Imagine, you've just gone to bed at night after a hard day's work, and suddenly a severe earache wakes you up. Or maybe you've been feeling a little heavy and aching all day long. Earache is a very annoying experience that we all experience at least once in our lives. It's common for both adults and children. So, shall we talk about it in a little more detail today?
Why does this ear hurt? What are the causes?
Earache, which we medically call `(Otalgia)`, can be experienced differently by each person. While some people feel a sharp stabbing pain, others feel a dull ache accompanied by a feeling of heaviness inside the ear.
Simply put, the causes of earache can be divided into two main categories.
1. Primary Causes: This means that the cause of the pain is directly related to the ear. That is, the problem lies within the ear itself.
2. Secondary/Referred Causes: This is when the problem is not related to the ear, but is in another part of the body nearby. But the pain is felt in the ear through our nerves. To be precise, when you have a sore throat, your ear also hurts.
Now let's see what these reasons are. I have put this in a table for you to understand easily.
| Causes directly related to the ear (primary) | Causes caused by other diseases (secondary) |
|---|---|
| Ear infections: Infections of the middle ear (Middle ear infection) or outer ear (Swimmer's ear) are the most common causes. | Toothache: The pain of a tooth infection, a cavity, or a newly erupting wisdom tooth can be felt in the ear. |
| Ruptured eardrum: This can be caused by a loud noise, an ear injury, or an infection. | Throat infections: Tonsillitis or sore throat can cause earache. |
| Earwax buildup: Earwax buildup can cause pressure and pain. | Sinus Infections (Sinusitis): Infections in the sinuses (cavities) in the forehead and cheeks can cause a feeling of pressure in the ears. |
| Barotrauma: Pain caused by changes in air pressure during air travel, mountain climbing, or diving. | TMJ disorders: Problems with the joint that moves the jaw can cause pain in front of the ear. |
| Foreign objects entering the ear: Especially young children putting small toys, beads, etc. in their ears. | Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Sometimes ear pain can occur due to stomach acid coming up into the throat. |
| Eustachian tube dysfunction: Blockage of the tube connecting the ear and throat, such as during a cold. | Allergies and Colds. |
What happens if you ignore an earache?
Most of the time, earaches are not serious. However, if the pain lasts for more than three days or if the pain occurs frequently, it may be a sign of a serious underlying condition.
Especially if an ear infection is not treated properly, the infection can spread to the jawbone or skull around the ear. This can lead to serious complications such as infection of the bone behind the ear (mastoiditis) or, very rarely, infection of the membranes covering the brain (meningitis). Therefore, it is not a good idea to ignore an earache.
What can be done to treat earache?
The treatment for this depends on the cause of the pain.
Things you can do at home
Sometimes all it takes is a little rest and some simple care.
- Hot or cold compresses: Place a hot water bottle or ice pack wrapped in a cloth over the painful ear for 10-15 minutes. The heat relaxes the muscles and improves blood flow, while the cold reduces pain and swelling.
- Elevate your head: Keep your head elevated by using an extra pillow while sleeping. This will help reduce pressure inside your ears.
- Painkillers: You can take over-the-counter painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen as directed. However, if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications, consult your doctor before taking any medication.
Medical treatment
When you see a doctor, they will examine your ear and prescribe treatment that is appropriate for the cause. This may include:
- Antibiotics: If it is a bacterial infection, they may be given as oral medications or ear drops.
- Antifungals: For a fungal infection.
- Corticosteroids: Reduce swelling and pain.
Most importantly: If you have even the slightest suspicion that your eardrum is perforated, do not put ear drops in your ears without consulting your doctor for any reason. Doing so can damage the middle ear.
Can't you prevent earaches?
Although it can't always be prevented, these things can help reduce the risk:
- Be careful when cleaning your ears: It's okay to clean the outside of your ears with cotton swabs. But never stick them inside your ears. Doing so can push earwax further in and damage your eardrum.
- Protect your ears during flights: Chewing gum, drinking water, or opening your mouth wide can help equalize ear pressure during takeoff and landing.
- Wash your hands frequently: This is the best way to protect yourself from infections.
When should you definitely see a doctor?
Sometimes an earache will go away on its own in a day or two. But if you have any of the symptoms below, be sure to see your doctor.
| When to seek immediate medical advice | |
|---|---|
| Pain lasting more than 3 days. | High fever (over 103°F or 39.4°C). |
| Fluid or pus draining from the ear. | Hearing impairment or deafness. |
| Swelling or skin discoloration around the ear. | Frequent earache. |
| Nausea and vomiting. | Severe sore throat. |
Especially about small children
If you suspect that your young child has something stuck in their ear, see a doctor immediately. Do not try to remove it yourself. Doing so can cause more damage to the ear. Although there are ways to remove the object, it is best to see a doctor if your child has symptoms such as pain or ear discharge.
Take-Home Message
- Earaches are not always caused by an ear infection. They can also be caused by other things, such as a toothache or a sore throat.
- If the pain lasts more than three days, or if you have symptoms such as fever and ear discharge, be sure to see a doctor.
- Do not insert cotton swabs directly into the ear. This will do more harm than good.
- Do not put any type of ear drops in your ear without consulting a doctor and knowing for sure whether your eardrum is perforated.
- Although earaches are often not serious, they should not be ignored. Proper treatment can relieve the pain and prevent potential complications.
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