Earaches are common, and can appear to both children and adults. They are symptoms of various illnesses and they can go off without medical treatment. However, when you start to feel an earache, you want to find a quick way to soothe that dull, sharp or burning sensation. Ear pain can be constant, or it just comes at goes.
In most of the cases, that irritating earache is due to a local infection or inflammation. Yet, there are times when the cause of earache has nothing to do with the ear itself. Let’s analyze the most common causes of earache and treatment options.
7 Reasons You Might Get an Earache and Treatment Options
Before we investigate the main illnesses that cause an earache, please note that if the pain persists for more than a few days, you should see a doctor. Also, over-the-counter medicines might be tricky, so avoid them as much as possible. You can replace them with natural alternatives that soothe the pain without adverse effects.
1. Ear Infection
Ear infections make the most common cause of ear pain, especially in children. When the infection is in the outer ear, it’s usually caused by a damage in the skin outside the ear canal. Pain in the middle or inner ear appears when there’s an infection in the respiratory tract. Surprisingly, some ear infections clear up in a few days without any treatment.
Use garlic as an earache remedy that soothes the pain quickly and without causing discomfort. Blend a clove of garlic with two spoons of sesame and gently pour a few drops of the mix into your ear.
2. Earwax Blockage
When wax builds up and the ear canal blocks, it causes temporary pain. You can also have a slight loss of hearing, if you ty to get it out of your ear.
Pour a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to soften the hardened layer of wax. Afterwards, gently clean the area. You might also visit the doctor to get the wax out safely.
3. Air Pressure
If you’re on an airplane, in a car or an elevator you might feel a sudden pop of pain, and trouble hearing for a few seconds. This is due to a sudden dose of pressure in both ears.
Try to swallow or chew gum, to balance the ear pressure. If you’re in a plane, do this during takeoff and landing. You can also hold your breath for a few seconds, then breathe smoothly.
4. Swimmer’s Ear
This is a common type of outer ear infection. It appears when water is trapped in your ear canal and begins to breed germs. Your ear might also get swollen or itch.
You can ease swimmer’s ear by placing a warm compress against the affected ear. Heat the compress in the microwave or drier for higher efficiency. Also, don’t try to remove earwax, as it protects you from bacteria.
5. Sore Throat
Earache is the most severe symptom of sore throat, abscess in the back of your throat, tonsillitis or pharyngitis. Together with your ear, you might have trouble swallowing.
To get rid of the earache’s cause, you will need to set up an appointment with your GP (general practitioner). However, while you’re still at home, try to boost your immune system by enjoying a cup of echinacea tea.
6. TMJ
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint and includes all issues related to your jaw bone. Some of the concerns regarding TMJ include bruxism (teeth grinding), and arthritis.
Press a cold or warm compress against your jaw to ease the earache and temporarily treat TMJ. Also, try to clench it as little as possible.
7. Eardrum Rupture
The eardrum or tympanic membrane splits your middle ear from the outer ear canal. It can occur due to pressure changes, infection of trauma. You will feel an intense pain that lasts all day. You can have trouble hearing or hear buzzing inside your ear. Severe cases of eardrum rupture lead to permanent loss of hearing.
Place a warm and dry compress against your year several times a day. Try to hold your breath, to release pressure. Avoid blowing your nose as it creates pressure that becomes painful.
Earache Outlook
Earache or also goes by the medical name otalgia. Regardless of its name, this pain can be intense enough to ruin your plans for the day. You can prevent this by having a proper hygiene. Dry your ears after you bathe or swim, control your allergies and handle ear buds with care.
The above ear pain causes should ease after 24 – 48 hours. Otherwise, it’s time to call your doctor. if earache also comes with high fever, dizziness, headache or weak face muscles, then it reflects more severe conditions than the ones we’ve mentioned.
Image from: Pixabay.