Ear pain, commonly\nreferred to as an earache, is a common complaint and can result from infection,\npoor Eustachian tube function, or temporomandibular joint problems (TMJ). Other causes\ninclude ear trauma, perforated eardrum, sinus infection, sudden changes in\npressure, excess buildup of earwax, sore throat, shampoo or water in the ear,\ntooth infection, arthritis of the jaw, and a foreign object in the ear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ear pain is a pain in one or both ears\nthat may be dull, sharp, or burning. It can be constant or intermittent, and is\nmost common in children. Symptoms will vary depending up on the cause of the\near pain; however, symptoms may include redness, swelling, fever, fullness or\npressure, itching, drainage, decreased hearing, tinnitus (ringing in one or both ears) and\ndrainage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are experiencing severe ear\npain, dizziness, headache, a discharge of blood or pus from the ear, swelling,\nand facial muscle weakness, seek medical attention. If pain does not dissipate\nin 24 to 48 hours or worsens, or your symptoms continue, see a doctor. A sudden\ndecrease in severe pain also warrants medical attention, as it may indicate a\nruptured eardrum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since there are many causes of\nearaches, treatment will depend on the cause. Treating the cause should relieve ear pain\nin most situations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the meantime, there are steps you\ncan take to treat ear pain at home. Apply a cold, wet washcloth to the ear for\nat least twenty minutes. Lay on the side with the ear that doesn\u2019t hurt\nclosest to the ground. Sit in an upright position to reduce ear pressure,\nchew on something to help relieve pain, and use over-the-counter pain\nrelievers. Eardrops can also be administered, unless you suspect an eardrum\nperforation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To help prevent earaches, refrain from\ninserting objects in your ears. Dry your ears thoroughly after bathing or\nswimming, avoid tobacco smoke, and reduce your exposure to allergy triggers\nsuch as pollen and dust. <\/p>\n\n\n