FILL

Treatments icon

Product icon

Ear Pain

0 Treatments

6 FAQs

Ear pain (otalgia) is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It can occur in one or both ears and may be constant or intermittent. Ear pain can result from problems in the ear itself (primary otalgia) or from issues in other areas that share nerve pathways with the ear, such as the throat or jaw (referred otalgia). Causes range from ear infections and pressure changes to dental problems and temporomandibular joint disorders. Ear pain can vary from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain requiring prompt medical attention.

Treatments (0)

Advice for Ear Pain

Common symptoms accompanying ear pain include a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, reduced hearing, discharge from the ear (which may be clear, pus-like, or bloody), itching, ringing or buzzing sounds (tinnitus), and vertigo or dizziness. In children, additional signs may include pulling or tugging at the ear, increased irritability, difficulty sleeping, and fever. The pain may worsen when lying down, chewing, or yawning. Some people may also experience redness or swelling of the outer ear or ear canal.

Ear Pain FAQs (6)

Ear pain can result from various conditions including middle ear infections (otitis media), outer ear infections (otitis externa or swimmer's ear), eustachian tube dysfunction, earwax buildup, foreign objects, barotrauma (pressure injury), temporomandibular joint disorders, dental problems, throat infections, or referred pain from surrounding structures.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe pain, sudden hearing loss, discharge from the ear (especially if bloody or pus-like), dizziness, facial weakness, or if ear pain is accompanied by high fever. Also seek prompt care if symptoms persist beyond 2-3 days or if a child under 6 months has ear pain.

Minor ear pain, particularly from pressure changes or mild irritation, may resolve without treatment. However, pain from infections typically requires medical intervention. It's best not to ignore persistent ear pain as untreated infections can lead to complications.

Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops contain ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic) and dexamethasone (a steroid) to treat bacterial infections while reducing inflammation. Otomize is an ear spray containing neomycin (antibiotic), dexamethasone (steroid), and glacial acetic acid (to create an environment hostile to bacteria). Otomize is particularly effective for otitis externa (swimmer's ear).

Warm the drops to body temperature by holding the bottle in your hands for a few minutes. Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up. Pull your outer ear gently upward and backward (for adults) or downward and backward (for children) to straighten the ear canal. Apply the prescribed number of drops and remain lying down for 3-5 minutes. Place a cotton ball loosely in the ear to prevent drops from leaking out.

National Health Service (NHS)

Earache overview: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/earache/

Ear infections: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ear-infections/

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

Otitis media guidelines: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/otitis-media-acute/

Otitis externa guidelines: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/otitis-externa/

ENT UK (British Association of Otorhinolaryngology)

Ear conditions: https://www.entuk.org/conditions-we-treat/ear-conditions/

Patient information leaflets: https://www.entuk.org/patient-information-leaflets/

British National Formulary (BNF)

Ear medications: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/treatment-summary/ear.html

Patient.info