoscopic examination, computed tomography, etc.).and will select the optimal treatment for you.

What are the causes of ear pain?

1. Inflammatory process

Pain inside the ear is most often a sign of an inflammatory process, most often otitis media. Inflammation can be localized in the area of the auricle, external auditory canal, middle ear (tympanic cavity, mastoid, Eustachian tube).

Symptoms of otitis externa: at the beginning of the disease, the pain in the ear is not severe, itching and congestion of the ear are possible.As the progression progresses, the pain intensifies, becomes unbearable, when pulling the fingers outward, the auricle and ear are sharply painful. Further, the process involves the soft tissues of the parotid region, which also become sharply painful when pressed and palpated.

The cause of inflammation of the external auditory canal is most often a swollen and infected sulfur plug and fungi (with otomycosis), trauma (for example, when trying to remove sulfur on your own with a cotton swab, a match, etc.).n), foreign bodies (cotton wool, insects, etc.)

What to do with otitis externa is categorically forbidden: – to warm your ears, visit a bathhouse, a sauna, a swimming pool; instill alcohol drops into the ear.

It is recommended – in case of severe pain, take a pain reliever and consult an ENT doctor as soon as possible.

Symptoms of otitis media (otitis media) – acute otitis media, as a rule, occurs due to an acute respiratory infection, against the background of a runny nose, nasal congestion.

How to determine this? The pain increases with pressure on the tragus (a protrusion in the auricle near the opening of the external auditory canal). In addition, with acute otitis media, the temperature rises, shoots appear in the ear, and pus may discharge from the ear.
These symptoms often accompany an advanced or untreated infectious disease.

What to do? Any pain in the ear requires consultation with an otorhinolaryngologist. Therefore, if there is pain in the ear, you can take an anesthetic (paracetamol, analgin, nurofen, nimesil, teraflu, etc.) to relieve the condition.in case of nasal congestion, we recommend that you instill vasoconstrictor drops (naphthyzin, otrivin, nasivin, etc.) into the nose. And be sure to contact your ENT doctor as soon as possible.

What cannot be done? Do not take antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription. In addition, if the body temperature is elevated, or periodically rises, the pain in the ear is pulsating, there is purulent discharge from the ear, then it is absolutely impossible to warm the sore ear!
Do not drip drops into your ears without a doctor’s prescription. Wax candles are strictly prohibited for any otitis media.

Preventive measures. Often, otitis media manifests itself after a running cold, flu or sore throat, a runny nose. The disease can recur (reoccur) against the background of an enlarged adenoid or chronic rhinitis, sinusitis. Therefore, such diseases need to be treated, guided by the recommendations of your ENT doctor, and, most importantly, the treatment should be completed.

2. Caries

Oddly enough, the cause of ear pain can be in dental caries. With advanced caries, a throbbing or aching pain in the ear causes an inflammatory process of the tissues near the diseased tooth, since pain is transmitted along the nerve to the ear.

How to determine this? Earache, throbbing or aching, is more often combined with a toothache. It intensifies when you press on a sore tooth, when chewing, or when eating cold and hot food. It hurts more at night than during the day.

What to do? Of course, it is faster to visit the dentist. Pain can be relieved by taking a pain reliever before seeing a doctor.
You can rinse with baking soda – take a glass of warm boiled water and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 drops of iodine.

What cannot be done? Do not apply a warm compress on the side of a diseased tooth.
Do not pick at the tooth with any objects or touch an inflamed tooth or gum with your hands. This can lead to the spread of infection.

Preventive measures. Avoid dental problems, any hole in the tooth can lead to infection and inflammation.

3. Trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia (inflammation of the nerve) can also cause ear pain.

How to determine this? The pain can be shooting and short-term, or it can be mildly constant and felt not only in the ear, but also in the parotid region, the parietal-temporal region.At the same time, the patient notes that it is unpleasant for him to touch the scalp and hair from this side, hyperesthesia appears – increased sensitivity.

What to do? With such symptoms, you should immediately contact a neuropathologist. But you will most likely need an ENT doctor’s consultation to rule out ear diseases. Indeed, in the case of pathology of ENT organs, only he will be able to prescribe the necessary, specific treatment for your case.

What cannot be done? You can not use spicy foods, coffee and strong tea.They can increase the pain sensation.

Preventive measures. Do not overcool the body. Prolonged hypothermia can cause neuralgia, especially when combined with physical activity. Old spinal injuries can also be possible causes.

4. Furuncle

If there is severe pain inside the ear and there is discharge of pus, then a possible cause is a furuncle. This is a localized inflammation of the hair follicle.

How to determine this? The pain is constant, intense, increases with pressure on the ear tragus.

What to do? It is necessary to make an appointment with an ENT doctor, preferably an operating one, because for a high-quality opening of the abscess (and such is an inflamed boil), surgical intervention and the appointment of effective antibiotic therapy are necessary.

What cannot be done? You cannot open the boil on your own so as not to bring the infection into the body. Also, remember that uncontrolled self-medication with antibiotics is not only ineffective, but can harm you in the future.

Preventive measures.Keep your ears clean. A boil appears due to the lack of simple hygiene procedures – for those who do not clean their ears or clean with dangerous sharp objects.

5. Unfortunately, there are many other causes of pain in the ears – infection, trauma, sulfur plug, etc.

It is impossible to list everything within the framework of our short article. Therefore, the next question is as old as the world.

How to treat a sore ear after all?

You can get a lot of different recommendations from friends, relatives, acquaintances.Connoisseurs of traditional medicine advise to bury an infusion of chamomile, lemon balm or propolis in the ear, apply a beetroot compress with the addition of honey, etc. Experienced parents who have gone through several otitis media with their children will advise you on a specific antibiotic. The pharmacist in the pharmacy will immediately give out several packages of “definitely helping” and not cheap medicines.

But the cause of pain, as you understand, can be very different: infectious, traumatic, indirectly associated with the surrounding nerves, etc.And the methods of treatment that will help you with acute otitis media can be harmful for otitis externa.

Therefore, before doing the treatment yourself, we recommend that you see the ENT doctor of the Lor Plus clinic to provide qualified and effective assistance.

What should be done to avoid ear pain? Prevention.

A healthy lifestyle is the first and most important condition for the prevention of any diseases, including ear diseases.
Specific preventive measures depend on the location of the inflammation: auricle, external auditory canal, middle ear cavity or inner ear.Diseases of these parts of the ear are different in nature and further development. Accordingly, prevention measures will be different.

For example, when there is too much wax in the ear canal, some people develop sulfur plugs. In this case, the main recommendation is not to clean your ears with cotton swabs and regularly, at least 1 time a year, conduct examinations with an ENT doctor.

Remember that the health of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx is extremely important for the prevention of diseases of the middle ear, since the normal functioning of the ear is closely related to normal nasal breathing and the condition of the nose and paranasal sinuses.

Lor Plus Medical Center conducts preventive examinations, as well as diagnostics and treatment of ear diseases in adults and children. Thanks to our highly qualified specialists and modern methods of prevention, you can prevent otitis media in a child, or cure serious ear diseases without consequences.

Conclusion:

Various diseases can cause ear pain. Only an ENT doctor can accurately determine this after the examination, and often also after the appointment of additional examinations.Therefore, we categorically do not recommend that you independently treat your ears – a very important part of our body.

Questions and answers on the topic “Treatment of ear diseases”

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How to treat an inflamed ear: advice from the medical center

Severe shooting or aching aching pain in the ear area indicates the onset of inflammation. The disease is dangerous, it is better not to deal with its treatment at home, so as not to aggravate the situation.At the first symptoms, it is necessary to contact a specialist who will conduct an examination, explain how to treat an inflamed ear and prescribe a medication regimen.

Causes of pain in the ear

Painful sensations can be caused by a number of external causes or signal the onset of an inflammatory process. If the phenomenon is short-lived, quickly passes and does not bother you anymore, then you do not need to worry. The reasons are:

long diving;
A sharp loud sound near the auricle;
being in a draft;
hit when falling;
long-term use of headphones;
Excess or deficiency of earwax.

With the development of otitis media, the pain itself will not go away. It can change, becoming sharp, pressing, or throbbing. The condition requires contacting the medical center https://voronezh.sovamed.ru/ to an otolaryngologist and systematic treatment. The consequence of a frivolous attitude to health is a decrease in hearing acuity or its complete loss, meningitis.

Otitis media develops progressively, from weak painful impulses to intolerable attacks, when even painkillers do not help.

Reasons:

hypothermia with weakened immunity;
mechanical damage to the inner part of the auricle;
complication of a cold disease.

Types of otitis media

The inflammatory process can develop in different parts of the ear. Its type is determined by localization.

Outdoor

The most common causes are repeated ingress of water or mechanical injuries during diving. The disease has the unspoken name “swimmer’s ear”.Symptoms are throbbing pain, a feeling of congestion, an increase in temperature up to 38 degrees. If untreated, it quickly turns into a purulent form.

Medium

It develops in the air cavity behind the tympanic membrane. The main reason is getting an infection, often the disease occurs as a complication after influenza, sinusitis, sinusitis, ARVI. The disease is warned by tinnitus, slight discomfort against the background of hearing loss. If left untreated, the catarrhal form quickly develops into a purulent form with an increase in temperature, pain in half of the head, including the parietal part, jaw and teeth.To fight the infection, it is necessary to make a puncture of the eardrum in stationary conditions to remove pus if it does not come out on its own.

Internal otitis media

Is the most complex form, develops in a short time, affects the vestibular apparatus, leads to hearing loss and loss. Such patients have to be hospitalized.

There are acute and chronic otitis media. In the second form, you will have to take precautions, not to overcool and be sensitive to the first signs of inflammation in the ear.

What medicines to treat ears

Otitis media does not allow self-medication. The disease is complex, with numerous complications, and requires examination and supervision by a specialist in the course of treatment.

In most cases, drops of various compositions are prescribed. This can only be done by a doctor, since there are many nuances when choosing a medicine. So with an intact tympanic membrane, one is prescribed, with its breakthrough or puncture, another, there are restrictions on age and concomitant diseases.

Depending on the cause and stage of inflammation, an antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory or a combination drug is prescribed. In case of complications, it is necessary to combine it with general antibiotics and support the body with immunomodulators.

The advantages of the drops are local action, rapid onset of relief, a short list of contraindications and restrictions for use. They are economical, affordable, and have several analogues of the prescribed drug.

The most popular drops

Preference is given to combined preparations containing local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory components. These include:

Otipax;
Otinum;
Droplex;
Sofradex;
Polydex;
Anauran;
Candibiotic;
Sanguirithrin.

When pathogenic bacteria become the cause of inflammation, drugs from the antibacterial list are prescribed, such as Rifonat, Ofloxacin, Tsipromed, Dancil.

It is very important to accurately determine the cause of the disease, otherwise the treatment will be ineffective.

Treatment for children

For babies, ear pain is especially excruciating, and there are many more reasons for its occurrence, including small foreign objects entering the ears. A visit to a doctor cannot be postponed, as well as using drugs uncontrollably in an attempt to independently cure otitis media. Among the recommended means are Tsipromed, Otofa, Otipaks, Sofradeks, Okomistin.

Folk remedies

Ear pain at the initial stage during the day is almost not felt, watching in the evening and at night.To wait for the opening of the polyclinic without urgent hospitalization, it is worth remembering the available means that can calm down painful sensations for a while.

Compress

It is impossible to warm the ear strongly and for a long time, but 15 minutes is enough to relieve pain. A cotton napkin is impregnated with medical alcohol or vodka, applied around the ear, covered with a plastic bag and insulated with cotton wool, fixed with a scarf. For the auricle, a hole is cut in each layer. The method is an emergency one, it is often not applied.

Tampons

Turundas impregnated with boric alcohol, tincture of calendula or celandine are effective for relieving pain. A wet swab is placed in the ear until the discomfort is relieved. Babies will quickly be helped by a mashed geranium leaf, rolled into a cone and inserted into the ear canal. The remedy is not curative, it helps to wait for a doctor’s appointment.

Otitis media is diagnosed by external examination, audiometry, tomography. In order to prevent the development of the disease as a complication, it is necessary to use vasoconstrictor nasal drops, maintain fluid balance in the body, and avoid repeated hypothermia.And most importantly, at the first symptoms, immediately consult a doctor.

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Drug therapy for ear diseases | Remedium.ru

The highest frequency of visits to an otolaryngologist in outpatient practice are patients with acute otitis externa and otitis media, acute eustachitis.

The main symptoms of diseases of the outer and middle ear are a feeling of stuffiness in the ear, which can be accompanied by pain, from barely perceptible to unbearable.Ear congestion without pain is mainly associated with inflammation of the auditory tube (eustachitis). With otitis externa, in most cases, there is a pain syndrome, which usually occurs when chewing and pressing on the tragus. Acute eustachitis can cause the development of acute purulent otitis media. At the stage of acute eustachitis, otitis media is manifested by a feeling of ear congestion and a corresponding otoscopic picture. Early diagnosis and treatment can stop the disease at this stage.With the further development of the process and the involvement of the tympanic cavity in it, a pain syndrome appears that is not associated with the movement of the lower jaw and pressure on the tragus.

It must be remembered that ear pain can be triggered by other processes. Most often it is trigeminal neuritis, diseases of the dentoalveolar system, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, etc. The pain in these cases, as a rule, is widespread.

Based on the foregoing, it is necessary to focus the attention of the pharmacy client on the fact that any similar symptomatology from the ear requires the consultation of an otolaryngologist.Self-medication can be reduced only to temporary symptomatic therapy before contacting a specialist.

With otitis externa, the infectious process is localized in the external auditory canal. It can be limited (furuncle of the external auditory canal) or diffuse. In most cases, local therapy has a fairly good effect with an adequate choice of the drug. Diffuse otitis externa caused by bacterial flora respond well to treatment when using complex drops containing an antibiotic of the aminoglycoside group and a hormone: Sofradex, Otofa, Polidex , etc.They cause the death of microorganisms, reduce swelling and pain. Some of these drops contain lidocaine ( Otipax, Anauran) . The content of an antibiotic from the aminoglycoside group in these preparations makes them potentially dangerous in terms of the development of an ototoxic effect – a drug-induced lesion of the auditory nerve with the further development of deafness. This is possible when the tympanic membrane is perforated and the drug enters the tympanic cavity. Suppuration from the ear may indicate a defect in the eardrum, which is a contraindication for the use of such drops.These drugs are contraindicated in chronic otitis media.

Since in many cases of the disease there is a fungal infection, it is advisable to use drugs with an antifungal effect. This is Candibiotic today. It is most appropriate for preventive treatment.

Recently, a fungal infection of the outer and middle ear – otomycosis, has become widespread. The main symptoms of the disease are ear congestion, itching, and moderate pain.There may be discharge from the ear. Diagnosis is based on complaints, otoscopic findings, and ear swabs. The use of drops containing an antibiotic and a hormone can aggravate the process. In the treatment, specific antifungal drugs for topical use are used: Clotrimazole and Nitrofungin .

If the situation at the pre-medical stage is not entirely clear, then the most justified and rational is the use of ear drops, which include NSAIDs: Otinum and Otipax. They have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and are effective for both external and otitis media.Their use is most justified in non-perforated otitis media: the antibacterial component of the combined drops does not penetrate the eardrum, and the hormone can mask the current inflammatory process or emerging complications. In the presence of perforation of the eardrum, you should also refrain from using NSAIDs: the presence of an alcohol base in their composition can cause a strong irritant effect with pain. Manufacturers also point to the possibility of developing deafness when they enter the tympanic cavity.

For perforated otitis media, drops such as Cipromed and Normax , containing an antibiotic of the fluoroquinolone group, are used. They do not have irritating or ototoxic effects. However, it must be remembered that these drugs do not replace systemic antibiotic therapy. In a similar situation, transtympanic injection of antiseptic drugs ( miramistin 1: 2, dioxidine 0.5%, octenisept 1: 8 ) is shown transtympanally: the solution is injected into the ear canal followed by pressure on the tragus.Antiseptics are indicated for otitis externa, otomycosis, and chronic otitis media. Therefore, it is precisely them that can be absolutely justified and fearlessly recommended both at the pre-medical stage and in the process of treatment after clarifying the diagnosis.

In acute purulent otitis media, mucolytic and mucokinetic therapy is of great importance. In order to speed up the outflow of the contents from the tympanic cavity, drugs such as Erespal, Gelomirtol, Sinupret are used. In addition, they, especially Erespal, have anti-inflammatory effects.

In otitis media, an important component of treatment is the restoration of the patency of the auditory tube. This is achieved through the use of the already mentioned antihistamines, as well as intranasal decongestants ( Otrivin, Tizin, Nazivin , etc.). A systemic drug of similar action can be called Rinopront . Calcium preparations have a pronounced anti-edema effect.

Pathogenetically justified is the use of antihistamines.Their use is especially indicated in acute eustachitis to achieve a decongestant effect.

Anti-inflammatory therapy is carried out using systemic NSAIDs (in the absence of contraindications). The most appropriate application is Nimesulide and its analogues (Nimesila, Niza). They irritate the gastrointestinal tract to a lesser extent and can be recommended even for patients with chronic gastroduodenitis. With severe pain syndrome, Ketanov can be used. Homeopathic medicine Engystol also has anti-inflammatory action.

In the complex treatment of otitis media, it is advisable to use various immunomodulatory drugs (in the absence of contraindications). The domestic immunostimulator Polyoxidonium, , which also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, has proven itself well. The resolution of purulent-inflammatory processes against the background of its use is much faster.

Multivitamin complexes in a therapeutic dose also have a stimulating effect. “Supradin”, “Duovit”, “Vitrum” , etc.can be applied up to 2-3 times a day for a weekly course.

Recently, more and more attention is paid to antioxidant therapy in acute and chronic inflammatory processes. It has been practically tested that they shorten the recovery time by an average of 3-5 days. Such an addition to therapy is appropriate not only in the acute period, but also in the future, for a general course of up to 1 month.

How to treat otitis media – Lifehacker

What to do if your ear hurts badly, but you are not sure about the diagnosis

These options will temporarily relieve pain in any of the otitis media and, in general, any ear damage.

1. Apply a cold compress to your ear

This can be a towel dipped in cold water or a napkin-wrapped bag of ice or frozen vegetables. As a rule, for the pain to stop being acute, it is enough to hold the compress for about 20 minutes ^.

Never warm up your ear!

Otitis media may be associated with purulent inflammation, which will only intensify with an increase in temperature. Warming up can sometimes help, but I do them only after consulting a doctor.

2. Drink a pain reliever

The pain of otitis media can be unbearable, so a medication to relieve the condition is more than justified. Preparations based on ibuprofen or paracetamol are suitable.

3. Actively move your jaws as if you are chewing something

Chewing can relieve pain if it is caused by excessive pressure in the middle ear – a common companion of one of the common types of otitis media.

Feel better? Now, without unnecessary stress, we will figure out how to treat otitis media and why it is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible in case of pain in the ear.

What is otitis media

Otitis media are any inflammatory processes in the ear. Our hearing organs are a complex structure made up of three parts: the outer, middle and inner ear.

Depending on which part of the inflammation began, distinguish:

Otitis externa . It affects the ear canal and is most often associated with an infection under the skin. This happens if you are used to picking your ear with your finger or using cotton swabs too actively.
Otitis media . It is an inflammatory lesion of the middle ear, including the eardrum. When they talk about otitis media, most often they mean this particular type of it. The most common cause of otitis media is ENT diseases (acute respiratory infections, tonsillitis, flu, sinusitis, rhinitis, and so on). The fact is that the middle ear is connected to the nasopharynx by the so-called Eustachian tube – a cavity that serves to equalize the air pressure in front of and behind the eardrum. Through the same tube, infections migrate quite readily into the middle ear.
Otitis media (labyrinthitis ^{). The most dangerous, but, fortunately, a rather rare type of otitis media. As a rule, it appears if, for some reason, it was not possible to stop the development of otitis media and the infection got into the inner ear. It can be recognized by the onset of severe dizziness (it appears due to the fact that the infection affects the vestibular apparatus, also located in the inner ear).}

Why otitis media is dangerous

All types of otitis media are quite painful and can flow into each other, worsening the condition.However, there are much more unpleasant consequences:

Rupture of the tympanic membrane. In response to an infection in the ear, pus begins to be produced (this situation is called purulent otitis media). When there is too much of it, it can rupture the thin eardrum. This is fraught with temporary hearing loss and the need for long-term treatment.
Damage to the auditory nerve. If the infection gets into the inner ear and touches a nerve, hearing loss could be permanent.
Meningitis.Certain bacteria (such as pneumococci and Haemophilus influenzae) that cause otitis media can also cause inflammation of the meninges.

When to see a doctor

Unfortunately, it is difficult to recognize otitis media without the help of a doctor. This disease has no specific symptoms. Most often it manifests itself as a sharp shooting pain in the ear and fever. But these signs overlap with symptoms of other conditions that cause discomfort in the ear. For proper treatment, it is necessary to make a diagnosis, and this can only be done by a qualified physician.

And even if it seems to you that you know the reasons for the discomfort and they are not scary (for example, water that has got into the ear), you should still visit at least a therapist. And be sure to contact your doctor ^if:

Pain in the ear is accompanied by an increase in temperature – this is a sign of the development of an inflammatory process.
You develop additional symptoms: dizziness, headache, swelling around the ear, weakness of the facial muscles.
Severe pain stops suddenly – this may be due to a ruptured eardrum.
Symptoms (pain, fever) worsen or do not improve within 24 to 48 hours.

How to treat otitis media

After making a diagnosis, the physician will find out what exactly caused the otitis media – viruses or bacteria. In the second case, you will be prescribed antibiotics. In the first, no, they are useless ^.

If you have been diagnosed with otitis media and the cause is established, this is what you need to do.

1. Complete a course of antibiotics if prescribed

This is the only effective way to defeat a bacterial infection.In no case do not interrupt the course, even if it seems to you that you are already completely healthy. If you stop taking antibiotics, the infection may come back and become “impenetrable” to the medication. So you have to select a new drug and start the course from the beginning.

2. Use vasoconstrictor nasal drops

These drugs will relieve swelling in the nasopharynx and Eustachian tube. And the fluid accumulated in the ear (including pus) will be able to come out on its own.

3.Do not prescribe ear drops before going to the doctor.

Doing activities before going to the doctor is prohibited. If suddenly your pain is associated with a ruptured eardrum, the medication can enter the middle and inner ear and cause damage to the auditory nerve.

If a doctor prescribes drops for you, strictly follow his recommendations.

4. Rinse the ear

An antiseptic solution used to rinse the ear cavity stops inflammation and removes pus and other fluids from the ear.But it is extremely important to remember: this procedure is prescribed and carried out exclusively by ENT.

5. Apply a warm compress to your ear

For example, a heating pad wrapped in a thin towel. Warming up really reduces the discomfort. But it must be agreed with the doctor! In some cases, a warm compress can accelerate the development of the inflammatory process. Make sure you don’t take risks.

6. Gargle with salted water

Dissolve ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.This rinsing soothes an irritated throat and helps relieve swelling in the Eustachian tube. The pressure inside and outside the eardrum will equalize, and this will reduce pain.

7. Take pain relievers

The most effective drugs are paracetamol and ibuprofen.

8. If necessary, drain

If there is too much fluid or pus in the ear or recurrent otitis media, the ENT may offer you a drain. A tiny hole will be made in the eardrum to keep fluids (including pus) from collecting in the middle ear and to provide adequate ventilation for the middle ear.

Drainage is performed under general anesthesia and takes 10-15 minutes. And the hole made disappears in 6-18 months after the procedure. Often, a single drainage is enough to forget about otitis media altogether. But if the disease returns after the hole is overgrown, the procedure may have to be repeated.

9. Breathe fresh air

Try to irritate the nasopharynx and associated Eustachian tube as little as possible. No smoking (including passive visits to smokers), smells of paint, burnt leaves and other nasty things.

Keep an eye on the air humidity. For the nasopharynx and ears to feel good, it should be 40-60%.

Read also 90,013 90,000 prices for drugs for ringing in the ears – Dobavki.ua

Choosing drugs to improve hearing

Hearing loss is an unpleasant problem that occurs at any age. A general decrease in the level of auditory perception is typical for elderly people. But, this does not always turn out to be a natural process.Pills to improve hearing will help to remove hearing loss, restore organ functions, get rid of deafness.

Active natural ingredients are used to regulate the system of sound perception, eliminate neurosensory disorders. In advanced cases, an additional course of admission may be required.

Natural Hearing Tablet

When choosing a remedy for ringing in the ears or increasing the sensitivity to sounds, it is worth checking out the available offers.Biological products are divided according to the format:

capsules or tablets with a vitamin and mineral complex;
nootropic substances to stimulate blood circulation, eliminate discomfort;
ear drops with a softening, soothing effect;
complex of natural candles.

Causes of hearing loss may be:

otitis media of various degrees, inflammatory processes, sulfur plugs, water plugs after immersion under water;
disturbances in the functioning of the organs of perception and integration of sound impulses;
natural aging of the body;
a combination of several factors.

Means for improving hearing in Kiev

You can buy safe and effective drugs for tinnitus on the website dobavki.ua. The store’s catalog contains options for dietary supplements on a natural basis that do not have side effects. You can read customer reviews, read the instructions, decide on the release form. Delivery takes place in all cities of Ukraine by postal and transport services.

Frequently asked questions about: Remedies for pain and ringing in the ears

💊 Is it possible to get rid of deafness with hearing aids?

In some cases, it is indeed possible to significantly improve hearing with the help of special preparations on a natural basis.The active ingredients of the pills to improve hearing eliminate neurosensory impairments. In advanced cases, an additional course of drugs may be required. See further on the site

🌿 In what cases are hearing aids useful?

Hearing improvement drugs will help fight otitis media, deafness due to natural causes (age). They will also be effective for violations of the organs of sound perception of various nature and for complex problems. See further on the site

💚 Are hearing aids available in online stores?

In the vastness of online stores, you can find a large selection of drugs for improving hearing in various forms: tablets and capsules, nootropic substances, drops, suppositories, and so on.The site dobavki.ua presents a wide range of high quality products at a reasonable price. See further on the site

90,000 Shoots in the Ear: How to Relieve Pain and Avoid Infection | Healthy life | Health

Your questions are answered by Candidate of Psychological Sciences, specialist in traditional systems of health improvement, TV presenter of the program “About the Most Important” and the author of the book “Home Guide of the Most Important Tips for Your Health” (EKSMO publishing house) Sergey Agapkin .

How to relieve pain?

My ears often hurt. Advise on how to relieve pain at home.

Irina, Moscow

– Try to warm your ear with a warm towel or heating pad (set it to the minimum setting). But don’t fall asleep with her! If the pain is severe, take a pain reliever. Never inject anything into your ear other than a pipette for instilling ear drops.

You should talk to your doctor if:

pain in the ear does not go away or worsens despite all the measures taken and is accompanied by an increase in temperature;
There is discharge from the ear, similar to blood or pus;
Medium-intensity ear pain persists for 2–3 days;
does not go away redness, swelling.

Is the dampness to blame?

I go to the pool twice a week. Water entering the ears often causes pain and inflammation. How to deal with this nuisance?

Pavel, Yaroslavl

– Outer ear infection (sometimes called swimmer’s ear) is an inflammation of the outer ear canal, the part of the ear that runs from the eardrum to the outer opening.

If you experience any discomfort, put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ear and then a few drops of rubbing alcohol to dry the ear canal.Use an eyedropper, not a cotton swab.

You can prevent the development of infection if you follow a few simple rules :

Keep your ears dry. After swimming in the pool or showering, pat your ears dry with a cotton towel; tilt your head to let the water drain out of your ears, or turn on the hairdryer to the minimum and dry your ear from a distance of 45 cm.
Use protective ear drops, available over the counter.
Do not use earplugs (earplugs) as they block the ear canal and retain water.

If all these measures did not help, see your doctor, he will prescribe antibiotic ear drops.

Hygiene according to the rules

I heard that you can’t use cotton swabs to clean your ears. But how, then, to remove the sulfur?

Raisa, Samara

– Earwax is a thick liquid that normally coats the outer ear canal to trap dust particles and protect the eardrum. Typically, the wax flows out of the outer ear by itself.If everything is fine, you do not need to pay special attention to the cleanliness of your ears – the ear is capable of self-cleaning. If the sulfur plug does form, try using petroleum jelly.

Oil heated to body temperature (not in a microwave oven, but in a water bath!) Helps to soften the sulfur. Place a few drops in your ear and lie on your side for 3-4 minutes, so that the drops remain near your ear. Then roll over with a clean gauze under your head. To drain the excess oil, pull the auricle up a little.

Enjoy your flight!

For work, I often have to fly on business trips. How to deal with congestion and pain in the ear during takeoffs and landings?

Oleg, St. Petersburg

– Ear pain on an airplane is associated with changes in air pressure during climb and descent.

You may be concerned about pressure or ear congestion, sometimes ear pain, partial hearing loss, or ringing in the ears.

To reduce discomfort :

Swallow saliva more often.Yawn if you can.
You can chew gum or suck on hard candy. Try not to sleep during takeoff and landing, as you will be less likely to swallow during sleep.
If you have an allergy or edema, take a decongestant a few minutes before takeoff to keep the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the nasopharynx, with patency. This balances the pressure in the middle ear cavity with the environment.
A vasoconstrictor may be instilled into the nose before takeoff and landing.The swelling of the nasal mucosa will decrease, the patency of the Eustachian tubes will improve and there will be no pain.

How to get rid of water in the ear

After water procedures or swimming, there is often a feeling that there is still something inside the ear canal – you hear worse, there is a feeling of stuffiness and noise. Such symptoms are popularly called “swimmer’s ear”. Most often, after a while, this state goes away on its own – the water flows out. But what if the discomfort bothers you after a day or even a few days later?

To understand how dangerous it is for liquid to enter the ear canal, you first need to know how the ear works.

Ear structure

As can be seen from the diagram, the eardrum normally separates the outer ear from the middle and inner ear. Therefore, if water enters through the ear canal, it cannot get beyond the eardrum (at least if you are healthy and have not suffered from otitis media in the past). And this, although not very pleasant, is not dangerous, because while keeping the inner and middle ear safe.

However, if the liquid has not flowed out of the ear within 12 hours after water procedures, you should try to remove it yourself.Moisture and heat are the best conditions for the growth of bacteria and fungi. You don’t want them to settle in your ear, right?

Three easy ways to get rid of water in your ear

If water gets in your ear and won’t come out, try using one of these methods to get rid of it.

1. Tilt your head so that the affected ear is parallel to the ground and jump on one leg.

2. You can also tilt your head towards the affected ear, press down on the auricle with your palm, and then pull it off sharply so that the pressure will help drain the water.
3. Another way is to “blow out” the ears. Inhale, pinch your nose, and try to exhale. You will feel pressure in your ears to help remove fluid from your ear canal.

What if it didn’t help?

If after this you do not feel relief, there may be several reasons:

Air lock;
Swelling of the sulfur plug;
Water in the middle ear.

An airlock is an air bubble that prevents fluid from flowing out of the ear canal.It only creates temporary inconveniences.

But sulfuric plug, swollen from water, can cause a lot of trouble. It significantly reduces hearing acuity and can create discomfort, pain, and ear congestion.

Feels like it is not always possible to distinguish a sulfuric plug from an airlock that has trapped the water in the ear. But this will easily be done by an ENT, called to the house. He will examine the ear canal with an otoscope and tell you right away what is causing the discomfort.

If water gets into your ear and hurts – call a doctor!

If the problem is in the airlock, the doctor will easily remove the air bubble and the fluid will flow out of the ear canal.If the cause of the unpleasant sensations is a sulfur plug, the plug, softened with water, can be washed out of the ear. It will relieve you of ear congestion after a bath and hearing problems for a long time.

Water in the middle ear

The fluid in the middle ear deserves special attention. In a healthy person, liquid cannot get there directly. However, if you have ever had otitis media, the integrity of the tympanic membrane may be compromised (this is especially likely if the otitis media has been repeated several times and passed hard).In this case, fluid may end up in the middle ear. This is also possible if you dived or accidentally inhaled water through your nose. the cavity of the nasopharynx and the middle ear are communicated, the liquid easily gets from one cavity to another.

Because it is in the middle ear that the main organs of hearing are located, the ingress of liquid there is usually accompanied by characteristic sound effects – shooting.

Shooting sounds are not the most pleasant soundtrack, but sometimes people think that they need to endure and wait until everything passes by itself.It is categorically not recommended to do so – the fluid in the middle ear area very quickly causes inflammation – otitis media.

Call the ENT if a gunfight breaks out in your ear some time after bathing! The doctor will help prevent the development of the inflammatory process.

What to do if water gets into your ear and hurts

Let’s summarize. Call your doctor if, some time after bathing, you experience symptoms such as:

Ear pain;
Ears congestion;
Shooting sounds;
Hearing problems;
Dizziness.