Earache

An earache caused by an ear infection is often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, fluid drainage from the ear, and hearing difficulties. In children, there might be tugging at the ear, irritability, or loss of appetite.

Treatment for an earache depends on the underlying cause. Pain relief medications can help alleviate pain, while antibiotics may be necessary for ear infections. It’s important to avoid inserting anything into the ear, as this can make the problem worse.

It is advisable to see a doctor if the earache is severe, persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by a high fever, discharge from the ear, or if there is severe swelling around the ear.

Yes, excessive earwax can cause pain in the ear when it becomes impacted. This can also cause hearing loss and a ringing sensation in the ear.

You can reduce the risk of earaches by keeping your ears dry and clean, avoiding putting objects into your ears, and managing allergies that can cause Eustachian tube blockages. Vaccinations can also prevent certain infections that can cause earaches.

A doctor will usually examine the ear using an otoscope. Depending on the findings and symptoms, further tests such as hearing tests, cultures, or imaging may be needed.

An ear examination can help identify any visible issues such as an infection or blockage. Hearing tests assess for any hearing loss which might indicate a chronic problem. Cultures help identify bacteria that might be causing infection, and imaging can be used for diagnosing issues deeper in the ear.

Over-the-counter pain relief and warm compresses can help alleviate pain. If earache is due to a change in pressure, yawning or swallowing can help to relieve pressure. It’s important not to put any liquids or objects into the ear unless advised by a doctor.

Yes, some individuals may suffer from chronic earaches due to recurrent infections, chronic sinusitis, or other underlying health issues.

If left untreated, ear infections can lead to chronic ear pain, hearing loss, infection in other parts of the ear, and in severe cases, infection in surrounding areas including the brain.

Yes, allergies can lead to Eustachian tube dysfunction, causing pain and pressure in the ear.

Red flag signs include severe pain, swelling around the ear, bloody or pus-like drainage, difficulty hearing, dizziness, and symptoms spreading to the neck or face.

An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist is the best person to consult for ear-related problems, including earaches. However, you might initially consult your family doctor who can refer you to an ENT if necessary.