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An earache is any type of pain, ache, or discomfort in or around your ear. The pain can be sharp and stabbing, or it can be a dull, throbbing ache. It can affect one or both ears. An earache is a symptom, not a disease itself; it is a sign that something else is wrong.
read more about earache ...The most common cause of an earache, especially in children, is a middle ear infection. This is when fluid builds up behind the eardrum. Another common cause is swimmer's ear, which is an infection of the outer ear canal. Earwax that is hard and blocked can also cause pain and pressure.
Sometimes, your ear hurts even when there is nothing wrong with it. This is called "referred pain." The problem is in another place, but you feel the pain in your ear. Common causes of this are a toothache or abscess, problems with your jaw joint (TMJ), or a sore throat.
A doctor will ask about your symptoms and your health. They will then use a special tool with a light, called an otoscope, to look inside your ear. This lets them see your eardrum and your ear canal. They can check for redness, swelling, fluid, or a blockage from earwax.
The treatment depends on the cause. If the cause is a bacterial ear infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If it is a virus, antibiotics will not work, and the pain will go away on its own. For pain relief, you can use a warm compress on your ear or take over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Many earaches are actually caused by a malfunction of the Eustachian tube. This small tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and is responsible for draining fluid and balancing pressure. If this tube gets blocked by swelling from a cold or allergies, a vacuum is created in the middle ear. This negative pressure pulls on the eardrum, causing sharp pain and a feeling of fullness.
Yes. If the earache is from a mild viral infection or from pressure, it will often get better in a day or two. However, you should not ignore pain that is severe or lasts a long time.
This is caused by a change in air pressure. It puts pressure on your eardrum. You can help prevent this by yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum, especially when the plane is going up or down.
You should not put anything in your ear unless your doctor tells you to. Using cotton swabs or other objects can push wax deeper or damage your eardrum.
You should see a doctor if you have a severe earache or if the pain lasts for more than a day or two. You must see a doctor right away if the earache comes with a high fever, dizziness, or if you have fluid or blood draining from your ear. For a child, it is always best to call a doctor if they have an earache.