Earache? You Might Need Help

Whether it’s a middle ear infection, located deep in the ear, or swimmer’s ear, affecting the outer ear canal, an earache hurts. It’s most often a problem in children, but adults get earaches too.

An earache results from inflammation, infection or swelling in the outer canal of the ear or in the space adjoining the eardrum, which is the thin membrane that separates the outer and the middle ear.

Normally, the Eustachian tube, which runs from the middle ear to the throat, drains fluids from the ear, keeping it clean. But inflammation or infection can irritate the ear canal or block the Eustachian tube, leading to the buildup of pus or other fluids and causing pain and other unpleasant symptoms.

Causes of earaches:

Earache is typically caused by harmful bacteria, virus or fungi, and is usually preceded by;

• An infection of the upper respiratory tract,

• By seasonal allergies,

• By moisture trapped in the ear,

Other causes include;

• Excessive production of wax,

• Sudden changes in air pressure,

• A punctured eardrum,

• Exposure to irritating chemicals, such as hair dyes and chlorinated water.

Symptoms:

• Throbbing or steady pain in the ear;

• Pain if the ear lobe is pulled;

• Pressure or itching in the ear;

• A bloody, green, yellow, or clear discharge from the ear;

• Muffled hearing;

• A popping sensation in the ear;

• Fever;

• Dizziness;

• If the ear or area behind the ear appears red or swollen;

• Severe headache and stiff neck.

Handy Tips:

• Place a warm compress over the painful ear; use a heating pad or a warm face washer. Heat can bring quick pain relief and facilitate healing.

• Never insert cotton buds into your ears; they can puncture the eardrum.

• Don’t use hydrogen peroxide to clean inside your ears; it can irritate the ear canal.