Page 66 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

64 COMMON CONDITIONS: EYE AND EAR PROBLEMS

Earache

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 ill. Sometimes, the eardrum bursts as a result of
increased pressure and there is a discharge from the ear. An 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 buildup 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 go diving.
See also Swimmer’s ear, opposite page; Popping ears, p.66; Sinusitis, p.79; Earache (children), p.140.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
● You have a severe earache, develop a fever, Analgesics Acetaminophen (see p.177) and
ibuprofen (see p.185) will reduce discomfort, and
or have a discharge from your ear
will also reduce fever if you have an ear infection.
Decongestants (see p.181) in the form
of nasal sprays or drops can help clear congestion
What you can do yourself in the nose, sinuses, and middle ear when you have
While following your doctor’s advice, there are a cold or allergy. Don’t use a decongestant for more
several measures you can take to relieve an than 7 days continuously. If you use one for longer
you may have a “rebound effect,” with symptoms
earache or to treat a mild earache yourself.
returning when you stop taking the drug.
● Take analgesics to reduce the discomfort
(see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
● Sleep with your head raised on several pillows
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
to reduce pressure in the middle ear.
● If your earache is due to a cold, try using Using compresses You can make a
warm compress by soaking a washcloth in warm
decongestant nasal sprays or drops to help clear
your nasal passages (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). water and squeezing it out. Hold the compress over
the affected ear until the cloth cools down; then
● Apply warmth to your ear to help relieve your rewarm it. Alternatively, rest your ear on a heated
earache (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, right). pad or a covered hot-water bottle.
● Steam inhalation (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, p.79)
Applying warmth
can help relieve congestion in the ear, nose, and Hold a warm, soft
sinuses. Putting a humidifier in the room may help. object (such as a
warm compress)
● If your eardrum bursts, there may be a discharge.
against your ear for
Keep your ear dry and arrange to see your doctor.
about 20 minutes.
Seek further medical advice

Arrange to see your doctor if:
● Your symptoms become more severe or
do not subside within 24 hours of treatment