Pain is something that can hamper many individuals from performing their daily activities, adversely affecting their lifestyle and overall wellness. Earache is something that can be uncomfortable and keep an individual up all night with intense pain. An earache from a cold can cause a sharp, dull burning sensation. This condition is often caused by infection or disease in the ear, nose, mouth, throat or any injury to the jaw area. If not treated properly, earache can lead to hearing loss. This article is about earache and how early detection can prevent further health ailment.
Earache can also be caused by accumulation of fluid and pressure at the back of the eardrum which is called the middle ear. The middle ear is connected to the nasal passages by the Eustachian tube—a tube that allows normal fluids to drain out the middle ear. Regular draining of fluids out the middle ear helps balance the air pressure in the ears. A cold or allergy may block the Eustachian tube to inflammation and build-up of secretions. If the fluid accumulates and may cause stiffness, pain, ear infection, and hearing loss. Some of the causes of earache may include raptured eardrum, tooth infection, sinus infection, sore throat, and many more.
Symptoms of earache may include the following:
High fever or severe pain in the ear area
Severe pain which suddenly stops, this may indicate a ruptured eardrum
Headache, dizziness, swelling around the ear, or twitching of the face muscles
Buzzing or ringing sound in the ear
Blocked or full sensation in the ear
Swelling of the ear
People who suffer from earache pain can try to sleep with the bad ear facing up to alleviate pain. If this adjustment does not relieve pain, there are pain killers out in the market that can give earache pain relief. These medications contain acetaminophen like Tylenol or Ibuprofen which can help alleviate pain that is brought by earache. There are antiseptic ear drops out in the market that may help eliminate bacteria that causes ear infection. These ear drops may also provide fast and effective earache pain relief.
Other steps that can be done to relieve pain may involve the following:
Use vaporizer to add moisture and humidity and keep the mucous thin.
A cold pack or cold wet wash cloth applied to the outer ear for 20 minutes may reduce pain.
Chew gum, chewing may help relieve the pain and pressure of an ear infection. Ear pain caused by rapidly descending from high altitudes can be relieved by swallowing, chewing gum, or other methods.
Taking medication for earache pain relief should be combined with a healthy diet and sufficient rest to help prevent the progression of earaches. A healthy diet that contain non-acidic food and beverages is essential in keeping this disorder under control. In addition to this, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and coffee should be avoided to prevent the occurrence of earache. Smoking, excessive alcohol, and coffee may weaken the immune system, making it prone to various kind of infection. Earache is a condition that should not be taken for granted. Like other health conditions, the most effective earache treatment is early evaluation and treatment.