How can you alleviate earache pain at home. What are the most effective natural remedies for ear discomfort. Which over-the-counter treatments provide quick relief for earaches. When should you seek medical attention for persistent ear pain.

Understanding Earaches: Causes and Symptoms

Earaches can be a source of significant discomfort, affecting people of all ages. They often result from various factors, including ear infections, sinus pressure, or changes in altitude. Common symptoms include sharp pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and sometimes fever or hearing loss. While severe or persistent earaches require medical attention, many cases can be managed effectively with home remedies and over-the-counter solutions.

Common Causes of Earaches

• Middle ear infections (otitis media)
• Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa)
• Sinus infections
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Pressure changes during air travel
• Earwax buildup
• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching

Cold Therapy: Soothing Relief with Ice Packs

One of the simplest and most effective ways to alleviate earache pain is through cold therapy. Applying an ice pack or cold, damp washcloth to the affected ear for about 20 minutes can help numb the pain and reduce inflammation. This method is particularly useful for earaches associated with minor injuries or inflammation of the outer ear.

How does cold therapy work for earaches? The cold temperature constricts blood vessels, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the ear area. It also has a numbing effect on nerve endings, providing temporary relief from pain. When using this method, be sure to wrap the ice pack in a thin cloth to protect your skin from direct contact with the cold surface.

The Power of Garlic: A Natural Antibiotic for Ear Pain

Garlic has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for various ailments, including earaches. Its active compound, allicin, is known for its potent antibacterial properties, which may help combat infections causing ear pain. While scientific evidence is limited, many people swear by the effectiveness of garlic for earache relief.

Can garlic be used directly in the ear for pain relief? It’s not recommended to insert garlic directly into the ear canal. Instead, consider consuming raw garlic or using garlic-infused oil around the outer ear. To make garlic oil, gently heat a few crushed garlic cloves in olive oil, strain the mixture, and apply a few drops around the ear opening. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using garlic, especially if you’re taking antibiotics, as it may interfere with certain medications.

Heat Therapy: Relaxing Muscles and Improving Blood Flow

While cold therapy can help reduce inflammation, heat therapy offers its own set of benefits for earache relief. Applying a heating pad or warm compress to the affected ear for about 20 minutes can help relax tense muscles and improve blood circulation in the area. This increased blood flow can promote healing and provide soothing comfort.

How does heat therapy differ from cold therapy for earaches? Heat therapy works by dilating blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the affected area. This can help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. It’s particularly effective for earaches caused by sinus congestion or muscle tension in the jaw and neck area. Alternating between cold and heat therapy can sometimes provide the best relief, but always start with cold therapy to address any initial inflammation.

Over-the-Counter Solutions: Ear Drops and Pain Relievers

For those seeking quick relief, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be highly effective. Ear drops designed specifically for earache relief often contain ingredients that help reduce pain and inflammation. Additionally, oral pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the discomfort associated with earaches.

Are OTC ear drops safe for everyone? While generally safe, OTC ear drops should not be used by individuals with a perforated eardrum or those who have had ear tubes surgically inserted. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before using any new medication, especially if you have a history of ear problems or are currently taking other medications.

Types of OTC Ear Drops

• Analgesic drops (for pain relief)
• Antibiotic drops (for bacterial infections)
• Antifungal drops (for fungal infections)
• Cerumenolytic drops (for earwax removal)

Sleep Positioning: Elevating the Head for Pressure Relief

The way you sleep can significantly impact ear pain, especially if the discomfort is caused by fluid buildup or pressure changes. Sleeping with your head elevated can help reduce the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear, potentially alleviating pain and pressure.

How can you effectively elevate your head while sleeping? Use extra pillows to prop up your head and upper body, or consider raising the head of your bed by a few inches. This slight incline can help drain fluid from the Eustachian tubes and middle ear, potentially reducing pain and discomfort. For children, you might need to get creative with pillow arrangements to ensure they stay comfortably elevated throughout the night.

Natural Remedies: Exploring Olive Oil and Tea Tree Oil

Natural oils have long been used as home remedies for earaches, with olive oil and tea tree oil being popular choices. While scientific evidence is limited, many people report relief from using these oils. Olive oil is believed to help soften earwax and provide a soothing effect, while tea tree oil is known for its antimicrobial properties.

How should you use olive oil or tea tree oil for earaches? For olive oil, warm a small amount to body temperature and place a few drops in the affected ear. For tea tree oil, it’s crucial to dilute it with a carrier oil like olive oil or sweet almond oil before use. A general rule is to mix 3-5 drops of tea tree oil with 1 ounce of carrier oil. Always perform a patch test before using tea tree oil to check for allergies, and never apply these oils directly into the ear canal if you suspect a perforated eardrum.

Precautions When Using Natural Oils

• Always warm oils to body temperature before use
• Use only a few drops at a time
• Do not use if you suspect a perforated eardrum
• Discontinue use if irritation occurs
• Consult a healthcare provider before using, especially for children

Chiropractic Care: Addressing Misalignments for Ear Pain Relief

Chiropractic care is an alternative approach that some people find helpful for managing earaches. This method is based on the belief that misalignments in the upper neck bones can contribute to ear pain and other related issues. Chiropractors use specific techniques to adjust these misalignments, potentially alleviating pressure and reducing ear discomfort.

Can chiropractic adjustments really help with earaches? While research in this area is limited, some individuals report significant improvement in ear pain following chiropractic treatments. The theory is that adjustments can help improve drainage in the Eustachian tubes and reduce pressure in the ear canals. However, it’s important to note that chiropractic care should be considered as a complementary approach and not a substitute for medical treatment, especially in cases of severe or persistent ear pain.

Ginger and Its Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Ginger is renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential natural remedy for earaches. While it shouldn’t be applied directly inside the ear, ginger can be used topically around the ear area or consumed to potentially help reduce inflammation and pain.

How can ginger be used effectively for earache relief? One method is to create ginger-infused oil by gently heating grated ginger in olive oil, straining the mixture, and applying it around the outer ear canal. Alternatively, consuming ginger tea or ginger supplements may help reduce overall inflammation in the body. As with any natural remedy, it’s important to use ginger cautiously and consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you’re taking any medications or have underlying health conditions.

Ways to Use Ginger for Earaches

1. Ginger-infused oil for topical application
2. Ginger tea consumption
3. Ginger supplements (with doctor’s approval)
4. Ginger compresses on the outer ear

Neck Exercises: Relieving Tension and Ear Pressure

Sometimes, earaches can be caused or exacerbated by tension in the muscles surrounding the ear canal. Simple neck exercises can help alleviate this tension, potentially reducing ear pain and discomfort. These exercises can be particularly beneficial for those who experience ear pain related to TMJ disorders or tension headaches.

What are some effective neck exercises for earache relief? Gentle neck rotations, shoulder shrugs, and head tilts can help relax tense muscles. Try slowly rotating your head in a circular motion, then gently tilting your head from side to side, holding each position for a few seconds. Shoulder shrugs can also help release tension in the upper body. Perform these exercises several times throughout the day, being careful not to overexert yourself.

Hydrogen Peroxide: A Traditional Remedy for Ear Discomfort

Hydrogen peroxide has been used as a home remedy for earaches for many years. While it’s not scientifically proven to treat ear infections, it can help soften and remove excess earwax, which might be contributing to ear discomfort. The bubbling action of hydrogen peroxide can also help dislodge debris in the ear canal.

Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide in the ears? When used correctly, hydrogen peroxide is generally safe for most people. However, it should never be used if you suspect a perforated eardrum. To use, tilt your head and place 5-10 drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution in the affected ear. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then drain it over a sink. Rinse with warm water afterward. It’s normal to hear bubbling or fizzing sounds during this process.

The Hair Dryer Technique: Drying Excess Moisture

For those prone to swimmer’s ear or who frequently experience water trapped in their ears, the hair dryer technique can be a useful method to prevent ear discomfort. This approach helps dry excess moisture in the ear canal, which can reduce the risk of bacterial growth and subsequent ear infections.

How should you use a hair dryer to dry your ears safely? After swimming or bathing, set your hair dryer to its lowest heat and fan setting. Hold it about a foot away from your ear and move it back and forth, allowing the warm air to circulate into the ear canal. Do this for no more than 5 minutes at a time. It’s crucial to maintain a safe distance to avoid burning your ear or damaging the delicate skin inside the ear canal.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Ear Pain

While many earaches can be managed at home, there are situations where professional medical care is necessary. Persistent or severe ear pain, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, may indicate a more serious condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment.

What are the signs that an earache requires medical attention? Seek medical care if you experience severe pain lasting more than 24-48 hours, fever above 101째F (38.3째C), discharge from the ear, sudden hearing loss, or dizziness. For children, be particularly vigilant if they show signs of ear pain accompanied by fever, irritability, or tugging at their ears. Remember, early intervention can prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.

Red Flags for Seeking Immediate Medical Care

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with OTC pain relievers
• High fever (above 101째F or 38.3째C)
• Bloody or pus-like discharge from the ear
• Sudden hearing loss
• Severe dizziness or loss of balance
• Facial weakness or paralysis
• Persistent symptoms in infants and young children

In conclusion, while earaches can be uncomfortable and disruptive, many cases can be effectively managed with home remedies and over-the-counter solutions. From cold and heat therapy to natural oils and gentle exercises, there are numerous options to explore for relief. However, it’s crucial to remember that persistent or severe ear pain should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out more serious conditions and ensure appropriate treatment. By understanding the various remedies available and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can effectively manage ear discomfort and maintain optimal ear health.

15 simple remedies for earache

Even if an earache is part of a larger issue, it is possible to reduce pain with both natural and medical methods. Here are 15 remedies for reducing earache.

1. Ice pack

Share on PinterestAn ice pack held to the ear may help to reduce potential inflammation.

Holding an ice pack or cold, damp washcloth to the ear for 20 minutes may help numb ear pain and reduce any potential inflammation that is causing it.

2. Garlic

Garlic is a natural remedy for earache that has been used for thousands of years. Allicin, a compound in garlic, is said to be helpful in fighting bacterial infections that may be causing an earache.

Eating raw garlic is said to help reduce ear pain. However, garlic may interfere with antibiotics, so it is important to speak with a doctor before taking it.

3. Heating pad

A heating pad or hot cloth held against the ear for 20 minutes may be helpful for temporary pain relief. While cold temperatures can help numb pain and reduce inflammation, a heating pad may relax the muscles and help improve blood flow.

4. Ear drops

Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies can be successful for some people, especially those that have tried natural methods. Many OTC medications shouldn’t be used by people whose eardrum has ruptured or who have had tubes surgically inserted in the past.

Some individuals may also need to check with their doctor to make sure their chosen remedy won’t interfere with any currently prescribed medications.

5. Pain relievers

Pain relievers like ibuprofen or other NSAIDS can help control pain caused by earache. These medications shouldn’t be used to mask pain, however, especially if the earache is associated with an underlying condition.

6. Sleep in an upright position

Sleeping in an upright position is often advised to help reduce the build up of pressure in the ear.

7. Chew gum

Share on PinterestChewing gum may help the ears to “pop”, especially on airplane travel.

If an earache occurs during or after plane travel or moving to higher elevations, chewing gum may help “pop” the ears and reduce pressure.

8. Distraction

One of the best methods for reducing the feeling of pain, particularly among children, is to distract the mind from the earache. Games, television, or exercise can help reduce attention on earache.

9. Chiropractic

One earache remedy is chiropractic, an alternative health approach. Chiropractic seeks to reduce pain and other health conditions by working with the muscles and bones. It is believed that earache can be caused by the misalignment of the upper neck bones. A chiropractor may be helpful for bringing these bones back “in line,” helping to reduce earache.

10. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is used in a range of ways. A couple of warmed drops in the ear per day may ease earache. However, before use in the ear, it is important to do a skin test to check for allergies. Tea tree oil should be diluted in olive oil, sweet almond oil, or another carrier oil, usually 3 to 5 drops in 1 ounce of oil.

Tea tree has antiseptic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

11. Olive oil

This method is old, but lacks any backing by scientific evidence. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics says that adding a couple of drops of warmed olive oil is safe and could be moderately effective.

12. Neck exercises

Sometimes, earache can be caused by tense muscles around the ear canal, exerting pressure on the area. If this is the case, some simple neck exercises might ease the discomfort.

For instance, slowly rotate the neck and head, and lift the shoulders up toward the ears; repeat throughout the day.

13. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has been used as a natural remedy for earache for a long while.

Insert 5-10 drops, then lie on your side for around 10 minutes with the painful ear facing up. Then, drain over the sink and rinse with cold water. Don’t be alarmed by the bubbles, this can help move ear wax out of the canal.

14. Ginger

Ginger is considered to have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Applying ginger juice (shredded ginger in warmed olive oil and strained), around the outer ear canal can relieve pain. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties.

Do not put ginger directly into the ear.

15. Hair dryer

After a bath, set the hair dryer to a low heat and hold it a distance from the ear. Continue for no more than 5 minutes. Take care not to burn your ear.

If an earache persists for more than 24-48 hours, it is important to get medical advice.

Ear infection (middle ear) – Diagnosis & treatment

Diagnosis

Your doctor can usually diagnose an ear infection or another condition based on the symptoms you describe and an exam. The doctor will likely use a lighted instrument (an otoscope) to look at the ears, throat and nasal passage. He or she will also likely listen to your child breathe with a stethoscope.

Pneumatic otoscope

An instrument called a pneumatic otoscope is often the only specialized tool a doctor needs to diagnose an ear infection. This instrument enables the doctor to look in the ear and judge whether there is fluid behind the eardrum. With the pneumatic otoscope, the doctor gently puffs air against the eardrum. Normally, this puff of air would cause the eardrum to move. If the middle ear is filled with fluid, your doctor will observe little to no movement of the eardrum.

Additional tests

Your doctor may perform other tests if there is any doubt about a diagnosis, if the condition hasn’t responded to previous treatments, or if there are other long-term or serious problems.

• Tympanometry. This test measures the movement of the eardrum. The device, which seals off the ear canal, adjusts air pressure in the canal, which causes the eardrum to move. The device measures how well the eardrum moves and provides an indirect measure of pressure within the middle ear.
• Acoustic reflectometry. This test measures how much sound is reflected back from the eardrum — an indirect measure of fluids in the middle ear. Normally, the eardrum absorbs most of the sound. However, the more pressure there is from fluid in the middle ear, the more sound the eardrum will reflect.
• Tympanocentesis. Rarely, a doctor may use a tiny tube that pierces the eardrum to drain fluid from the middle ear — a procedure called tympanocentesis. The fluid is tested for viruses and bacteria. This can be helpful if an infection hasn’t responded well to previous treatments.
• Other tests. If your child has had multiple ear infections or fluid buildup in the middle ear, your doctor may refer you to a hearing specialist (audiologist), speech therapist or developmental therapist for tests of hearing, speech skills, language comprehension or developmental abilities.

What a diagnosis means

• Acute otitis media. The diagnosis of “ear infection” is generally shorthand for acute otitis media. Your doctor likely makes this diagnosis if he or she sees signs of fluid in the middle ear, if there are signs or symptoms of an infection, and if symptoms started relatively suddenly.
• Otitis media with effusion. If the diagnosis is otitis media with effusion, the doctor has found evidence of fluid in the middle ear, but there are presently no signs or symptoms of infection.
• Chronic suppurative otitis media. If the doctor makes a diagnosis of chronic suppurative otitis media, he or she has found that a long-term ear infection resulted in tearing of the eardrum. This is usually associated with pus draining from the ear.

Treatment

Some ear infections resolve without antibiotic treatment. What’s best for your child depends on many factors, including your child’s age and the severity of symptoms.

A wait-and-see approach

Symptoms of ear infections usually improve within the first couple of days, and most infections clear up on their own within one to two weeks without any treatment. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend a wait-and-see approach as one option for:

• Children 6 to 23 months with mild middle ear pain in one ear for less than 48 hours and a temperature less than 102. 2 F (39 C)
• Children 24 months and older with mild middle ear pain in one or both ears for less than 48 hours and a temperature less than 102.2 F (39 C)

Some evidence suggests that treatment with antibiotics might be helpful for certain children with ear infections. On the other hand, using antibiotics too often can cause bacteria to become resistant to the medicine. Talk with your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of using antibiotics.

Managing pain

Your doctor will advise you on treatments to lessen pain from an ear infection. These may include the following:

• Pain medication. Your doctor may advise the use of over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) to relieve pain. Use the drugs as directed on the label. Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin because aspirin has been linked with Reye’s syndrome. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
• Anesthetic drops. These may be used to relieve pain if the eardrum doesn’t have a hole or tear in it.

Antibiotic therapy

After an initial observation period, your doctor may recommend antibiotic treatment for an ear infection in the following situations:

• Children 6 months and older with moderate to severe ear pain in one or both ears for at least 48 hours or a temperature of 102.2 F (39 C) or higher
• Children 6 to 23 months with mild middle ear pain in one or both ears for less than 48 hours and a temperature less than 102.2 F (39 C)
• Children 24 months and older with mild middle ear pain in one or both ears for less than 48 hours and a temperature less than 102.2 F (39 C)

Children younger than 6 months of age with confirmed acute otitis media are more likely to be treated with antibiotics without the initial observational waiting time.

Even after symptoms have improved, be sure to use the antibiotic as directed. Failing to take all the medicine can lead to recurring infection and resistance of bacteria to antibiotic medications. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what to do if you accidentally miss a dose.

Ear tubes

If your child has certain conditions, your child’s doctor may recommend a procedure to drain fluid from the middle ear. If your child has repeated, long-term ear infections (chronic otitis media) or continuous fluid buildup in the ear after an infection cleared up (otitis media with effusion), your child’s doctor may suggest this procedure.

During an outpatient surgical procedure called a myringotomy, a surgeon creates a tiny hole in the eardrum that enables him or her to suction fluids out of the middle ear. A tiny tube (tympanostomy tube) is placed in the opening to help ventilate the middle ear and prevent the buildup of more fluids. Some tubes are intended to stay in place for four to 18 months and then fall out on their own. Other tubes are designed to stay in longer and may need to be surgically removed.

The eardrum usually closes up again after the tube falls out or is removed.

Tympanostomy tubes

Ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes, pressure equalization tubes) are tiny cylinders, usually made of plastic or metal, that are surgically inserted into the eardrum. An ear tube creates an airway that ventilates the middle ear and prevents the accumulation of fluids behind the eardrum.

Treatment for chronic suppurative otitis media

Chronic infection that results in a hole or tear in the eardrum — called chronic suppurative otitis media — is difficult to treat. It’s often treated with antibiotics administered as drops. You may receive instructions on how to suction fluids out through the ear canal before administering drops.

Monitoring

Children who have frequent infections or who have persistent fluid in the middle ear will need to be monitored closely. Talk to your doctor about how often you should schedule follow-up appointments. Your doctor may recommend regular hearing and language tests.

More Information

Clinical trials

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Preparing for your appointment

You’ll likely begin by seeing your family doctor or your child’s pediatrician. You may be referred to a specialist in ear, nose and throat (ENT) disorders if the problem has persisted for some time, is not responding to treatment or has occurred frequently.

If your child is old enough to respond, before your appointment talk to the child about questions the doctor may ask and be prepared to answer questions on behalf of your child. Questions for adults will address most of the same issues.

• What signs or symptoms have you noticed?
• When did the symptoms begin?
• Is there ear pain? How would you describe the pain — mild, moderate or severe?
• Have you observed possible signs of pain in your infant or toddler, such as ear pulling, difficulty sleeping or unusual irritability?
• Has your child had a fever?
• Has there been any discharge from the ear? Is the discharge clear, cloudy or bloody?
• Have you observed any hearing impairment? Does your child respond to quiet sounds? Does your older child ask “What?” frequently?
• Has your child recently had a cold, flu or other respiratory symptoms?
• Does your child have seasonal allergies?
• Has your child had an ear infection in the past? When?
• Is your child allergic to any medication, such as amoxicillin?

Ear pain? Contact the Ear, Nose, Throat Clinic

First aid for earache

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First aid for ear pain

If you have ear pain, you should contact an ENT doctor as soon as possible, this will quickly get rid of pain and not make a mistake in the diagnosis and choice of treatment .
But quite often the symptoms of otitis appear in the evening or at night. Is it possible to apply warming compresses in such cases, as traditional medicine advises?
Answer: – NO!

Why is warming not a good first aid for otitis media?

Indeed, heat helps increase blood flow to the affected area and increase the activity of impulses that suppress pain.
But this positive effect of the thermal procedure can be safe only in the first hours of the development of the disease and in our case – only the catarrhal form of otitis media.
And pain in the ear can also occur for other reasons: with otitis externa and with the deterioration of long-term (chronic otitis media), which until that time had practically not shown itself. In this case, thermal procedures will only increase inflammation and pain. Therefore, the first aid for pain in the ears can be considered taking an anesthetic and immediately contacting an ENT doctor. If at night, when taking an anesthetic, the pain does not go away, it is necessary to call the ambulance team.

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Hello. The child is 4 years old, has constant otitis media, almost every acute respiratory infection (+ adenoitis, we are not considering an operation yet). What can be dripped for prophylaxis…

Hello, I have otitis externa, my ear is stuffed up, can my ear be cured of stuffiness?

I have been treating serous otitis media for 3 months, without pain and discharge. Found exudate behind the eardrum. Conducted treatment and massage of the tympanic membrane,…

I have been treating serous otitis media for 3 months, without pain and discharge. Found exudate behind the eardrum. They treated and massaged the tympanic membrane,…

The child is 10 years old. On January 24, the temperature rose to 39, the doctor prescribed treatment for ARVI. On January 27, my ears hurt. They took it away in an ambulance. ENT diagnosed…

Hello dear doctor, we have such a strange situation, my child is 3 months old, when we were one month old we were diagnosed with acute…

Dear doctor, I ask for your advice. 10 days ago I fell ill with a temperature I was diagnosed with ARVI, I was treated at home, most of all I had a sore throat and a little runny nose …

I have chronic otitis media. Haven’t let me know for a long time. Recently, a crust has been forming in the ear canal, sometimes turning white…

We have been treating a bad runny nose for a week and a half, there was no temperature, only a wet cough… today she is crying and complaining about knocking in her ear… why. ..

I have acute otitis! I’m 8 weeks pregnant and on antibiotics! The 3rd day has already passed, it seems to be better, but still the ear shoots! What do I…

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Article content0202 What is acute otitis?

• Symptoms
• First aid: home treatments
• Urgent medical attention

Acute otitis is an acute inflammation of any of the three parts of the ear. The disease occurs at any age. The appearance of the first symptoms, as a rule, coincides with the late evening, when you can no longer go to the ENT doctor, but it is also unbearable to endure the shooting pain in the ear. With children it is even harder – they cannot accurately describe what and how it hurts them. What first aid measures to take to alleviate your condition or the condition of the child before contacting an otorhinolaryngologist? This will be discussed in a new article.

What is acute otitis media?

The human ear is a complex system. It is conditionally divided into three important sections: the outer, middle and inner ear.

Any part of the ear can become inflamed. Accordingly, otitis externa, otitis media and internal are distinguished. In eighty percent of cases, we are dealing with a manifestation of acute otitis media.

Acute otitis media affects people of all ages. But most often children get sick.

Medical statistics show that by the first grade, almost every child suffers from this disease at least once. What can provoke the disease?

There are quite a lot of factors provoking the disease:

• past inflammation of the ENT organs;
• ear injuries;
• foreign objects in the ear;
• frequent entry of water into the ear canal;
• incorrect ear cleaning;
• hypothermia;
• weak immunity;
• allergic reactions;
• features of the anatomical structure of the organ of hearing in children (in childhood, the auditory tube is shorter, so it is easier for infections from the nasopharynx to get into the tympanic cavity of the ear).

Depending on the type of pathogen, bacterial, viral and fungal forms of inflammation are distinguished.

The acute form of the disease, as the name implies, begins rapidly and proceeds with vivid symptoms.

Symptoms

Signs of the disease vary depending on the location of the inflammation.

With external otitis from the first day of the disease, the patient feels constant itching in the ear canal, which is replaced by severe pain. Pain may radiate to the jaw or temple. The pain gets worse at night. The external form can leak with the formation of a furuncle in the ear canal. When it grows, it closes the lumen of the ear canal, which interferes with sound transmission, so the patient has a hearing loss.

Otitis media begins with a shooting pain in the ear, a feeling of congestion in it, and hearing loss. The disease may be accompanied by fever, runny nose. In babies, the disease can provoke disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhea). A feature of this form of otitis media is the presence of purulent contents in the tympanic cavity. As soon as the purulent masses break through the eardrum and go outside, the patient’s condition improves, and he is on the mend.

Otitis media is characterized by frequent dizziness. At the same time, the patient’s hearing decreases, bouts of vomiting occur, and tinnitus is present. Most often, such inflammation develops against the background of otitis media as a complication. Therefore, it is very important to get qualified medical care at an early stage of the disease.

First Aid: Home Treatments

Illness usually starts in the late afternoon, so before going to the doctor it is a question of taking urgent measures to provide first aid to yourself or your child and relieve acute symptoms.

Friends! Timely and proper treatment will ensure you a speedy recovery!

Urgent measures for otitis media at home are aimed at temporarily paining the sore ear and relieving unpleasant symptoms until it becomes possible to consult an ENT doctor.

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It is a mistake to think that urgent measures taken at home will be enough for recovery. Only qualified medical assistance will quickly and effectively cope with inflammation.

What can you do at home before visiting an ENT doctor to relieve your condition?

• put vasoconstrictor drops or vasoconstrictor sprays into the nasal passages – this urgent measure will relieve swelling of the auditory tube;
• take an antipyretic if the inflammation is accompanied by high body temperature; similar drugs (for example, Nurofen) also have an analgesic effect;
• protect your ear from drafts and hypothermia, but never warm it up;
• put Otipax or Otinum drops into the ear canal (they must be used with caution, more on that later), then close the ear canal with cotton;
• a cotton wick soaked in boric alcohol can be placed in the ear canal for half an hour;
• in the presence of purulent secretions, gently wipe them with a cotton swab – but only from the edge of the ear canal, you can’t climb deep inside!

It must be remembered that emergency care should not be carried out thoughtlessly. There are a number of restrictions that should not be forgotten.

What can not be done with otitis media? In no case should you warm up the ear or make warm compresses if the patient has an elevated body temperature or pus is released from the ear canal. Heat exposure will only increase the spread of infection throughout the body.

When using ear drops, you must also remember the following precautions:

• if you suspect a perforation in the eardrum, which may be evidenced by suppuration from the ear, do not use drops;
• let the drops warm to room temperature before putting them in the ear;
• Do not use drops during pregnancy or nursing without consulting your doctor.

These emergency measures will only temporarily relieve pain, full treatment must be carried out under the supervision of an otorhinolaryngologist.

Seek immediate medical attention

Treatment of acute otitis requires competent treatment. Therefore, as soon as possible, you need to contact an otorhinolaryngologist. Incorrect treatment can lead to serious complications: the development of chronic otitis media, persistent hearing loss, cholesteatoma formation, inflammation of the brain, brain abscess, sepsis, etc.

At the appointment, the ENT doctor will examine the diseased ear, determine the type of otitis media, assess the condition of the tympanic membrane and ear canal, and give the necessary appointments. Therapy for acute otitis media includes taking antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictor drugs. If necessary, a toilet of the outer and middle ear, pneumomassage of the tympanic membrane and physiotherapy are carried out.

Therapy of acute otitis is a profile of the ENT Clinic of Dr. Zaitsev. Highly qualified specialists, the most modern equipment and rich practical experience allow us to provide high-quality medical care at the best prices in Moscow.

Please sign up by phone: (495) 642-45-25 and +7-(926)-384-40-04 and come!

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Sources

1. Burmistrova T. V. Principal approaches to the treatment of exudative otitis media // Ros. rhinology. 2005. – No. 1 (14). – S. 39 -41.
2. Zaitsev V.M. Children’s ENT. How to protect the health of the ears, nose and throat. – M.: EKSMO, 2018. – 224 p.
3. Zubkovskaya S.A. Auditory dysfunction in exudative otitis / S.A. Zubkovskaya // XVI Congress of Otorhinolaryngologists of the Russian Federation: abstract. report SPb., 2001. – S. 83-84.
4. Kosyakov S.Ya. Treatment of acute, protracted and recurrent otitis media / S.Ya. Kosyakov, A.S. Lopatin // Right, polycl. doctor. 2004. – No. 4. – S. 59-62.
5. Kryukov A.I., Turovsky A.B. Acute otitis media basic principles of treatment in modern conditions // Consilium medicum. – 2002. – V. 2. – No. 5. S. 11-17.
6. Lopotko A.