Earache

Earache - Causes, symptoms, examination and treatment

Ear pain is pain from the ear that often comes from inflammation in / around the ear or due to other disorders around the head and neck.

In children, common causes are ear infections and foreign bodies in the ear, while for adults it can often be earwax or swollen lymph nodes that cause it to radiate to the ears.

Earache is a common reason for a visit to the doctor. The general practitioners at Dr. Dropin have good experience in examining and treating earaches.

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Causes and symptoms

Ear infection

Otitis is an inflammation of the middle ear and most often affects children. It often starts with a cold where the infection spreads through a tube that connects the throat and the ear. The inflammation settles in the middle ear, which is the part of the ear behind the eardrum. When fluid builds up with inflammation behind the eardrum, it presses on and causes pain and potentially impaired hearing. This can cause the eardrum to burst and fluid can be seen in the patient's ear.

Ear wax

Earwax can block the ear canal, cause an inflammatory reaction and lead to earache. We have ear irrigation devices in all our clinics and can help you get the earwax out. Feel free to soften the wax with a few drops of cooking oil for a few days before coming for a rinse.

To avoid blocked ear canals, it is important not to use q-tips inside the ear canal. This can potentially push and compress the earwax further in and prevent it from coming out naturally.

Ear canal inflammation

Inflammation of the ear canal can also cause discomfort in the ear. This usually comes from eczema or infection, and you often have itching and sometimes pain. "Swimmer's ear" is a type of infection in the ear canal that often requires treatment with prescription drugs.

Other causes of ear symptoms

  • Swollen lymph glands can be caused by infection in the body and cause it to radiate up to the ears, causing earache.
  • Foreign body in the ear is a common cause in children. If you cannot get it removed yourself, you should see a doctor.
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Assessment and treatment

Ear pain is a frequent cause of doctor visits.

At Dr.Dropin we can examine and diagnose inflammation and infections in the ear. Inflammation of the ear in the middle ear usually goes away on its own, but if it persists, antibiotics may be appropriate.

Our doctors have equipment to look into the ears and throat, as well as take samples if necessary. We also have equipment for rinsing your ear if it is clogged with wax.

If we can not help you there and then we can refer you to an ear-nose-throat specialist. Reference is included in the price.

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Category:

What is an ear infection and what causes it?

Otitis media, also known as otitis media, is an inflammation of the middle ear, usually caused by an infection. The infection can be bacterial or viral, and it can occur as a result of a cold or other respiratory infection.

What are the symptoms of an ear infection?

The symptoms of an ear infection can include ear pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear, impaired hearing, fever, and in some cases fluid leakage from the ear.

How is ear infection diagnosed?

Ear infections can be diagnosed by examining the ear with an otoscope to look for signs of inflammation and infection. The doctor may also take a sample of the fluid from the ear to determine whether the infection is bacterial or viral.

How is an ear infection treated?

The treatment of otitis media may include pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and fever, as well as prescription ear drops or antibiotics if the infection is bacterial.

How can I relieve ear infection pain at home?

Pain from an ear infection can be relieved at home by applying warm compresses to the affected ear, taking pain medication as prescribed by the doctor, and by avoiding lying flat on the ear.

Are there any special precautions I should take if I have an ear infection?

Yes, it may be a good idea to avoid submerging your head under water while bathing or swimming, and to contact a doctor if symptoms do not improve within a few days or get worse.

What is an ear canal infection and what causes it?

An ear canal infection, also known as otitis externa, is an inflammation of the ear canal caused by bacteria or fungi. Common causes include moisture in the ear, damage to the ear canal, or the use of foreign objects in the ear.

What are the symptoms of ear canal infection?

The symptoms of an ear canal infection can include ear pain, itching in the ear, redness and swelling of the ear canal, hearing loss, and in some cases fluid drainage from the ear.

How is ear canal infection diagnosed?

Ear canal infection can usually be diagnosed by a physical examination of the ear by a doctor. In some cases, a sample of earwax or fluid from the ear may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

How is ear canal infection treated?

The treatment of ear canal infection may include prescription ear drops containing antibiotics or antifungals, pain medications to relieve pain and inflammation, and in some cases oral antibiotics.

How can I relieve ear canal infection pain at home?

Pain from an ear canal infection can be relieved at home by applying warm compresses to the affected ear, taking pain medication as prescribed by the doctor, and by avoiding manipulating or inserting anything into the ear.

Can ear canal infection be prevented?

Prevention of ear canal infection includes avoiding exposing the ears to excess moisture, avoiding swimming in contaminated water, and avoiding manipulating the ears unnecessarily.