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What is an earache? -

Earache is most commonly described as a feeling of pressure in one or both ears. In more severe cases, it can be a sharp, dull, or burning pain that either goes away in time or lingers. Children are particularly susceptible to the condition.

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Who gets earache? -

While earache usually occurs in children, adults can also experience this often debilitating problem.

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What causes earache? -

Pain in the ear can have multiple causes. For example, it can be an early sign of a cold or flu. However, the most common cause is infection.

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Other symptoms -

The ear is involved in our balance. Problems with the ear can therefore induce a feeling of dizziness, a sensation of floating, spinning, or even faintness.

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Impaired hearing -

Others symptoms associated with earache include loss of hearing, or a ringing in the ear. Fluid drainage from the ear is another sign that all is not right.

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Children and earache -

Youngsters are prone to additional symptoms. They may experience muffled hearing or have difficulty responding to sounds. Falling asleep often poses a challenge, a fact compounded by headache or fever.

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Telltale signs in kids -

A child with earache is often seen crying or acting irritable more than usual. Tugging or pulling at the ear is another telltale sign, and a loss of appetite may be apparent.

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Earache and ear infection -

A common cause of ear pain and discomfort is a bacterial infection. An infection can occur in the outer, middle, and inner ear.

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Outer ear infection -

Outer ear infections typically lead to redness and swelling in the ear, and are among the most common causes of earache. An outer ear infection often starts as a result of water that remains in your ear after swimming or bathing.

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Middle ear infection -

The middle ear is the area immediately behind your eardrum. Infections here occur as result of fluid trapped behind the eardrum, which causes the eardrum to bulge. Pain and a sense of fullness are usually the symptoms, along with some fluid drainage. Colds and other respiratory problems are often the cause.

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Inner ear infection -

Besides ear pain, symptoms of an inner ear infection include dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Problems with the inner ear aren’t always a result of infection. Inflammation can also be the culprit.

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Preventing ear infections in children -

The best strategies to help prevent ear infections in your child include breastfeeding your newborn for the first six months of life—breast milk has antimicrobial properties. Remember to keep their vaccinations up to date, especially pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations, and avoid their exposure to second-hand smoke.

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Why do adults get earache? -

While children get earache often as a result of an infection, ear pain in adults is more likely caused by one of a variety of issues, including arthritis of the jaw, a buildup of earwax, a hole in the eardrum, and an object stuck in the ear.

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Ear pain in adults -

Other causes may stem from ear injury due to pressure changes (for example, from high altitude), sinus infection, tooth infection, or simply a sore throat.

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Temporomandibular joint disorders -

These are problems with the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, and can cause referred ear pain, among other medical issues. Temporomandibular joint disorders affect adults and are more common in children over the age of 10.

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When should you seek help for ear pain? -

You should call your physician or seek medical care if your ear pain worsens, if it's persistent, or not controlled with supportive care measures.

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Danger signs -

Blood or pus draining from the ear canal, or drooping of the facial muscles, are signals that urgent medical attention is required. Likewise, if the area around your ear starts to swell or becomes inflamed, call your doctor as soon as possible.

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Allergies and earache -

Earache has sometimes been linked to allergic reactions, anything from soap or shampoo intolerance, to earring use. Traditional allergy triggers, such as dust and pollen, remain the usual suspects.

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Caring for ear pain -

Minor cases of earache can be treated at home. Among the options that help ease pain is the simple measure of applying a cold washcloth to the ear. Similarly, a hot pack can reduce inflammation and pain. Sitting upright helps to relieve ear pressure, as does chewing gum.

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Home care treatment -

Other home care treatments include using over-the-counter (OTC) eardrops or OTC pain relievers.

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Eardrops -

Eardrops can reduce pressure in the ear caused by fluid and earwax. It's important to read directions carefully, and to seek medical advice before using eardrops on a child. Remember, OTC eardrops are no substitute for prescription drops or antibiotics, so they should only be used for a few days. If symptoms persist, call your physician.

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What not to do -

Do not insert anything into the ear, things like pens, pencils, and cocktail sticks. It's best to avoid giving aspirin to any person under 18 years of age. Aspirin has been linked to developing Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness that causes swelling in the brain and liver.

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Cleaning the ear -

Q-tips should only be used to clean the outer ear area, and should never go any deeper.

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Home remedies for earache -

Some people prefer not to seek immediate medical treatment, and if the earache is not severe, it's worth trying home remedies to quell the pain. Gentle face massage can help with ear pain that radiates from the jaw to the teeth. Massage may also help drain excess fluid from the ears.

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Use garlic -

Garlic has long been used in traditional medicine. Modern research suggests the herb's antimicrobial properties can help fight infection. While it is no substitute for prescribed antibiotics, eating a clove of fresh garlic every day may help prevent ear infections.

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Olive oil -

Putting a few warmed drops of olive oil in the ear may help soothe ear pain. Make sure the oil is no warmer then your body temperature by using a thermometer. You don't want to end up burning the eardrum!

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Ginger oil -

Ginger is known for its natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe pain from earaches. A traditional remedy is to apply ginger oil around the outer canal ear. Do not put directly into the ear.

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Naturopathic drops -

As an alternative to traditional OTC eardrops, naturopathic drops are made from herbal extracts in a base of olive oil. It's always wise to consult your doctor before using any herbal extract to treat medical complaints.

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Sleep position -

Some sleep positions can actually promote pain from ear infections. On the other hand, some can help relieve it. Contrary to perceived wisdom, sleep with the affected ear raised rather than having it faced down on the pillow. This facilitates ear drain. An elevated head also helps the ears to drain more rapidly.

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Neck exercises -

Pressure in the ear canal can lead to earache. Certain neck exercises can be used to lessen this pressure and help dissipate pain and discomfort. Get into the habit of performing simple neck rotation exercises throughout waking hours.

See also: Self-massage tips to ease aches and pains.

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