What causes earache after a cold. How to distinguish between cold-related earache and ear infection. When to seek medical attention for ear pain. What are the best treatments for earache after a cold.

Understanding the Link Between Colds and Earaches

Experiencing an earache after a cold is a common occurrence that can leave many people wondering about its cause and how to find relief. The connection between colds and ear pain is rooted in the anatomy of our respiratory system and how viral infections affect our bodies.

When you catch a cold, the virus primarily affects your upper respiratory tract, including your nasal passages, throat, and sinuses. As the infection progresses, it can lead to inflammation and congestion in these areas. This congestion can extend to the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat.

• Inflammation of the Eustachian tubes
• Pressure changes in the middle ear
• Fluid buildup behind the eardrum

These factors contribute to the development of ear pain during or after a cold. But how can you tell if your earache is simply a symptom of your cold or if it’s a sign of a more serious ear infection?

Differentiating Between Cold-Related Earache and Ear Infection

While both colds and ear infections can cause ear pain, there are several key differences that can help you distinguish between the two. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for determining the appropriate course of action and treatment.

Characteristics of Cold-Related Earache

When your earache is a result of a cold, you may experience:

• Dull or mild ear pain that coincides with other cold symptoms
• Gradual onset of discomfort
• Pain that typically improves as cold symptoms subside
• No significant hearing loss

Signs of an Ear Infection

In contrast, an ear infection, medically known as acute otitis media (AOM), often presents with:

• Sharp, intense ear pain that comes on suddenly
• Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with other cold symptoms
• Mild hearing loss or a feeling of muffled hearing
• Possible fever
• Difficulty sleeping due to pain
• Dizziness or balance issues

It’s important to note that ear infections are more common in children under 8 years old and adults who smoke. These groups are more susceptible to bacterial infections following a viral cold.

The Role of Eustachian Tubes in Ear Health

To fully understand why colds can lead to ear pain and infections, it’s essential to explore the function of Eustachian tubes. These small passageways play a crucial role in maintaining ear health and comfort.

Eustachian tubes are responsible for:

• Equalizing air pressure between the middle ear and the environment
• Draining fluid from the middle ear
• Preventing pathogens from entering the middle ear

During a cold, these tubes can become inflamed and congested, disrupting their normal function. This dysfunction can lead to:

• Fluid buildup in the middle ear
• Pressure changes that cause pain
• Increased risk of bacterial growth and infection

Understanding the role of Eustachian tubes helps explain why some people are more prone to ear infections following a cold, particularly children whose Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal than those of adults.

Diagnosis and Medical Assessment of Ear Pain

If you’re unsure whether your ear pain is due to a cold or an infection, it’s important to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

During a medical assessment for ear pain, your doctor will likely:

1. Review your symptoms and medical history
2. Perform a physical examination of your ears, nose, and throat
3. Use an otoscope to look inside your ear canal and examine your eardrum

What signs does a doctor look for when diagnosing an ear infection? The primary indicators include:

• A bulging eardrum due to fluid and pus buildup
• Reduced flexibility of the eardrum (checked with a pneumatic otoscope)
• Cloudiness or redness of the eardrum
• Possible hearing loss (though hearing tests are not typically necessary for diagnosis)

These diagnostic methods help healthcare providers differentiate between cold-related ear pain and a true ear infection, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment.

Treatment Options for Cold-Related Earache

When your earache is a result of a cold, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and supporting your body’s natural healing process. Since colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics are not effective in treating the underlying infection.

Here are some effective ways to manage cold-related ear pain:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
• Warm compresses applied to the affected ear
• Nasal decongestants to reduce inflammation in the Eustachian tubes
• Staying hydrated to thin mucus secretions
• Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air
• Elevating your head while sleeping to promote drainage

It’s important to note that while these remedies can provide relief, they do not speed up the healing process of the viral infection. The earache should resolve as your cold symptoms improve, typically within 7-10 days.

Managing Ear Infections: When Antibiotics Are Necessary

Unlike cold-related earaches, ear infections often require medical intervention, particularly if they are caused by bacteria. The decision to prescribe antibiotics depends on several factors, including the severity of symptoms and the patient’s age.

When are antibiotics typically prescribed for ear infections?

• For severe ear infections with intense pain and high fever
• For children under 6 months old with confirmed ear infections
• For infections that don’t show signs of improvement after 2-3 days

However, it’s worth noting that many ear infections, especially in adults and older children, may resolve on their own without antibiotics. In these cases, doctors often recommend a “wait-and-see” approach, focusing on pain management while monitoring for improvement.

If antibiotics are prescribed, it’s crucial to complete the entire course as directed, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished. This helps prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Long-Term Effects and Complications of Ear Infections

While most ear infections resolve without long-term consequences, repeated or severe infections can lead to complications. Understanding these potential issues is important for anyone who experiences frequent ear pain or infections.

What are some possible complications of recurrent ear infections?

• Chronic otitis media with effusion (persistent fluid in the middle ear)
• Tympanic membrane perforation (hole in the eardrum)
• Hearing loss (usually temporary, but can be permanent in severe cases)
• Speech and language delays in children
• Mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone behind the ear)

To minimize the risk of these complications, it’s essential to seek prompt medical attention for persistent or severe ear pain, especially if it’s accompanied by fever, hearing loss, or other concerning symptoms.

Preventive Measures for Ear Health During Cold Season

While it’s not always possible to prevent colds or their associated ear pain, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and maintain overall ear health, especially during cold and flu season.

Here are some effective preventive measures:

1. Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water
2. Avoid touching your face, especially your nose and mouth
3. Boost your immune system through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep
4. Stay up-to-date on vaccinations, including annual flu shots
5. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, which can irritate the Eustachian tubes
6. Use a saline nasal spray to keep nasal passages clear
7. Practice stress-reduction techniques, as chronic stress can weaken the immune system

For those prone to ear infections, additional preventive strategies may include:

• Avoiding allergens if you have allergies that affect your respiratory system
• Using earplugs when swimming to prevent water from entering the ear canal
• Avoiding sudden pressure changes (like those experienced during air travel) when you have a cold or congestion

By implementing these preventive measures, you can reduce your risk of developing ear pain and infections, even when exposed to cold viruses.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Ear Pain

While many cases of ear pain can be managed at home, there are situations where professional medical advice is necessary. Recognizing these scenarios can help prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment.

When should you consult a healthcare provider for ear pain?

• If the pain is severe or persists for more than 2-3 days
• If you experience sudden hearing loss or significant changes in hearing
• If you develop a high fever (over 102°F or 39°C)
• If you notice discharge or bleeding from the ear
• If you experience dizziness or balance problems
• If the pain is accompanied by swelling or redness behind the ear
• In infants and young children who become irritable or pull at their ears

It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to ear health. If you’re unsure about the severity of your symptoms or if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

Natural Remedies to Support Ear Health During Colds

In addition to conventional treatments, many people find relief from ear pain using natural remedies. While these methods should not replace medical advice, they can complement other treatments and provide comfort during a cold.

What are some effective natural remedies for ear discomfort?

• Garlic oil drops: Known for its antimicrobial properties, garlic oil can help fight infection and reduce pain
• Tea tree oil: When diluted properly, it may help reduce inflammation and fight bacteria
• Elderberry syrup: Rich in antioxidants, it can boost the immune system and help fight viral infections
• Ginger and turmeric tea: Both have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce pain and swelling
• Apple cider vinegar rinses: Can help restore the ear’s pH balance and fight off infection
• Warm salt compress: Applying a warm, damp cloth soaked in salt water to the ear can provide relief

It’s important to note that while these remedies can be helpful, they should be used with caution. Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying new treatments, especially for children or if you have a history of ear problems.

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Ear Health

Your overall lifestyle can significantly influence your susceptibility to ear pain and infections, especially during cold season. By making certain lifestyle modifications, you can improve your ear health and reduce the likelihood of complications.

What lifestyle factors can affect ear health?

• Smoking: Increases the risk of ear infections and can impair the function of Eustachian tubes
• Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E can support immune function and ear health
• Hydration: Proper hydration helps maintain the right consistency of mucus in the respiratory system
• Stress levels: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections
• Sleep habits: Adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system
• Environmental factors: Exposure to pollutants or allergens can irritate the respiratory system and affect ear health

By addressing these lifestyle factors, you can create an environment that supports overall health and resilience against ear-related issues during cold season.

Understanding the Connection Between Allergies and Ear Pain

While colds are a common cause of ear pain, allergies can also play a significant role in ear discomfort and infections. Understanding this connection can help individuals with allergies better manage their ear health.

How do allergies contribute to ear pain?

• Inflammation of nasal passages and Eustachian tubes
• Increased mucus production leading to congestion
• Swelling of tissues in the ear canal
• Higher risk of fluid buildup in the middle ear

For those with allergies, managing these underlying conditions can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of ear pain. This may involve:

1. Identifying and avoiding allergen triggers
2. Using antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids as prescribed
3. Implementing environmental controls (e.g., air purifiers, dust mite covers)
4. Considering immunotherapy for long-term allergy management

By addressing allergies proactively, individuals can reduce their risk of developing ear pain and infections, even during peak allergy seasons.

The Role of Proper Ear Hygiene in Preventing Infections

Maintaining good ear hygiene is crucial for preventing infections and managing ear health, especially during cold season. However, it’s important to strike a balance between cleanliness and preserving the ear’s natural protective mechanisms.

What are the best practices for ear hygiene?

• Gently clean the outer ear with a soft cloth
• Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal, including cotton swabs
• Allow water to drain naturally after swimming or bathing
• Use earplugs or a swim cap when swimming to prevent water entry
• Dry ears thoroughly after exposure to water
• Consider using alcohol-based ear drops after swimming to prevent swimmer’s ear

It’s important to note that the ear canal is self-cleaning, and excessive cleaning can remove protective earwax and increase the risk of infection. If you feel you have excessive earwax, consult a healthcare provider for safe removal methods rather than attempting to remove it yourself.

By following these hygiene practices, you can help maintain the natural balance of your ears and reduce the risk of infections, particularly during times when you may be more susceptible due to colds or allergies.

Is It a Cold or an Ear Infection?

As if the coughing, sneezing, and runny nose weren’t enough, your ear hurts, too. The pain may be a symptom of a cold or an ear infection, and you need to know which in order to get the right treatment. Not sure how to figure it out? Start here.

When Cold Symptoms Include an Earache

“With a cold, you can get ear pain because the eardrum gets inflamed by the viral infection,” says Richard Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, a professor and the chairman of otolaryngology at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The dull, sharp, or burning earache will go away with the cold. Since colds are caused by viruses, the best you can do is treat the cold symptoms and wait out the infection. Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) can help ease your earache.

However, in some people, particularly in children under age 8 and adults who smoke, a second infection occurs inside the ear when bacteria cause pus and fluid to fill up in the space behind the eardrum. In many ways an ear infection may be similar to the earache symptoms of a cold, except the pain is likely to be sharper and come on more suddenly.

Earache due to Ear Infection

Doctors call an ear infection acute otitis media (AOM). Signs that you have an ear infection rather than an earache because of a cold are:

• The pain does not go away with your other cold symptoms.
• Your hearing is dulled. “The hearing loss with an ear infection is typically mild — it’s the equivalent of putting a good earplug in your ear,” says Dr. Rosenfeld.
• You may develop a fever.
• The pain is more intense.

Many ear infections are caused by bacteria and can be treated with a course of antibiotics.

If you have an ear infection, you may also:

• Have difficulty sleeping
• Feel dizzy

Diagnosing an Ear Infection

To find out whether you have an ear infection, your doctor will use an otoscope to look for signs of infection inside your ear Such signs include:

• Bulging eardrum due to fluid and pus behind the eardrum; the fluid buildup is called “effusion. ”
• An eardrum responding less flexibly than normal; this is checked using a pneumatic otoscope.
• Cloudiness of the eardrum — “Usually the eardrum looks like a clear shower curtain,” says Rosenfeld.
• Some loss of hearing; but Rosenfeld says hearing tests are not helpful for diagnosing ear infection.

Ear Infection Post-Treatment

Once you have completed a course of antibiotics to treat the ear infection, you may still have fluid behind your eardrum. “Part of the natural history of an ear infection is that you are going to have some fluid left over for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months as part of the healing phase,” explains Rosenfeld.

If a couple of months have passed and you still have problems with your hearing, you will need to talk to your doctor about hearing tests. The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery provides more information on ear infections and hearing loss.

Earaches won’t last forever, and you can manage the pain to get some relief. A visit to the doctor will help you figure out what is causing your earache — and whether there is something more you can do to relieve the pain.

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Treating with Medication and Home Remedies

The common cold may cause ear pain due to congestion or a complication of the infection. Over-the-counter and medical treatments may help relieve ear pain.

The common cold occurs when a virus infects your nose and throat. It can cause various symptoms, including a runny nose, cough, and congestion. You might also have mild body aches or a headache.

Sometimes a cold can also cause pain in or around the ear. This usually feels like dull ache.

The earache may happen during or after a cold. In either case, it’s possible to relieve the pain and feel better.

Read on to learn why ear pain occurs during a cold, which remedies to try, and when to see a doctor.

When you have a cold, an earache might be caused by one of the following reasons.

Congestion

The eustachian tube connects your middle ear to your upper throat and back of your nose. Normally, it stops excessive air pressure and fluid from accumulating in your ear.

However, if you have a cold, mucus and fluid from your nose can build up in your eustachian tube. This may block the tube, causing ear pain and discomfort. Your ear may also feel “plugged” or full.

Typically, the ear congestion will get better as your cold goes away. But sometimes, it can lead to secondary infections.

Middle ear infection

A middle ear infection, called infectious otitis media, is a common complication of the cold. It occurs when viruses in your nose and throat enter your ear through the eustachian tube.

The viruses cause fluid buildup in the middle ear. Bacteria can grow in this fluid, causing a middle ear infection.

This can lead to ear pain, along with:

• swelling
• redness
• difficulty hearing
• green or yellow nasal discharge
• fever

Sinus infection

An unresolved cold can lead to a sinus infection, also called infectious sinusitis. It causes inflammation in your sinuses, which include the areas in your nose and forehead.

If you have sinusitis, you may experience ear pressure. This can make your ear hurt.

Other possible symptoms include:

• yellow or green postnasal drainage
• congestion
• difficulty breathing through your nose
• facial pain or pressure
• headache
• toothache
• cough
• bad breath
• poor sense of smell
• fatigue
• fever

Most causes of cold-induced ear pain get better on their own. But you can use home remedies to manage the pain.

Hot or cold compress

To ease pain or swelling, place a heat or ice pack on your affected ear.

Always wrap the pack in a clean towel. This will protect your skin from the heat or ice.

Sleep position

If only one ear is affected, sleep on the side with the unaffected ear. For example, if your right ear is painful, sleep on your left side. This will decrease pressure on your right ear.

You can also try sleeping with your head on two or more pillows, which is thought to reduce pressure. This can strain your neck, though, so use caution.

Nasal rinse

If your earache is due to a sinus infection, try a nasal rinse. This will help to drain and clear your sinuses.

Hydration

Drink lots of fluids, regardless of what’s causing your earache. Staying hydrated will loosen mucus and speed up recovery.

Rest

Take it easy. Resting will support your body’s ability to fight off a cold or secondary infection.

Along with home remedies, a doctor may suggest these treatments for ear pain.

Over-the-counter pain relievers

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help reduce your pain and fever.

For an earache, it’s recommended that you take ibuprofen or acetaminophen. For treating an earache in children younger than 6 months, check with your doctor about medication type and dosage.

Always follow the package’s directions. Ask a doctor about the appropriate dose.

Decongestants

OTC decongestants may help decrease swelling in the nose and ears. Decongestants can improve how you feel, but they won’t treat the cause of an ear or sinus infection.

Decongestants are available in several forms, including:

• nose drops
• nasal sprays
• oral capsules or liquid

Again, follow the package’s instructions. This is especially important if you’re giving decongestants to a child.

Ear drops

You can also use OTC ear drops, which are designed to relieve pain in the ear. Read the directions carefully.

If your eardrum has burst, ear drops may cause problems. Talk to a doctor first.

Antibiotics

Normally, antibiotics aren’t necessary to treat ear infections or sinusitis. But if you have chronic or severe symptoms, and there’s concern that it’s a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe them.

When you have a cold, taking common cold medications can help manage your symptoms. However, they might not necessarily make your earache go away.

Additionally, taking cold medicines with OTC pain relievers can do more harm than good. That’s because they often share some of the same ingredients.

For example, Nyquil contains acetaminophen, which is the active ingredient in Tylenol. If you take both Nyquil and Tylenol, you could consume too much acetaminophen. This is unsafe for your liver.

Similarly, prescription drugs can interact with OTC medicines. If you’re taking any kind of prescription medication, talk to a doctor before taking OTC cold medicines or pain relievers.

It’s also important to be mindful of:

• Cold medications for young children. If your child is younger than 4 years old, don’t give them these medications unless their doctor says so.
• Aspirin. Avoid giving aspirin to children and teenagers. Aspirin is considered unsafe for this age group due to the risk of developing Reye’s syndrome.
• Oils. Some people claim garlic, tea tree, or olive oil can help to clear an ear infection. But there isn’t enough scientific evidence to support these remedies, so use caution.
• Cotton swabs. Avoid putting cotton swabs or other objects inside your ear.

Cold-induced ear pain often resolves on its own.

But if you notice any of the following symptoms, see your doctor:

• symptoms that persist for a few days
• worsening symptoms
• severe ear pain
• fever
• hearing loss
• change in hearing
• earache in both ears

These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition.

Your doctor will use several methods to determine what’s causing your earache. These may include:

• Medical history. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and history of ear pain.
• Physical examination. They will also look inside your ear with a tool called an otoscope. They’ll check for swelling, redness, and pus here, and they’ll also look inside your nose and throat.

If you have chronic ear pain, your doctor may have you see an ear, nose, and throat doctor.

It’s typical to have ear pain during or after a cold. Most cases aren’t serious and usually go away on their own. Rest, OTC pain relievers, and home remedies like ice packs can help you feel better.

Avoid taking common cold medications and pain relievers at the same time, as they can interact and cause problems.

If your ear pain is very severe, or if it lasts for a long time, see a doctor.

Does your ear hurt? This is otitis…

04/19/2019

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What to do if your ear hurts, otolaryngologist Viktoria Evdokimova told.

The vast majority of ear diseases belong to the inflammatory group and have a common name – otitis media. Adults also suffer from otitis, but rarely, it occurs more often in children.

During the first three years of life, about 80% of babies suffer from this disease at least once. What is the reason? In a child, the auditory tube is shorter than in an adult. It is almost straight, has no bends. This structure facilitates infection in the middle ear. Most often, otitis media develops as a complication of a cold.

With acute respiratory infections or severe blowing of the nose, the infection enters the middle ear through the auditory tube.

Adenoids and chronic diseases of the oral cavity and pharynx can also cause otitis media. Less often, the cause of the disease is allergies or ear injuries.

In children and adults, the main symptoms of inflammation of the middle ear are the same:

• Hearing loss (often with a change in the position of the head there is an improvement in hearing).
• Severe pain in the ear extending to the temple.
• Temperature increase.
• Headache, vomiting, dizziness.
• In children under one year of age, the only symptom of otitis media may be severe restlessness and crying.
• Symptoms of otitis usually develop against the background of other symptoms of a cold (ARI), a few days after the onset of ARI.

At the first suspicion of an ear disease, with anxiety, an altered state of the child, it is necessary to call a pediatrician or ENT doctor at home, and an adult – to consult a specialist in a polyclinic, medical center. The doctor should determine the tactics of combating the disease and prescribe drugs.

“If the disease is mild, you may be advised to limit yourself to local treatment at home – lotions, ointments, balms,” says otolaryngologist Viktoria Evdokimova . – In severe cases, hospitalization is indicated and the addition of general therapy to local treatment – antibacterial, anti-inflammatory. If drug treatment is not effective, surgery is indicated. But this is usually a rare occurrence. Usually, conservative (non-surgical) treatment is sufficient. Therapy necessarily includes a course of antibiotics in the form of tablets or injections (with purulent otitis media) for at least 5-7 days. This is especially true for children under two years of age. This is done to prevent the development of complications. In addition, it is necessary to regularly use drugs for vasoconstriction (vasoconstrictor drops in the nose), which maintains the patency of the auditory tube. Topical treatment is also used. As a rule, it is carried out at home, according to certain rules.

Compresses
If the doctor prescribed half-alcohol or vodka compresses for the treatment of otitis media (with suppuration from the ear, compresses are contraindicated), then they should be done as follows. Take a four-layer gauze napkin, the size of which should extend beyond the auricle by 1. 5–2 cm. Make a slit for the ear in the middle. The napkin should be moistened in an alcohol solution or vodka, squeezed out, applied to the ear area (place the auricle in the slot). Put compress (waxed) paper on top, slightly larger than gauze, and cover with a piece of cotton wool (the size should exceed the size of the paper). All this can be secured with a scarf tied around the head. The compress should be kept until it has a thermal effect (3-4 hours).

Ear drops
Direct instillation of ear drops is dangerous. At home, you can’t examine the ear the way an ENT doctor does, and clarify the nature of the inflammation at the moment, see whether the eardrum is damaged or not. If drops fall into the middle ear cavity when the eardrum ruptures, they can cause damage to the auditory ossicles or lead to damage to the auditory nerve, resulting in hearing loss. Instead, you need to make a turunda out of dry cotton, gently insert it into the external auditory canal and drip warm medicine on the cotton 3-4 times a day.

A portion of the drops must be warmed to body temperature (36.6°C).

You can, for example, heat a pipette in hot water, and then draw up the medicine into it, or first draw up the drug, and then heat the pipette with it in hot water. If a pipette dispenser is attached to the bottle with drops, then it is convenient to heat in hot water that part of the medicine that will fit in the pipette when the vial is turned over. Close the cap first.
You should not get involved in self-medication, prescribe treatment on the recommendation of pharmacy staff or friends, give the child drugs, information about which is gleaned from advertising. Improper treatment or advanced ear disease is fraught with the development of meningitis in both children and adults.

Tips for mothers

As you know, it is much easier to prevent a disease than to treat it. A few simple rules will help reduce the risk of otitis media in a child:

1. It is desirable for babies to feed on breast milk for as long as possible. It is the source of the main defenses of a small organism.
2. When feeding, it is best to keep the baby close to the upright position to avoid fluid entering the ear through the auditory tube.
3. Reasonable hardening also increases the body’s resistance.
4. If the baby does catch a cold, adults should remember when treating him that congestion forms in the supine position in the nasopharynx, which increases the risk of infection of the middle ear. It is necessary to remove the pathological contents from the nasal cavity with a pear suction and periodically turn the baby from one side to the other. Suck off the mucus with a pear gently and slowly.

Ears have nothing to do with it…
In some diseases, pain can be given to the ear, while simulating an ear disease. This can happen at:

• dental diseases,
• ulcerative and abscessing processes in the area of ​​the angle of the lower jaw, palatine tonsils, pharynx, larynx, as well as the entrance to the esophagus,
• neuritis and neuralgia of some cranial nerves (glossopharyngeal, vagus and intermediate nerves),
• neuralgia of the second and third branches of the cervical nerve plexus.

Complications of inflammatory processes in the middle ear are rare, but can still occur:

• Hearing impairment. Usually they manifest themselves in the form of hearing loss, most often they are temporary.
• Rupture of the tympanic membrane. When pus builds up in the middle ear cavity, it can burst through the eardrum. As a result, a small hole remains in it, which heals within 2 weeks. The transition of the infectious process into a chronic one. The main manifestation of this complication is the periodic discharge of pus from the middle ear. In this case, some hearing impairment may be observed.

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Earache with colds

Ears hurt with a cold

Whatever the time of the year is outside the window, none of us is immune from a cold: in the summer heat, you really want to drink an icy liquid. The result of momentary bliss is a cold. And instead of lying on the beach with friends, you have to stay at home, taking the necessary procedures. But especially the risk of getting sick increases in autumn – the spring period, when slush, cold and piercing wind, otherwise you don’t want to “still” or “already” pull on a bunch of things, including a hat. It is in this situation that you can most often get hypothermia and, accordingly, earache with a cold.

Causes of pain in the ears during a cold

Pain symptoms in the hearing aid can be the result of many diseases, but the most commonly diagnosed pathology is otitis media, or, as it is popularly called, the common cold.

Causes of pain in the ears with a cold are often associated with a decrease in the body’s defenses.

The second, most likely source of the symptoms in question may be pathogenic flora, bacterial or infectious damage to the tissues of the outer and / or inner ear.

But one should not immediately make such a diagnosis for oneself, since the source of pain, perhaps, has nothing to do with the infection. For example, fluid accumulated in the ear is a consequence of an inflammatory process or a banal visit to the pool, followed by going outside, which has a pressing effect on the eardrum. The water that gets into the auricle, with a sharp cold wind outside or low temperature, cools down, thereby causing an inflammatory process. In this case, all pain symptoms will disappear as soon as health is restored.

But a cold affects not only the tissues of the ear canal directly. Everyone knows that it usually starts in the throat or nose. As a rule, diseases localized in these human organs often give pain in the ear, although such symptoms are less intense.

Otitis media is the most commonly diagnosed disease, often developing after an untreated or “carried on the legs” cold, which was infectious or viral in nature. Otolaryngologists divide acute otitis into purulent and catarrhal. The essence of the difference is that the latter proceeds without the formation of abscesses, and in the case of diagnosing the former, the ear canal is filled with pus produced by pathogenic flora, which must be removed, while sanitizing the cavity.

The cause of the pain can also be swelling that has affected the tissues of the auditory tube, eliminating the edema with narrowing preparations, it is possible to get rid of the unpleasant symptom.

Symptoms of ear pain with a cold

We begin to feel the onset of a cold when uncomfortable symptoms appear that begin to disturb a sick person. And the symptoms of earache with a cold are just one of them.

Usually it all starts with a sore throat or itching inside the auricle. Gradually, a cold begins to “grow” with other symptoms. It may be a combination of all the factors listed below, or only some of them may appear.

• Ear congestion, decreased sound threshold.
• The appearance of problems with sleep. The pain in the ear simply does not allow you to fall asleep normally, exhausting.
• Feverish condition. Body temperature may rise up to 40 C.
• Constant background noise that haunts the patient.
• Greenish, white or yellowish, rarely brown, liquid discharge. This fact may indicate perforation of the tympanic membrane, which arose as a result of an infectious lesion of the organ.
• Irritability.
• Pain when swallowing.
• Vertigo.

After a person has caught a cold, the pain does not begin to disturb immediately, but only after a certain time period has passed, when the inflammatory process has already started and is rapidly progressing. The main thing is not to miss the time and start therapy during this period, otherwise the inflammation will also affect the inner part of the auditory canal, which is more serious. The intensity of the shooting pain becomes unbearable.

Diagnosis of ear pain in colds

Before deciding on a pathology, you must make an appointment with a doctor. In this case, such a specialist is an otolaryngologist. Diagnosis of pain in the ears with a cold begins with an examination by a specialist of the ear canal using a special ENT – an instrument – an otoscope.

The tympanic membrane not damaged by the disease has a smooth, slightly transparent grayish-pink tint.

An indicator of the disease is the hyperemic mucosa of the canal, its swelling, the presence of other pathological symptoms.

Using a pneumatic otoscope, the doctor checks for the presence or absence of fluid. A small volume of air is introduced into the passage. This is necessary to get the vibration of the eardrum. If the required response force is not observed, then there is fluid accumulation in the passage.

With clinical indications, tympanometry is performed, which makes it possible to diagnose the infectious nature of the disease.

Ear pain treatment for colds

A cold, it would seem, is not such a dangerous disease, but how many unpleasant hours and days does it bring to a person who has suffered from it? Therefore, at the first signs of its onset, it is necessary to contact a qualified specialist who, having made the correct diagnosis, will give the necessary recommendations and prescribe treatment therapy.

The treatment of ear pain during a cold has two main goals – the removal of pain and the relief of the inflammatory process, bringing the patient’s body to full recovery.

If the patient has begun to solve the problem when the disease has not yet passed into a severe phase, it is quite possible to get by with special drops that will extinguish inflammation, and, consequently, relieve the person of pain. In this case, the otolaryngologist prescribes analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

As painkillers, paracetamol, spazgan, celecoxib, phenazone, maxigan, metamizole sodium, analgin, spazdolzin, meloxicam and others can be prescribed.

Paracetamol is prescribed to the patient in the dosage:

• Adults and adolescents (over twelve years of age) – one to two tablets two to four times a day, but the daily amount of medication taken should not exceed 4 g.
• Younger children between the ages of six and twelve usually take half or a whole tablet four times a day.
• For very young patients who are already three months old, but not yet six years old, the dosage is calculated individually at 10 mg per kilogram of the baby’s weight.

Contraindications for taking paracetamol include severe kidney and / or liver dysfunction, alcoholism, anemia, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, as well as the period of the first trimester of pregnancy.

To stop inflammation, the following are usually prescribed: ibuprofen, thiaprofenic acid, indomethacin, naproxen, piroxicam, fenbufen, ketoprofen and others.

Ibuprofen is administered orally orally, immediately after a meal. With a moderate intensity of pain symptoms, the patient should take 1.2 g per day.

At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to introduce ibuprofen into the treatment protocol if the patient has a history of ulcerative colitis, perforation or ulcerative lesions of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, hematopoietic disorders, vision problems, severe kidney and liver dysfunction, amblyopia, as well as hypersensitivity to one or more components of the drug.

If the inflammatory process has passed into a difficult stage, accompanied by severe pain and purulent discharge, then it will not be possible to cope with the problem without the help of antibiotics. Their intake is guaranteed to rid the body of the infection and speed up the recovery itself.

Can be prescribed: anauran, otofa, sofradex, normax (norfloxacin), otipax, otinum, tsipromed, candibiotic and others.

Candibiotic ear drops are applied topically. Four to five drops should be instilled into the ear canal three to four times throughout the day. The duration of the therapeutic course is from seven to ten days, but relief can already be expected in three to five days.

Contraindications include increased intolerance to the component composition of the drops, as well as perforation of the eardrum. Do not use candibiotic for the treatment of children whose age has not reached six years.

If the inflammation affects the tissues of the outer ear, then antiseptic ointments and solutions are prescribed. So warming applications based on boric acid or alcohol-vodka compresses can be applied, which are applied to the suffering organ for 10-15 minutes.

Homeopathic remedies are also used, but they are not so effective in severe forms of the disease.

In the presence of purulent discharge, doctors often prescribe a myringotomy (ear tubes) to help drain pus and accumulated fluid. The attending physician takes this step if the discharge has been observed for more than three months. The second indication for its use may be frequent infections that recur in the ear canal.

To save the patient from the accumulation of pathological secretions, the doctor, through the hole in the eardrum, gently feeds a thin tube made of special plastic or metal. Depending on the effectiveness of the treatment process, such a tube is installed in the ear for a period of eight months to one and a half years. After the need for it disappears, it goes out on its own. If necessary, this period can be extended, but this decision remains in the competence of a specialist.

Earache remedy for colds

When pain symptoms appear, many of our compatriots, ignoring the appeal to the doctor, try to be treated on their own, which is not only futile, but also simply dangerous, especially if the disease has passed into the acute phase of the course. Indeed, in the acute form of the flow, warming compresses are strictly prohibited, and it is unacceptable to use drugs in the form of ear drops. Therefore, a remedy for earache with a cold should only be prescribed by a qualified specialist. It is the doctor who is able to correctly assess the clinical picture and prescribe an effective drug treatment.

In the treatment of ear pain, mainly topical drugs are used. Often in the prescription list you can see, with a mild form of a cold, drops such as otinum, otipax, sofradex and their analogues.

With the progression of the disease and the transition of otitis into the stage of acute illness, the above drops are usually no longer used, so as not to aggravate the situation. The emphasis is on stronger broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Quite often, modern methods of treatment in the fight against pyogenic bacteria in the middle ear use laser therapy.

The insidiousness of a cold is that its first symptoms are well felt by the sick, while it is almost impossible to decide on a complete recovery without the help of a doctor. Therefore, if a person did not visit a specialist, but took treatment on his own, based on the recommendations of a pharmacist from a pharmacy, then an untreated disease threatens to develop into a chronic condition with a sluggish pathology, which increases the risk of relapse of exacerbation of otitis media.

Folk remedies for ear pain in colds

Colds have haunted mankind since the moment when it began to perceive itself as an individual, separated from the animal world. For all the time of the conscious existence of mankind, he managed to accumulate considerable experience in the treatment of a particular disease.

The range of recipes that can relieve pain symptoms that manifest themselves in the ear area is also wide enough. Folk remedies for earache with a cold are numerous, but we will give only a few of them in the article.

• Lavender oil, thuja oil, alcohol tincture of calendula or mint can help relieve pain. Five drops of medicine should be instilled several times throughout the day, and the pain will gradually fade away.
• You can put a bandage on a sore ear from medical cotton wool or a napkin soaked in vodka or alcohol diluted with water. Keep the warming procedure for twenty minutes.
• Removes the tinnitus that often accompanies pain by simply chewing a candy clove.
• You can try to remove the inflammatory process using hot bags of salt. For this, a canvas bag is taken, well-heated salt is poured into it. It must be applied to the affected area every hour and a half. The procedure should be repeated until the pain syndrome disappears and the inflammation stops.
• Horseradish juice is used as ear drops. Two drops are enough three times a day and the pain, and with it the disease, gradually recede.
• Garlic oil is also used, which today can be purchased at a pharmacy or prepared independently. For the medicine, you need 100 ml of any vegetable oil that is very hot, but not subject to boiling. Two garlic cloves, previously crushed or chopped with a knife, are introduced into it. Let it brew and drain. From gauze, bandage or cotton wool, make a turunda (roll up a flagellum), moisten it in the resulting solution and carefully place it in the sore ear, leaving it for ten minutes. This composition is an excellent disinfectant that inhibits fungal organisms and microbes.
• Against the backdrop of a cold, you should eat a lemon every day along with its zest.
• Propolis tincture can be prepared. Take 10 g of the bee product and place it in the refrigerator for a while, after which it will be easy to grind it on a grater. The resulting shavings are placed in a vessel made of dark glass, where add 70 ° – wine alcohol. The liquid should cover the propolis. Cork the vessel and leave for eight to ten days to brew in a cool, dark place. The drug must be shaken several times a day (up to five). After the time has elapsed, the tincture should be rearranged for 10 – 12 hours in the refrigerator. The medicine can be drained and used. Before use, taking a few drops in proportions of 1: 1, dilute the tincture with water. Soak turunda in liquid (made of cotton wool or gauze) and place for twenty minutes in a sore ear. If there is a strong burning sensation, it is better to remove the drug.
• Turundas soaked in onion juice show themselves well, put in a sore ear for half an hour.
• A fresh geranium leaf will help relieve pain and inflammation. It can be used both in the form of a crushed gruel, which is placed in the ear canal, and in the form of a folded tube. But for this, the folded sheet is cut at a right angle and placed inside with a cut. Next, put a piece of cotton wool on the ear and press it with a scarf tied around the head. Change the leaf periodically.
• You can take a mixture of two oils: linseed and onion. Apply it on cotton wool and place it in the ear for three hours. After the specified period, change the swab, laying a new portion of oil.
• For compresses, prepared tincture from the rhizome of calamus is also suitable. Crushed raw materials (ten grams) pour 100 ml of vodka and put in a dark, cool place for ten days. Daily three to four drops should be dripped into both ears. At the same time, this tincture is also taken orally (orally), 30 drops each.

However, it should be noted that no matter how safe traditional medicine methods seem, they should be used only with the permission of the attending physician and, often, in conjunction with medications.

Treating ear pain with a cold at home

When making a diagnosis – otitis media – only if a severe form of the disease is detected, the otolaryngologist can refer the patient to inpatient treatment. In most cases, ear pain is treated with a cold at home.

In this case, the doctor must fully describe the regimen for taking medications and the corresponding procedures. Quite widely in the treatment of the pathology under consideration, methods and formulations of alternative medicine are used. It should only be remembered that all these activities can be carried out at home only with the permission of your doctor. So the patient will save himself from many problems and complications, while coming to a full recovery in a shorter period of time.

It will not be superfluous to know a number of medical recommendations, the use of which will allow you to avoid a number of errors in treatment, while maintaining your health.

• Warm compresses can be used if body temperature does not exceed 38°C.
• Oil applications can also be used in the treatment, but they are less practical. For example, heated camphor or vegetable oil. But the warming effect of such compresses lasts longer. It can be kept up to six hours.
• It is advisable to flush the cavity with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution before injecting medication into the ear canal. The procedure is performed lying on your side. Seven to eight drops of liquid are injected into the ear. You should lie down like this for ten minutes. If both ears are affected by inflammation, a similar procedure is carried out for the other ear canal.

Ear pain drops for colds

In stopping the problem under consideration, one of the first places is given to topical drugs used in the form of a solution that is instilled into the ear.

Drops from pain in the ears with a cold have different pharmacodynamics, therefore, based on the existing concomitant symptoms, one or the other is signed. The most effective drug for the existing clinical picture is prescribed only by the attending physician.

These drugs may have vasoconstrictive, anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic properties.

With otitis media, the medicine is administered warm with a medical pipette. The temperature of the liquid should be around 36 – 37 degrees.

Most often, when diagnosing otitis media, doctors prescribe drops that have antibacterial and analgesic qualities: albucid, otipax, anauran, sofradex, otinum, tsipromed.

Otium is usually indicated in inflammatory conditions affecting the middle ear, and also in cases of acute catarrh of the outer tissues. The active active compound of the drug is choline salicylate, which allows you to have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect on the body.

It is recommended to use the drug in question three to four times throughout the day, injecting three to four drops into the sore ear.

The instillation procedure itself is simple, but it still needs to be followed. The patient lies on his side, with the affected ear up. In this position, instillation is performed, after which the person should lie down for another two to three minutes.

Such drugs should not be used if the patient has hypersensitivity to one or more components of the administered drug, as well as if there is a perforation of the eardrum.

Otipax is used to relieve cold manifestations of any etiology. Moreover, in addition to the analgesic and anti-inflammatory action, this medicine also has characteristics that allow you to destroy pathogenic microorganisms, delay their reproduction and development.

Like the previous drops, it is used topically, twice – thrice a day, four to five drops. This drug has practically no contraindications, so it is approved for treatment even in infants.

Contraindications should only include hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, as well as the presence of mechanical damage to the eardrum, the possibility of developing an allergic reaction to lidocaine.

Despite the fact that otipax is not an antibiotic, it is actively and quite effectively used in the treatment of otitis media.

Sofradex can be found on pharmacy shelves, both in the form of ointments and drops. The pharmacological characteristics of Sofradex make it possible to stop the symptoms of otitis media from any etiological source. It has a wide spectrum of action: a strong antibiotic that effectively kills pathogens, an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine.

Sofradex equally effectively acts on both gram-negative and gram-positive types of bacteria.

The medicine is injected into the diseased ear two – three drops three times – four times during the day.

The drug has a number of contraindications, which include increased intolerance to the patient’s organisms of the components of the drug, viral or fungal infections, perforation of the eardrum, tuberculosis.

Therefore, Sofradex can only be used as prescribed by the attending doctor, eliminating all contraindications. The duration of the treatment course is no more than seven days.

Anauran drops, due to their composition (polymyxin B, neomycin, lidocaine), effectively inhibit the reproduction and further development of both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Thanks to the lidocaine present in it, they have analgesic characteristics.

Anauran is indicated for use no more than seven days. It is recommended to inject four to five drops into the ear canal, making two to four approaches per day.

A contraindication to use is the increased sensitivity of the patient’s body to the components of the drug, including lidocaine.

Drops of tsipromed, the active substance of which is ciprofloxacin, appear on the pharmaceutical market as an ophthalmic drug, but, nevertheless, it also showed itself perfectly in the relief of otitis media. It has an antimicrobial effect, effectively influencing a wide range of gram-negative microflora, both active and passive.

The recommended course of therapy with tsipromed should not exceed 14 days. To achieve the desired result, the patient receives five drops three times throughout the day. After instillation, the ear hole should be closed with a cotton swab.

The medicine is unacceptable for use in case of intolerance to human organisms of its components.

Prevention of ear pain in colds

When the first signs of a cold appear, a person instinctively tries to get rid of them faster, preventing complications and worsening of the condition. Prevention of pain in the ears with a cold, both for adults and for small patients, is absolutely identical.

• Pain in the ear can be caused by an infectious disease, such as the flu. Therefore, you should protect your body and the child’s body from infectious damage. This is especially true during epidemics and the spring-autumn period, when the number of diseases rises sharply.
• Keep your immune status high. To do this, you need to regularly harden the body, properly and fully nourish it, introducing a sufficient amount of vitamins and trace elements into your diet.
• If necessary, it is worth getting vaccinated against especially dangerous viral infections.
• It is worth abandoning bad habits, and avoid passive smoking, which weakens the body. This is dangerous for both children and non-smoking adults.
• Irritants that can cause an allergic reaction should be avoided. This fact also takes away the strength of the body to resist diseases.
• It is advisable for babies to be breastfed until they are one year old. Breast milk has antibodies that can protect the baby from colds and a number of infectious lesions.
• It is necessary to regularly carry out wet cleaning and ventilation in the living room.
• When the first signs of a cold appear, it is worth visiting a doctor and starting treatment immediately.

Prognosis of ear pain in colds

It is probably almost impossible to find a person who completely ignores the pathological symptoms of a cold, including pain in the ear area. Therefore, the prognosis of ear pain with a cold is overwhelmingly favorable.

It is unlikely that there will be at least one person who has never suffered from the symptoms of a cold in his life.