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Ear Pain

Children and adults can both suffer from ear pain, or otalgia. However, this is more common in children than adults because the ear structure of a child is still developing. Ear pain is not a disease in itself, so it is important to find the actual cause of the ear pain and not just treat it with antibiotics and analgesics to lessen the pain.

There are some common causes for ear pain. Not using earplugs when swimming in a pool and getting water contaminated with many different bacteria in the ear canal can cause infection and lead to pain. Pressure from a common cold or another injured body part related to the ear, as well as from diving or flying, can lead to ear pain. A foreign object lodged into the ear canal, sinus problems and babies and kids teething can all cause pain.

Ear pain can also cause sleeplessness, restlessness and frustration. Though some ear problems will require a doctor’s visit and medication, there are some steps that can be taken to achieve quick relief.

Sleeping with the hurting ear facing up will alleviate the pain. Over the counter painkillers with acetaminophen can also help, but the dosage must be carefully followed since these painkillers can also hurt the stomach if abused. Antiseptic eardrops can be used for fast relief. If eardrops are not available, a home remedy is to warm up olive, vegetable or garlic oil and apply a few drops in the hurting ear. The oil should be warm and not hot, as hot oil can permanently damage the ear. A warm towel or another warm compress can also be applied to the hurting ear.

Drops and oil should not be used if there is puss or any other type of liquid oozing out of the ear or if there is swelling in the ear. This means there is an infection present and a doctor’s visit is necessary to find the cause and have the doctor prescribe medication.

Though ear pain is not always preventable, there are some things that can be done to avoid ear pain. Protecting the ear in extremely noisy situations, such as concerts or loud workplaces is vital. Keeping objects out of the ear canal, even cotton swabs, also helps. To prevent ear pain in children, parents can limit the use of a pacifier, breastfeed babies, avoid secondhand smoke, follow the vaccination schedule, and make sure children wash their hands often.

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