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Ear Ache - Home Remedies

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Ear Ache - Home Remedies

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Is ear pain a frequent complaint from your child? This could be due to ear infections. Continue reading to know more about the same.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Akshay. B. K.

Published At August 5, 2022
Reviewed AtFebruary 20, 2023

Introduction

Children can have ear infections frequently, which causes pain in the ear. But the doctors might not prescribe antibiotics every time. The prescribing guidelines have changed over the past five years. And not every time, the ear infection needs to be treated with antibiotics. Most of the time, the infection clears on its own and does not require any treatment as such. If the infection does not subside within two to three days, then you may have to consider consulting a doctor and taking prescribed medicines.

What Is an Ear Ache?

Earache can occur in both adults and children, but mostly it is seen in children. Ear aches can affect one or both ears at the same time. In the majority of cases, only one ear is seen to be affected. The pain may be constant or come and go and maybe dull, sharp, or shooting pain.

Earache can also be associated with fever and temporary hearing loss. When young children have ear aches, they tend to be fuzzy and irritated. They may also tug or rub their ears frequently.

What Are the Common Causes of Ear Infection?

There are various conditions that can cause earache; some of them include injury, infection, or pain that may be referred from other parts. Causes of the ear ache can include:

  • Ear Infection

An ear infection is mostly caused due to infection of the part of the ear behind the eardrum, that is, the middle ear. Ear infection term mostly refers to the term otitis media. Anyone can get an ear infection, adults and children both, but ear infections are very common in children. In most cases, ear infection clears on its own, and the doctors might prescribe painkillers for the same. In case the ear infection is not resolved or worsened, then the doctors will prescribe antibiotics for the same. In children of age younger than two years, antibiotics are required for treating ear infections.

Other causes include:

  • Altitude changes, such as when flying on a plane or mountaineering.

  • Ear wax builds up.

  • Foreign object in the ear.

  • Upper respiratory tract infection.

  • Sinus infection.

  • Water trapped in the ear (swimmer’s ear).

  • Use cotton swabs in the ear.

Other-not-so common causes include:

What Are the Symptoms Associated With Ear Ache?

Ear aches can occur due to many reasons. So along with that, the patients might also experience symptoms such as:

  • Impaired hearing.

  • Fluid drainage from the ear.

  • Fever.

  • Sense of fullness or clogged ear.

  • Difficulty sleeping.

  • Tugging or pulling of the ear.

  • Crying.

  • Irritability is especially seen in younger children.

  • Headache.

  • Loss of appetite.

  • Balance-related problems.

What Are the Home Remedies for Ear Ache?

Every time when a person experiences earache, it may not necessarily be due to infections and need not be antibiotics every time for treatment. Some things can be found at home which will provide relief from ear aches like:

  • Over-the-Counter Painkillers- These painkillers are found to be effective for earache. Painkillers like Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen can be given for ear pain. They can be given along with or without antibiotics. They also help to subside other symptoms like fever along with ear infections. These can also be given to children after confirming the dosage from a doctor.

  • Cold or Warm Compress- We can use ice packs or heating pads in case of ear pain, too, like used in case of other pain conditions. This method can be done for both children and adults. Place the warm or cold compress over the ear for some seconds and then alternate between the warm and cold compresses with a time interval of ten minutes.

  • Neck Exercises- Sometimes, the earache is caused by pressure in the ear canal. This can be relieved by doing certain neck exercises. Neck rotation exercises are particularly helpful.

  • Hydrogen Peroxide- Hydrogen peroxide has been used as a remedy for ear aches for several years. Put some drops of hydrogen peroxide into the ear canal and let it remain there for some time, and drain it into the sink, following which rinse your ear with distilled water.

When to Consult a Doctor?

The home remedy to treat the ear ache will depend upon the cause of the earache. If the earache is due to some referred pain, then it will not be resolved until the cause is treated. In such cases, the home remedies will not be of use. Most of the time, the ear infection clears up on its own with symptoms getting upon a few days and does not require any treatment. If the patient is below two years, always consult a pediatrician.

You should consult a doctor if any of these symptoms arise other than earache, such as:

  • Dizziness.

  • Severe headache.

  • Swelling around the ear.

  • If the severe ear ache suddenly stops (could be due to a ruptured eardrum).

  • Pus drainage from the ear.

  • High-grade fever.

  • Drooping of the facial muscles.

Conclusion

Ear ache is associated with many conditions, and the most common among them is an ear infection. Most of the treatments are not needed, and the symptoms resolve on their own. Other than antibiotics, there are certain things that can be done at home which will provide relief from the symptoms. But the symptoms should be monitored while doing these home remedies. If you observe that the home remedies are not providing any relief and are worsening the present symptoms, then the use of the home remedies should be stopped at that moment, and you should consult with a doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

How Are Earaches Managed?

Sometimes earache may also occur for various reasons, excluding infection; in such cases, you can prefer the following instead of antibiotics to manage pain and infection. It includes:
Compress gently with ice packs or hot packs.
Try over-the-counter medications for pain.
Simple neck rotation exercise relieves the pressure in the ear canal; therefore, it reduces earache.

2.

What Causes Ear Pain With No Infection?

The ear pain may also occur due to the following reasons:
Excess earwax.
Changes in altitude.
Frequent use of cotton swabs in the ear may lead to pain.
Foreign objects or things in the ear.
Water trapped in the ear.
Sore throat.

3.

What Indicates Serious Ear Pain?

Primarily ear pain resolves on its own, and some are managed with medications. However, it is considered severe and requires immediate medical attention if the following symptoms accompany it:
Dizziness.
Increasing ear pain.
Fluid or pus drainage from the ear.
Swelling around the ear.
Fever.
Headache. 

4.

Why Does My Ear Feel Blocked Without Any Wax?

The ear may feel blocked even without excess ear wax, and it may be due to:
Foreign objects obstruct the eardrum.
Altitude changes.
Loud noise.
Infection in the ear.
Head trauma.
Eustachian tube blockage due to fluid accumulation.

5.

What Are the Features of a Ruptured Eardrum?

A hole or tear in the eardrum is referred to as a ruptured eardrum. It causes the following symptoms:
Ringing sound in the ear.
Hearing loss.
Drainage from the ear
Ear pain.
Vertigo.
Nausea or vomiting may also occur.

6.

Can a Child’s Ear Hurt Without Any Infection?

Ear aches in children are standard and mostly happen due to a cold or infection. The other reasons include:
Wax build-up.
Presence of any foreign body in the ear.
Pharyngitis.
Sinus infection.
Swollen lymph nodes.

7.

How to Treat My Child’s Earache?

Earaches in children are common and are managed with pain-relieving medication. Other methods include warm or cold compress and giving more fluids to the children to keep them hydrated. However, if there is any drainage from the ear or other symptoms like fever, headache, etc., it is essential to consult a pediatrician for the proper diagnosis and management.

8.

When Should I Visit a Doctor for My Child’s Ear Pain?

Immediately visit the pediatrician if the child has the following symptoms along with ear pain:
High-grade fever.
Vomiting.
Swelling around the ear.
Fluid or blood draining from the ear.
Increasing ear pain.

9.

How Is an Ear Infection Diagnosed?

Ear infections are usually diagnosed by measuring the presence of fluid in the eardrum and movement of the eardrum. It is calculated using:
Pneumatic otoscope.
Acoustic reflectometry.
Tympanometry.
Tympanocentesis.

10.

Do Ear Infections Heal on Their Own?

Many times, ear infections may heal on their own. However, the specialist may prescribe antibiotics and painkillers to resolve the ear infection due to severe pain and other symptoms. Therefore, the ear infection may resolve with medications within a few days to a week. But it is essential to treat such ear infections at the earliest because untreated infections may spread to other tissues to cause complications.

11.

Does Earache Last Longer?

Earache due to infection may resolve within a few days or a week. Therefore, following the antibiotic regimen suggested by the specialist for better results is essential. However, in the case of chronic infections, the ear pain may last longer or may keep recurring. These chronic infections may also affect hearing and cause permanent ear damage.

12.

Can Earwax Cause an Earache?

Earwax is produced by the ear to aid in lubrication and protect the ear from foreign agents. Generally, the excess earwax is usually pushed outside and flakes off. But using ear swabs or other materials to remove earwax may push the wax deep into the ear. The accumulated earwax deep in the ear may cause severe pain and cause blockage.

13.

How Is Fluid From the Ear Drained?

Fluid may be accumulated in the middle ear due to any infection. It results in severe ear pain. The act of swallowing or chewing and warm or cold compress may help in fluid drainage from the ear. The doctor may suggest antibiotics to treat the infection and place a ventilation tube to drain such fluids in severe cases.

14.

How Is Earache From a Cold Managed?

Earache that occurs due to cold is treated as follows:
Nasal decongestants.
Ear drops.
Over-the-counter painkillers such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.
Antibiotics to treat the infection.

15.

Can Ear Pain Occur Due to a Cold?

Infections such as cold or sinusitis may lead to fluid accumulation in the middle ear and cause infection and pain. Therefore, the doctor may suggest medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and antibiotics to treat such infections. The ear pain usually resolves after the treatment of a cold.

16.

Why Do I Feel That My Ear Needs to Pop?

The feeling of popping the ears may occur due to clogged ears. It happens due to changes in altitude, fluid accumulation in the middle ear, or eustachian tube dysfunction. It is relieved by:
Yawning, swallowing, or chewing.
Use nasal decongestants or spray.
Warm or cold compress.

17.

Does Ear Pain Indicate COVID?

Ear pain mainly does not indicate COVID. However, the symptoms of ear infection and COVID are similar. In addition, ear pain may resolve within a few days with proper management. Therefore, ear pain accompanied by fever, headache, and other symptoms require an immediate diagnosis for other diseases such as COVID to plan the appropriate treatment.

18.

Does a Jaw Hurt Due to an Ear Infection?

An ear infection may occur due to fluid accumulation in the middle ear, sore throat, sinusitis, etc. It causes severe pain, and in a few individuals, the pain may be felt in the teeth or jaw. It needs immediate medical attention because, when left untreated, it may cause severe complications.
Dr. Akshay. B. K.
Dr. Akshay. B. K.

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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