- 1. Ear infection
- 2. Pressure difference
- 3. Joint changes
- 4. Tonsillitis
- How to Identify Baby Ear Pain
- What to do in earache
- When to see a doctor
Ear pain is a symptom that arises mainly after being in the cold for a long time or when introducing water or objects, such as cotton swabs and toothpicks, into the ear canal, which can cause an ear infection or rupture of the eardrum. However, other causes include problems with the jaw or growth of a tooth, for example.
To treat ear pain it is recommended to consult the otolaryngologist, in the case of the adult, or the pediatrician, in the case of babies and children, to start the most appropriate treatment.
Some causes of ear pain are:
1. Ear infection
Ear infection, also known as ear infections, is characterized by ear pain, itching, fever and the presence of secretion or fluid accumulation in the ear. In some cases, the microorganism responsible for ear infection can also pass into the throat and lead to local inflammation, resulting in pain, discomfort and difficulty in swallowing, for example. Learn to recognize the symptoms of ear infection.
What to do: In case the infection does not go away on its own or the symptoms are quite uncomfortable, it is important to go to the ENT to have an ear evaluation and treatment, which is usually done with antibiotics, is indicated. In addition, to relieve the symptoms, one can also take painkillers such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, for example, according to the doctor's recommendation.
2. Pressure difference
When there is a pressure difference, such as what happens when the plane is taking off or landing, for example, there may be earache and a feeling that the ear is covered, which can be quite uncomfortable.
What to do: One option to relieve discomfort and avoid ear pain caused by the pressure difference is to chew gum or yawn at those times. In the case of the baby, giving a bottle of water is a good way to relieve pain. Check out more tips to relieve earaches on the plane.
3. Joint changes
Some problems involving joints, such as arthritis or dislocation of the jaw joint, for example, can also cause ear pain, and there is also pain at the site of the affected joint. In case it is due to problems in the jaw joint, for example, pain can also arise when opening your mouth to yawn or chew, for example.
What to do: One way to relieve pain is to place a compress of warm water next to the ear and joint to relieve pain. However, the most recommended is that the ENT is consulted so that more specific exams are performed and the most appropriate treatment is started.
4. Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is the throat infection that can be due to the presence of bacteria and fungi and that in addition to causing pain and discomfort in the throat, it can also cause pain in the ear because the ear is a nearby organ.
What to do: In these cases, it is advisable to consult the doctor to start treatment with analgesics such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen. It may also be necessary to resort to the use of antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin, for example, in case the tonsillitis is caused by bacteria.
In addition to these causes, ear pain can also be caused by the growth of teeth in the baby, the birth of wisdom teeth in adults or problems in teeth, such as abscess, caries or bruxism, for example. In these cases, it is recommended to consult the dentist to diagnose the problem and start the appropriate treatment.
How to Identify Baby Ear Pain
To identify ear pain, especially in the case of babies and children, one must be aware of the following signs:
- Itching in the ear; Irritability and easy crying; Difficulty sleeping; Loss of appetite; Difficulty hearing lower sounds; Loss of balance.
In cases of ear infection, other symptoms may also appear, such as fever above 38ºC, liquid coming out of the ear canal or a bad smell near the ear. In these cases, it is recommended to consult the doctor to start the appropriate treatment, which may include the use of antibiotics. Learn more about childhood ear pain.
What to do in earache
The treatment for ear pain should always be guided by a doctor, after diagnosis of the problem that is causing the pain, which may include the use of analgesics, such as Paracetamol, anti-inflammatories, such as Ibuprofen, or antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin, in case it is found that the pain in the ear is caused by bacteria.
However, to relieve ear pain at home, you can place a bag of warm water next to your ear for 15 minutes and rest sitting, instead of lying down, to reduce pressure in the ear. However, these home treatments should only be used to relieve pain until a consultation with the doctor and should never replace medical treatment. See also 4 tips to decrease ear pain.
When to see a doctor
It is recommended to consult the doctor when the earache lasts more than 3 days, worsens in the first 48 hours or other symptoms like fever above 38ºC, dizziness, headache or swelling in the ear appear.
In these cases, it is recommended to consult an otorhinolaryngologist so that tests can be requested and it is possible to identify the cause, being able to indicate another more suitable health professional to start the treatment, if necessary.
