Earache

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Ear anatomy

Medical findings based on ear anatomy

Otalgia; Pain - ear

The following steps may help an earache:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can provide relief for children and adults with an earache. (Do NOT give aspirin to children .)
• A cold pack or cold wet wash cloth applied to the outer ear for 20 minutes may reduce pain.
• Olive oil or over-the-counter ear drops are gentle and effective, as long as the eardrum has not ruptured. Prescription drops, such as Auralgan, are also effective at pain relief.
• For children old enough to safely chew gum, chewing may help relieve the pain and pressure of an ear infection.
• If a child is uncomfortable lying down, resting in an upright position may help reduce pressure in the middle ear.

Ear pain caused by rapidly descending from high altitudes can be relieved by swallowing, chewing gum, or other methods. Allowing infants to suck on a bottle during descent can help.

For children, call your child's doctor if:

• The child's symptoms (pain, fever, or irritability) do not improve within 24 to 48 hours
• At the start, the child seems sicker than just an ear infection
• Your child has a high fever or severe pain
• Severe pain suddenly stops hurting -- this may indicate a ruptured eardrum
• Symptoms worsen
• New symptoms appear, especially severe headache, dizziness, swelling around the ear, or weakness of the face muscles

The doctor will perform a physical examination, which may include examination of the ear, nose, mastoid (bony part behind the ear), and throat. Pain, tenderness, or redness of the mastoid often indicates a serious infection.

During the examination, the doctor will ask questions about the ear pain, such as:

• When did it begin?
• Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same?
• Is the pain constant?
• What other symptoms are also present?
• Is there ear pressure?
• Is there drainage from the ear?
• Are there unusual ear noises?
• Is there a fever?
• Is there pain in the bone behind the ear?
• Is there hearing loss?