An earache can be a very uncomfortable condition that may have a variety of causes, including infection, injury, or a wax buildup. Earache symptoms may vary according to the direct cause as well as the portion of the ear that is affected. Some of the more common earache symptoms include pain, redness, and drainage. Treatment depends on the cause of the discomfort and often includes the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications.
The most common cause of discomfort involving the outside of the ear is an infection known as otitis externa. These earache symptoms may include pain or itching that develops gradually. Other symptoms may include abnormal sounds in the ear, such as ringing or buzzing. Many patients experience swelling and drainage, and some may experience varying degrees of hearing loss.
Otitis media is an infection that affects the middle portion of the ear. Earache symptoms caused by otitis media often include fever and moderate to severe pain. This condition is most common in infants who are too young to express where the pain is originating. Other earache symptoms associated with this type of infection may include nausea, vomiting, or an inability to sleep due to the severity of the pain.
Bullous myringitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the eardrum. Earache symptoms that stem from this condition may include fever, hearing loss, and a bloody discharge that may ooze from the ear. This is an infectious condition, and the pain is often related to the development of small, painful blisters deep inside the ear.
Prescription antibiotics are often used to treat earache symptoms related to bacterial infections. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen may help to ease discomfort as well as reduce any inflammation that may be present. In severe cases, prescription medications may be needed.
In addition to medical treatment, there are a few home treatment options that may help to relieve earache symptoms. Chewing gum may help to relieve some of the pressure on the eardrum and may assist in relieving pain and inflammation. Placing a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or olive oil into the ear is a popular earache treatment. Some people report significant pain relief when placing a warm cloth or a heating pad over the affected ear for a few minutes at a time, and this method may be repeated several times per day.
