Pain in one or both ears and temporary hearing loss are often caused by a middle-ear infection, in which case you may also have a fever and feel generally unwell. Sometimes, the eardrum bursts as a result of increased pressure and there is a discharge form the ear. Earache can also be caused by infection in the outer ear (swimmer’s ear) or be associated with a throat or sinus infection or a tooth problem. You may also get a mild earache because of a build-up of mucus in your ear after a cold; during an attack of hay fever; or from pressure changes in the ear if you travel by plane or got diving.Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
* You have severe earache, develop a fever, or have a discharge from your ear
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Using compresses You can make a warm compress by soaking a face cloth in warm water and squeezing it out. Hold the compress over the affected ear until the cloth cools down; then rewarm it. Alternatively, rest your ear on a heated pad or a covered hot-water bottle.
Applying warmth
Hold a warm, soft object (such as a warm compress) against your ear for about 20 minutes.
What you can do yourself
While following your doctor’s advice, there are several measures you can take to relieve earache or to treat a mild earache yourself.
* Take painkillers to reduce the discomfort (see DRUG REMEDIES).
* Sleep with your head raised on several pillows to reduce in the middle ear.
* If your earache is due to a cold, try using decongestant nasal sprays or drops to help clear your nasal passages (see DRUG REMEDIES).
* Apply warmth to your ear to help relieve your earache (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE).
* Steam inhalation (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE) can help relieve congestion in
the ear, nose, and sinuses. Putting a humidifier in the room may help.
* If your eardrum bursts, there may be a discharge. Keep your ear dry and arrange to see your doctor.
Seek further medical advice if:
* Your symptoms become more severe or do not subside within 24 hours of treatment
DRUG REMEDIES
Painkillers Paracetamol (See p 187) and ibuprofen will reduce discomfort, and will also reduce fever if you have an ear infection.
Decongestants in the form of nasal sprays or drops can help to clear congestion in the nose, sinus
es, and middle ear when you have a cold or allergy.
Don’t use a decongestant for more than 7 days continuously. If you use one for longer you may have a “rebound effect” with symptoms returning when you stop taking the drug.
