How can you alleviate earache pain at home. What are the most effective natural remedies for ear infections. Which over-the-counter treatments provide quick relief for ear discomfort. Are there safe alternatives to antibiotics for managing ear pain.

Understanding Earaches: Causes and Symptoms

Earaches can be a source of significant discomfort, affecting both children and adults. They occur for various reasons, ranging from infections to pressure changes. Common causes include:

• Bacterial or viral infections
• Sinus congestion
• Tooth infections
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Earwax buildup
• Changes in air pressure (e.g., during flights)

Symptoms often include sharp pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear, muffled hearing, and sometimes fever. While severe cases may require medical attention, many earaches can be effectively managed with home remedies and over-the-counter treatments.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: A First Line of Defense

One of the most accessible and effective ways to manage ear pain is through the use of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. These medications can help alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation associated with earaches.

Which OTC medications are most effective for ear pain?

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are widely recommended for ear pain relief. These medications not only help reduce pain but can also lower fever if present. It’s important to follow dosing instructions carefully, especially for children.

Is aspirin safe for earaches?

While aspirin can be effective for pain relief in adults, it’s crucial to note that it should not be given to children under 16 years of age due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition.

Temperature Therapy: Cold and Warm Compresses

Applying temperature therapy to the affected ear can provide significant relief from earache pain. This method is safe for both children and adults and can be easily done at home.

How do you apply cold or warm compresses for ear pain?

Use either a cold pack or a warm compress (such as a heating pad or damp washcloth) over the ear for about 10 minutes. Some people find alternating between cold and warm provides the best relief. The choice between cold and warm often comes down to personal preference and what feels most soothing.

Cold compresses can help numb the area and reduce inflammation, while warm compresses can improve blood circulation and promote drainage if there’s fluid buildup in the ear.

Natural Oils: Olive Oil and Naturopathic Drops

Natural oils have been used for centuries to soothe ear discomfort. While scientific evidence is limited, many people find relief through these methods.

Can olive oil help with ear pain?

Olive oil has mild antibacterial properties and may help soothe ear pain when warmed to body temperature and applied in small amounts to the ear canal. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before trying this method, especially for children.

What are naturopathic ear drops?

Naturopathic ear drops are made from herbal extracts and are available in some drug stores and online. Early studies suggest that these drops, often in an olive oil base, may be as effective as traditional OTC ear drops for pain relief. However, more research is needed to confirm their efficacy in treating ear infections.

Chiropractic Care: An Alternative Approach

Some individuals find relief from ear pain through chiropractic adjustments, although the scientific evidence supporting this approach is limited.

How might chiropractic treatment help with earaches?

Chiropractic care focuses on aligning the spine and may help relieve pressure and improve drainage in the ear canals. A 2011 study suggested potential benefits, but the exact mechanism is not fully understood. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for ear pain can vary depending on the underlying cause.

Sleep Positioning: Maximizing Comfort and Drainage

The way you sleep can significantly impact ear pain, especially if there’s fluid buildup in the ear.

What’s the best sleep position for ear pain relief?

Sleep with the affected ear raised rather than facing down into the pillow. This position can help the ear drain more effectively if needed. Elevating your head with extra pillows can also promote better drainage and potentially reduce pain.

Herbal Remedies: Ginger and Garlic

Natural remedies like ginger and garlic have been used traditionally to alleviate ear discomfort due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

How can ginger be used for ear pain?

Ginger’s natural anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe ear pain. Apply ginger juice or warmed oil infused with ginger around the outer ear canal, but avoid putting it directly into the ear.

Is garlic effective for earaches?

Garlic has both antibiotic and pain-relieving properties. Create a garlic-infused oil by soaking crushed garlic in warm olive or sesame oil for several minutes. Strain the garlic out and carefully apply the oil around the ear canal, avoiding direct insertion into the ear.

Hydrogen Peroxide: A Cleansing Solution

Hydrogen peroxide can be an effective home remedy for earaches, particularly when caused by earwax buildup.

How do you use hydrogen peroxide for ear pain?

Place a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into the affected ear and let it sit for several minutes before draining it into a sink. Afterward, rinse the ear with clean, distilled water. This method can help dissolve and remove excess earwax, potentially alleviating pain caused by blockage.

Distraction Techniques: Managing Pain Through Engagement

Sometimes, the best way to deal with ear pain is to take your mind off it. This approach can be particularly effective for children but can also help adults cope with discomfort.

What are some effective distraction methods for ear pain?

For children, consider:

• Watching their favorite movie
• Providing a new coloring book
• Having a fun bubble bath
• Allowing them to play games on a tablet or phone
• Offering their favorite snacks

For adults, engaging in absorbing activities like reading a good book or watching an engrossing movie can help distract from the pain. The key is to find an activity that captures your attention and helps you focus on something other than the discomfort.

Are there specific considerations for teething children with ear pain?

If a child is teething and experiencing ear pain, offering cooled teething toys can provide dual relief. The cold can help numb the gums and potentially alleviate associated ear discomfort.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many earaches can be managed at home, some situations require professional medical care.

What are the signs that an earache needs medical attention?

Consult a healthcare provider if:

• Pain is severe or persists for more than a few days
• There’s discharge from the ear
• Hearing loss occurs
• High fever (over 102°F or 39°C) is present
• Symptoms worsen despite home treatment
• The earache is in an infant under 6 months old

These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires professional diagnosis and treatment.

Preventive Measures: Reducing the Risk of Earaches

While not all earaches are preventable, certain measures can help reduce their frequency and severity.

How can you prevent earaches?

Consider the following preventive strategies:

1. Practice good hygiene, especially hand washing, to reduce the risk of infections
2. Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
3. Manage allergies effectively
4. Use earplugs when swimming to prevent water from entering the ears
5. Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal, including cotton swabs
6. Keep vaccinations up to date, particularly for children
7. Breastfeed infants when possible, as it can boost immunity

By implementing these preventive measures, you may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of earaches, particularly those caused by infections.

Understanding Antibiotic Use for Ear Infections

The approach to treating ear infections, particularly in children, has evolved in recent years. Not all ear infections require antibiotics, and healthcare providers are increasingly cautious about prescribing them unnecessarily.

Why aren’t antibiotics always prescribed for ear infections?

Many ear infections, especially those caused by viruses, will resolve on their own without antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to treat. Additionally, antibiotics can cause side effects and disrupt the body’s natural balance of beneficial bacteria.

When are antibiotics necessary for ear infections?

Antibiotics may be prescribed in cases where:

• The infection is severe
• Symptoms persist or worsen after a few days of home treatment
• The patient is very young (under 6 months for any ear infection, or under 2 years for certain severe infections)
• There are other health conditions that increase the risk of complications

Your healthcare provider will assess the situation and determine whether antibiotics are necessary based on the specific circumstances of the infection.

The Role of Diet in Ear Health

While diet isn’t typically considered a primary factor in ear health, certain nutritional choices may support overall ear function and potentially reduce the risk of infections.

Can certain foods help prevent or alleviate earaches?

While there’s no specific diet proven to prevent earaches, a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support overall immune function. Consider incorporating:

• Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens
• Zinc-containing foods such as nuts, seeds, and whole grains
• Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts
• Probiotics from yogurt and fermented foods to support gut health and overall immunity

While these dietary choices won’t directly cure an earache, they may help support your body’s natural defenses against infections that can lead to ear pain.

Alternative Therapies for Ear Pain Management

In addition to conventional treatments and home remedies, some people find relief through alternative therapies. While scientific evidence for these methods may be limited, some individuals report positive results.

What alternative therapies might help with ear pain?

Some alternative approaches to managing ear pain include:

• Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain and promote healing.
• Aromatherapy: Certain essential oils, such as lavender or tea tree oil, may have pain-relieving or antimicrobial properties when used properly and diluted.
• Homeopathy: Some homeopathic remedies are marketed for ear pain, though scientific evidence for their efficacy is limited.
• Herbal ear drops: Formulations containing herbs like mullein, garlic, or calendula are sometimes used for ear discomfort.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative therapies, especially for children or if you have any underlying health conditions.

The Impact of Environmental Factors on Ear Health

Environmental conditions can play a significant role in ear health and the development of earaches. Understanding these factors can help in prevention and management of ear discomfort.

How do environmental factors contribute to ear pain?

Several environmental elements can affect ear health:

1. Altitude changes: Rapid changes in altitude, such as during air travel or mountain climbing, can cause pressure imbalances in the ear, leading to pain.
2. Humidity levels: Very dry air can irritate the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, potentially contributing to ear discomfort.
3. Noise pollution: Prolonged exposure to loud noises can damage the ear’s delicate structures and lead to pain or hearing issues.
4. Water exposure: Frequent swimming or exposure to contaminated water can increase the risk of outer ear infections (swimmer’s ear).
5. Allergens: Environmental allergens like pollen or dust can cause congestion that affects ear pressure and comfort.

Being aware of these factors and taking appropriate precautions, such as using earplugs during air travel or in noisy environments, can help maintain ear health and prevent some causes of ear pain.

Long-Term Management of Recurrent Earaches

For individuals who experience frequent earaches, developing a long-term management strategy is crucial for maintaining quality of life and preventing complications.

What strategies can help manage recurrent ear pain?

Consider the following approaches for long-term earache management:

• Identify and address underlying causes: Work with a healthcare provider to determine if there are any chronic conditions contributing to frequent earaches.
• Regular check-ups: Schedule routine ear examinations to catch and address issues early.
• Lifestyle modifications: Implement changes that support ear health, such as avoiding irritants or managing allergies effectively.
• Stress management: Chronic stress can affect overall health, including ear health. Techniques like meditation or yoga may be beneficial.
• Customized ear protection: For those prone to ear issues, custom-fitted earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones may help prevent problems in challenging environments.

By taking a proactive approach to ear health and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals with recurrent earaches can often find effective ways to manage their condition and improve their overall quality of life.

Earache: 11 Effective Remedies

Not all ear infections are bacterial or need prescription medication. You may be able to relieve ear pain with home remedies or over-the-counter medications.

Earaches can be debilitating, but they don’t always warrant antibiotics. Prescribing guidelines for ear infections have changed in the last five years. Your child might not even be prescribed antibiotics.

In fact, you could find all the relief you need in your home with treatments such as:

• over-the-counter pain relievers
• cold or warm compresses
• olive oil
• neck exercises
• ginger
• garlic
• hydrogen peroxide

Here are 10 home remedies and over-the-counter treatments for earaches.

The following 10 remedies may help you relieve your pain. That said, treatment can depend on the cause, so you may want to see your doctor first.

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers

You can use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen to control pain associated with a painful type of ear infection called acute otitis media (AOM).

They’re safe to use with or without antibiotics, but be sure to follow the dosing instructions on the label. These medications can also help lower a fever.

Talk with your doctor about the appropriate dose for children. Children and infant versions are available for many OTC pain relievers. It’s unsafe for children under age 16 to take aspirin.

2. Cold or warm compresses

People often use ice packs or warm compresses, like a heating pad or damp washcloth, to relieve pain. The same can be done for ear pain. This method is safe for both children and adults.

Place the ice pack or warm compress over the ear and alternate between warm and cold after 10 minutes. If you prefer either cold or warm, you can use just one compress.

3. Olive oil

Olive oil has some antibacterial properties, though there’s no solid scientific evidence to prove that drops of olive oil in your ear canal can soothe ear pain. That said, putting a few warmed drops of olive oil in the ear is safe and may be worth a try.

It’s still a good idea to discuss this method with your doctor first, especially for children. Make sure the olive oil is no warmer than your body temperature by using a thermometer. This will help you avoid burning the eardrum.

4. Naturopathic drops

Naturopathic ear drops are made from herbal extracts. They can be found online and in some drug stores. An early study found that drops containing herbal extracts in a base of olive oil could be just as, or even more, effective as traditional OTC ear drops.

An old 2001 study found that using these drops may lead to improvement in ear pain levels. That said, a 2019 study suggests that they don’t necessarily help when it comes to treating ear infections.

5. Chiropractic treatment

If you go to the chiropractor for adjustments, you may find that your appointment can soothe your earache as much as your back pain.

There aren’t many studies looking at the effectiveness of this. One older 2011 study suggests it may help, though how it works isn’t understood. The effectiveness will also depend on the cause of your pain, so it’s a good idea to see a doctor first for a diagnosis.

6. Sleep without putting pressure on the ear

Some sleep positions will aggravate pain from ear infections, while some can help relieve it. Sleep with the affected ear raised instead of having it faced down toward the pillow. This can help the ear drain better if necessary.

You can also sleep with your head elevated by using extra pillows. This can also help the ears drain faster.

7. Ginger

Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe pain from earaches. Apply ginger juice or strained oil that was warmed with ginger in it around the outer ear canal. Do not put it directly into the ear.

8. Garlic

Garlic has both antibiotic and pain-relieving properties. Soak crushed garlic for several minutes in warm olive or sesame oil. Strain the garlic out and apply the oil to the ear canal.

9. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a natural remedy for earaches, particularly if the cause is wax buildup. To use this method of treatment, place several drops of hydrogen peroxide into the affected ear. Let it sit for several minutes before letting it drain into a sink. Rinse your ear with clean, distilled water.

If it’s a child battling an earache, do your best to get them comfortable by taking their mind off the pain.

You may want to:

• put on their favorite movie
• bring home a new coloring book
• have a bubble bath with lots of toys
• let them play a game on your phone or tablet
• pick up their favorite snack
• try to get them to focus on other things

If your child is of teething age, offer cooled teething toys for chewing.

This method also works for adults. Treat yourself to a good book or a favorite movie to take your mind off the earache.

There are many possible causes of earache. Possible causes that are relatively common include:

• cavities
• sinus infections
• earwax
• tonsillitis
• teeth grinding

The most common ear infection is acute otitis media (AOM), or a middle ear infection.

It’s characterized by swollen and infected portions of the middle ear. The pain associated with AOM is caused by fluid becoming trapped behind the eardrum. Symptoms may include:

• fever
• pain inside the ear
• slight hearing loss
• feeling sick in general

Babies and children may be restless, cranky, and pull at their ears.

The best home remedy for an earache depends on the cause. If a cavity is to blame, your earache may not improve until you see a dentist. However, if it’s an ear infection, using a natural remedy could make the illness bearable as your body fights off the infection.

Be sure to check with your child’s pediatrician if your child has ear pain, especially if they are under 2 years of age.

If your child is running a high fever, or if a fever lasts longer than a day, seek immediate medical care. High fever for children is defined as:

• infants less than 3 months old rectal 100.4ºF (38ºC) or greater
• children 3 months to 3 years old rectal 102ºF (38. 9ºC) or greater
• children of any age oral, rectal, or forehead 104ºF (40ºC) or greater

Your doctor can provide guidance on whether you should try home remedies first or consider an antibiotic.

How do you get rid of an earache fast?

There’s no immediate magic cure for earache, but some natural or over-the-counter remedies can provide relief. Depending on the cause, you may need to get medical treatment.

When should I go to the doctor for earache?

Any time there’s ear pain, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to find the cause and see if you need treatment. That said, if your pain is mild, you can try to wait a bit and see if it resolves on its own. Definitely see a doctor if your pain is acute or you also have a fever.

How long should an earache last?

Many ear infections clear up on their own in about a week or two, with symptoms starting to get better after a few days. However, if your pain has another cause, it may resolve sooner or later. If the pain hasn’t resolved within several days, make an appointment with your doctor.

While there isn’t much evidence on alternative treatments for earaches, many home remedies can soothe the pain.

No Need For Antibiotics The latest guidelines from the AAP suggest that doctors should focus on pain management, not antibiotics, for ear infections. This is because ear infections often go away on their own, and the overuse of antibiotics could lead to antibiotic-resistant infections.

How to Get Water Out of Your Ears: 6 Easy Ways

Remove excess water from your ears with methods like blow drying, using different types of ear drops, and even adding more water.

Although swimming is often the cause, you can get water trapped in your ear canal from any exposure to water. If this happens, you may feel a tickling sensation in your ear. This feeling may extend to your jawbone or throat. You may also not be able to hear as well or only hear muffled sounds.

Usually, the water drains out on its own. If it doesn’t, the trapped moisture may lead to an ear infection. This type of ear infection in the external auditory canal of your outer ear is called swimmer’s ear (otitis externa).

It’s not hard to get water out of your ear on your own. These 12 tips can help.

If water gets trapped in your ear, you can try several at-home remedies for relief:

1. Jiggle your earlobe

This first method may shake the water out of your ear right away.

Gently tug or jiggle your earlobe while tilting your head downward toward your shoulder.

You can also try shaking your head from side to side while in this position.

2. Make gravity do the work

Gravity can help the water drain from your ear.

Lie on your side for a few minutes, with your head on a towel, to absorb the water. The water may slowly drain out of your ear.

3. Create a vacuum

This method creates a vacuum that may draw the water out.

1. Tilt your head sideways, and rest your ear onto your cupped palm, creating a tight seal.
2. Gently push your hand back and forth toward your ear in a rapid motion, flattening it as you push and cupping it as you pull away.
3. Tilt your head down to allow the water to drain.

4. Use a blow dryer

The heat from a blow dryer may help evaporate the water inside your ear canal.

1. Turn on your blow dryer to its lowest setting.
2. Hold the hair dryer about a foot away from your ear and move it in a back-and-forth motion.
3. While tugging down on your earlobe, let the warm air blow into your ear.

5. Try eardrops or sprays

If a doctor recommends them, consider eardrops after swimming. Over-the-counter (OTC) eardrops may help soften impacted earwax that may prevent water from exiting the ear. Some formulations may also repel water and reduce the chance of infection.

Options may include:

• alcohol-based eardrops
• hydrogen-peroxide-based eardrops, including carbamide peroxide
• oil-based eardrops, including olive oil or almond oil
• glycerol-based eardrops

Do not use these methods if you have any of these conditions:

• a middle ear infection
• a perforated eardrum
• tympanostomy tubes (eardrum tubes)
• signs of injury or infection, such as pain, swelling, warmth, drainage, or bleeding from the ear

6.

Try more water

This technique may sound illogical, but it can actually help draw water out of your ear.

1. Lying on your side, fill the affected ear with water using a clean dropper.
2. Wait 5 seconds and then turn over with the affected ear facing down. All of the water should drain out.

Warm steam may also help release water from your ear. Try taking a hot shower or giving yourself a mini sauna with a bowl of hot water.

1. Fill a large bowl with steaming hot water.
2. Cover your head with a towel to keep the steam in, and hold your face over the bowl.
3. Inhale the steam for 5 or 10 minutes, and then tilt your head to the side to drain your ear.

If at-home remedies aren’t working, don’t resort to using ear swabs, your finger, or any other object to dig inside of your ear. Doing this may make matters worse by:

• adding bacteria to the area
• pushing the water deeper into your ear
• injuring your ear canal
• puncturing your eardrum

A doctor, such as a primary care physician or an otolaryngologist (ENT) may be able to safely remove water or wax from your ear.

These simple tips can help prevent water from getting stuck in your ear in the future.

• Use earplugs or a swim cap when you go swimming.
• After spending time immersed in water, thoroughly dry the outside of your ear with a towel.

The following includes frequently asked questions about getting water out of your ear.

Will water come out of my ear naturally?

Water typically leaves the ears naturally with the help of gravity. But it doesn’t feel like it’s working, some home remedies, including eardrops and jiggling your earlobe, may help the water work its way out.

Why can’t I get water out of my ear?

If you can’t get water out of your ear, earwax or other debris may be blocking the way. If this is the case, avoid sticking anything in your ear to clear it, as this can potentially cause an infection. Sterile eardrops may help soften earwax. You may also have an ear infection known as swimmer’s ear that may require treatment from a medical professional.

What happens if you have water in your ear for too long?

If water stays in your ear, you may develop an ear infection, especially if bacteria was present in the water. This infection is called swimmer’s ear and may require treatment from a healthcare professional.

How do you open a blocked ear?

If your ear feels blocked due to water or pressure, you may be able to safely open your eustachian tubes and equalize pressure by yawning, swallowing, or applying a warm compress. If this and other remedies do not work, a medical professional may be able to help.

Trapped water usually goes away without treatment. If it bothers you, consider trying one of these home treatments to help relieve your discomfort. But if the water is still trapped after 2 to 3 days or if you show signs of infection, you should call a doctor.

If your ear becomes inflamed or swollen, you may have developed an ear infection. An ear infection can become serious if you don’t get treatment for it. It may lead to hearing loss or other complications, such as cartilage and bone damage.

A doctor can prescribe medications to eliminate infection and relieve pain.

Trapped water in your ear may work its way out naturally. Some home remedies, such as jiggling your earlobe or laying on your side so the water drips out, may help it along.

In some cases, water in your ear may lead to an infection that needs medical attention.

Avoid sticking anything, including cotton swabs or your fingers, into your ear. This can introduce bacteria or injury and lead to infection.

Read this article in Spanish.

What to do when your ear hurts – an article on the website Aptechestvo, Nizhny Novgorod

Ear pain in adults or ear pain in a child is simply exhausting. Usually it is accompanied by discomfort, fatigue, sleep disturbance, loud crying. Practice shows that people with ear pain make many mistakes that lead to complications. What to do when your ear hurts? First of all, you need to consult a doctor who will diagnose ear pain and prescribe the appropriate course of treatment.

When an adult’s ear hurts or a child’s ear hurts, discomfort can occur in different departments. We will analyze them in accordance with the generally accepted classification.

Pain in the outer ear

This part of the auditory organ is considered the most unprotected for infections. Why does my ear hurt? Very often, pain occurs due to inflammatory processes caused by bacteria. Another reason is improper cleaning, physical damage, foreign bodies. All this leads to the appearance of boils and even eczema. In such cases, doctors put otitis externa.

Pain in the middle ear

Ear pain can also appear in the middle ear. The department is closely connected with the outer ear and nasopharynx. Therefore, it is also characterized by the appearance of infections. Pathologies in the middle ear are accompanied by shooting pain, pulsation, hearing loss, distortion of the perception of one’s own voice.

Main pathologies:

• inflammatory processes;

• tumors in the tympanic cavity;

• trauma and breach of integrity;

• problems in the auditory tube.

In some cases, severe ear pain may appear after going to the pool. Pain extends both to the outer ear, where the infection could have entered, and to the middle ear, where pain is caused by the strong pressure of water when diving to depth.

Pathologies of the inner ear

The defeat of the inner ear in most cases is not accompanied by pain. Therefore, here, it is best to talk about pathologies. The main symptoms: impaired coordination, periodic nausea, extraneous sounds, headaches, dizziness and rapid hearing loss. The list of the main diseases that are the result of damage to the inner ear:

• labyrinthitis;

• hearing loss;

• Meniere’s disease;

• otosclerosis.

In addition, in some cases, acute ear pain may be due to complications in other organs. For example, dental problems, trigeminal neuralgia, or swelling of the larynx.

Ear hurts, how to treat?

Sometimes, if a child’s ear hurts, the parents don’t know what to do. If acute ear pain is not possible to see a doctor, you should use painkillers. For example, take a tablet of Solpadein, Tempalgin or Pentalgin. In some cases, it is possible to use vasoconstrictor ear drops. In addition, a solution of ammonia with camphor will help. Gauze is dipped into the solution and placed in the ear for a few minutes. This allows you to get rid of pain.

Help for ear pain

Contents

• Causes of ear pain
• Otitis as a common cause of ear pain
• First aid for ear pain
• First aid for ear pain OM

Acute pain in the ear always delivers strong discomfort. Until you get to the otolaryngologist for an appointment, and the drugs prescribed by him begin to work, you will need reliable and safe ways to eliminate the painful symptom. What is the first aid for ear pain?

Contents

Causes of ear pain

Both the course of treatment prescribed by the otolaryngologist and the first aid methods for ear pain will depend on what disease caused the painful symptom. The following pathological conditions can cause pain in the organ of hearing:

1. Pressure drops. If the auditory tube does not perform its function well, then during pressure drops (when diving and ascent, takeoff and landing, traveling by car or train), unpleasant sensations arise in the organ of hearing. The eardrum retracts inward, causing ear pain, pressure, and congestion.
2. Inflammatory processes of different locations. Otitis and inflammatory processes in all parts of the organ of hearing can lead to the occurrence of painful symptoms. So, boils, erysipelas and eczema may appear in the outer ear; on average – different forms of otitis, in the internal – labyrinthitis.
3. Acute pain in the ear can occur after trauma to various parts of the hearing organ. Painful symptoms can manifest themselves due to improper hygiene of the auditory canal, the ingress of foreign bodies into it and the shocks suffered.
4. Inflammation of the parotid gland. The close location of this gland to the organ of hearing in the event of an abscess leads to the fact that patients begin to complain of severe pain in the ear.
5. Mastoiditis. One of the sections of the middle ear – the mastoid process of the temporal bone – can also undergo an inflammatory process that has become a complication of otitis media. During the course of the disease, patients complain of very intense ear pain.

Ear pain is not always associated with diseases and inflammatory processes in the organ of hearing.

Pathological conditions in other parts of the human body can provoke the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms:

ear pain may appear against the background of sinusitis, in which purulent masses press on the nerve receptors that transmit signals to the organ of hearing.

See also: By what signs can you understand that the baby has an earache?

Since a painful symptom can indicate various diseases related to different areas, only a specialist is able to establish the correct diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment for the underlying pathology. If the otolaryngologist does not find the “ear” cause of the appeared pain in your hearing organ, he will redirect you to other narrow specialists – a dentist, neurologist, surgeon or therapist.

Otitis as a common cause of pain in the ear

Otitis is the most common cause of pain in the ear. These inflammatory processes can be localized in different parts of the organ of hearing, and then the nature of the pain and its accompanying symptoms will also differ.

Otitis externa

Inflammation of the external part of the ear develops mainly under the skin of the auricle or auditory canal. This otitis media usually leads to water entering the passage or when the integument is injured.

Ear pain in otitis externa is usually located closer to the exit of the auditory canal. As purulent masses accumulate under the skin, patients also note the appearance of itching, a feeling of pressure inside the hearing organ. If the tissues of the ear canal swell strongly and the lumen of the canal overlaps, there is also a feeling of stuffiness in the ear.

Otitis media

An acute inflammatory process affecting the tympanic cavity is always accompanied by excruciating sharp and shooting pain in the ear. Due to the fact that the mucous membrane of the middle ear is densely lined with nerve endings, the painful symptom becomes the very first signal that speaks of the development of the pathological process.

The disease, in addition to pain in the ear, is accompanied by increasing hearing loss, a feeling of congestion and pressure deep inside the organ.

Pain increases at rest, usually at night – this is due to an increase in exudate pressure on the mucous membrane of the tympanic cavity.

Pain in the ear with otitis in acute form, as a rule, immediately disappears after the rupture of the eardrum under the pressure of purulent masses. But the relief of symptoms does not mean the end of the disease – if at this stage the need for antibiotic therapy is ignored, the pathology can develop into a chronic form.

See also: Hearing aid for the elderly: selection rules

First aid for ear pain

First aid for ear pain will be different depending on what pathological condition caused the appearance of this unpleasant symptom.

Pressure Drop First Aid

Earache caused by pressure drop can be relieved by simple techniques to reposition the eardrum:

• Chew gum;
• swallow saliva several times;
• close the nostrils, close the lips tightly and exhale smoothly through the nose;
• Press the tragus against the entrance to the ear canal.

Toothache First Aid

If you are sure that your earache was caused by a toothache, then you should take painkillers to relieve symptoms and make an appointment with your dentist.

Sinusitis First Aid

For earache caused by sinusitis, a series of relief measures can help you:

1. First of all, the nasal passages should be washed from accumulated mucous masses with saline solution.
2. To thin the mucus, ensure optimal humidity in the room, drink more fluids and take special preparations, such as sinupret.
3. To eliminate swelling, vasoconstrictor drugs should be instilled into the nasal passages.

First Aid for Otitis Pain

How you deal with ear pain from otitis media will depend on your symptoms. If you have a fever and discomfort increases in a horizontal position, it is better not to take risks and, after taking a painkiller, wait for the consultation of an otolaryngologist.

The fact is that if the nature of the disease is unclear, one cannot self-medicate and use folk methods based on heating. Heat will temporarily eliminate the pain in the ear, but it can also accelerate the development of pathogenic flora in purulent otitis media and lead to serious complications.

Painkiller

Taking an analgesic will help you fall asleep and calmly wait for an appointment with an otolaryngologist. Paracetamol, Novigan or ibuprofen can help you with ear pain. The last drug, in addition to eliminating the painful symptom, is able to slightly restrain the development of the inflammatory process. To enhance the action of analgesics during the day, you can drink a little coffee or strong tea.

Ear drops

Ear drops should only be used if you are sure of the nature of your condition. So, patients suffering from chronic forms of otitis media, without waiting for the consultation of an otolaryngologist, usually begin topical use of analgesic drugs. Otipax and Otinum effectively relieve ear pain, while they do not have an antibacterial effect, which means that when you visit an otolaryngologist, he will be able to freely choose the optimal treatment program for the disease for you.

See also: Prevention of otitis in adults and children

Dry heat

Applying warm salt bags to the sore ear or using a blue lamp due to the action of heat will quickly relieve pain. But the use of such a method in some cases is fraught with negative consequences. So, if the pain in the ear is caused by purulent processes in the tissues of the organ of hearing, dry heat will only provoke the development of pathogenic flora and increased exudate release.

Therefore, before consulting an otolaryngologist, it is better not to apply dry heat in order to eliminate in the ear.

Camphor compress

This is another way to relieve ear pain based on the effect of heating. You can use it only in situations where you are sure that there is no purulent process in your organ of hearing.

1. To make a warming compress to relieve ear pain, prepare gauze, fold it into 4 layers and cut a hole in the middle for the ear.
2. According to the size of the bandage, you need to cut the same pattern from polyethylene.
3. Soak the created bandage in slightly warmed camphor oil and put it on the affected ear through the hole.
4. Polyethylene is applied on top of the bandage, the entire compress is fixed with a bandage and covered with a towel to keep warm.