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Home Remedies For Ear Pain: Doctor Tips For Fast Relief
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Dealing with pain or pressure in your ear, neck or throat is not only uncomfortable, it could also be a sign of an ear infection. While you might assume ear infections are a childhood bother, they can still occur in adulthood. And for one in three people, symptoms are severe enough to affect their everyday life. Luckily, there are plenty of home remedies for an ear infection in adults. Here, doctors share the best ways to treat infections at home, plus advice on when you should see a doctor.
What causes an ear infection in adults?Ear pain can come from various factors, including an "ear infection, which typically refers to otitis media, an infection of the middle ear, and not otitis externa, which is an external ear infection (commonly known as swimmer's ear)," explains Brynna Connor, MD, Healthcare Ambassador at NorthWestPharmacy.Com. "These two conditions are caused by very different types of bacteria, and the course of treatment/treatment protocols are different."
Dr. Connor notes that symptoms for an internal ear infection include pain, fluid drainage and a sense of fullness or pressure in the ear. A common cold, flu, viral infections, allergies or sinus infection can all cause a middle ear infection.
A less-common outer ear infection can be caused by excessive wetness (such as when swimming) spending time in warm, humid places, harshly cleaning the ear canal and trauma to the ear canal. Symptoms include redness, itching and pain.
Home remedies for treating ear infections in adultsTypically, ear infections go away on their own within a week or two, though sometimes doctors recommend antibiotics to speed up the healing process. In the meantime, these home remedies for a middle ear infection in adults can soothe symptoms while your body heals.
Apply a warm compress"A warm compress can help an ear infection by relaxing the muscles around the ear canal, helping to promote efficient drainage of the infection and any potential mucus building in the inner ear," says Dr. Connor. "It can also aid in pain relief, as warmth increases blood flow, along with the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, to the affected ear."
Dr. Connor suggests making the compress warm instead of hot to avoid burning the sensitive skin in and around your ears. You'll want to apply a warm, damp washcloth to the affected area three to four times a day for 10-15 minutes, or until the compress is no longer warm.
Tip: If a warm compress isn't bringing the relief you'd hoped, try using a cold compress instead. "A cold compress can also have a soothing effect and can help to lessen any swelling or inflammation caused by the infection," says Dr. Connor. The cold compress should be wrapped in a protective covering to avoid any damage to the skin. You can use it three times a day for five to 20 minutes at a time.
Swap your sleep positionTetra Images
If you have a middle ear infection and are experiencing pressure and fullness, avoiding sleeping on the affected ear is helpful, says Omid Moshtaghi, MD, resident physician at ENT Associates of San Diego. "By sleeping on the good ear, it reduces blood flow to the eustachian tube orifice of your bad ear, allowing more air to be introduced to your ear as the tube opens up and releases the pressure."
Raj Dasgupta, MD, chief medical advisor for Fortune Recommends, also suggests sleeping with more pillows to elevate the affected ear. "This helps drain fluid from the affected ear and reduces pain, hopefully making you feel a bit better by morning."
Stretch out your neckWhen you're suffering from an ear infection, the inflammation and swelling can affect your ear, jaw and neck. "This can cause radiating neck pain and great discomfort, so doing a series of neck exercises can significantly alleviate those," says Dr. Moshtaghi.
He suggests starting with neck rotations: Turn your head all the way to the right and hold it for five breaths, then turn to the left and repeat 10 times. You can also rotate your head in the full range of motion and increase the intensity with each rotation.
Another easy exercise to relieve pain? A neck flexion. Simply tilt your head toward your right shoulder and hold this position for five seconds. Then tilt your head toward your left shoulder and hold for another five seconds.
Try hydrogen peroxide 'ear drops'Hydrogen peroxide can sometimes help with ear infections, but Dr. Dasgupta doesn't recommend using it regularly. Using hydrogen peroxide helps by "dislodging debris and loosening up earwax and other gunk that might be adding to the ear discomfort," says Dr. Dasgupta.
To do:
Tilt your head to the side, with the affected ear facing up.
Use a dropper and place a few drops of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide into the affected ear canal.
Keep your head tilted for one to two minutes to allow the hydrogen peroxide to work. Then, tilt your head the other way to let the solution, debris and any fluid drain out into the sink or onto a towel.
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If your ear infection is causing persistent pain (pain that lasts several days without getting any better), the pain becomes severe or the pain is accompanied by green or yellow discharge, you should see a doctor. "This is typically a sign of a bacterial infection or bloody drainage, which could indicate structural damage to the ear, such as a ruptured/perforated eardrum due to pressure from a bacterial infection," says Dr. Connor.
Other symptoms to look out for include fever, hearing loss and dizziness or balance issues, as Dr. Connor says these could also signal a more serious bacterial infection.
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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
Common Causes Of Ear Pain And When To See An ENT Specialist
Ear pain is a common yet often misunderstood symptom, affecting people of all ages. In Singapore, environmental factors such as the tropical climate, high humidity, and frequent water activities can exacerbate ear-related issues. Understanding the causes of ear pain and when to seek help from an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist is essential for timely treatment. This article delves into the common causes of ear pain, signs that indicate when to consult an ENT specialist.
Common Causes of Ear Pain– Outer Ear (Otitis Externa): Often called "Swimmer's Ear," this infection is common in Singapore due to the warm, humid weather and the popularity of swimming.
– Middle Ear (Otitis Media): This is more common in children and typically follows a cold or sinus infection.
– Inner Ear Infections: These infections can cause severe pain, dizziness, and even hearing loss.
While mild ear pain can often resolve on its own, certain situations warrant prompt attention from an ENT doctor. Recognizing these signs can help prevent complications and ensure proper care. You should seek medical advice if you experience:
If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial to consult an otolaryngologist, who will provide a thorough diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments.
Advanced ENT Services in SingaporeSingapore is renowned for its excellent healthcare system, with specialists offering advanced diagnostic tools and effective treatment options. ENT clinics in Singapore such as Dr Annabelle's will utilize cutting-edge technology to assess and treat ear conditions, ensuring accurate diagnoses and personalized care.
1. Diagnostic ServicesTo diagnose the root cause of ear pain, ENT specialists employ state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, such as:
For chronic or recurrent ear issues, such as otitis media with effusion (fluid in the middle ear) or mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone), the specialist will perform surgeries like tympanoplasty (eardrum repair) and mastoidectomy. These surgeries help to resolve persistent ear conditions and improve overall ear health.
4. Pediatric and Geriatric ENT ServicesChildren and the elderly often require specialized care for ear-related issues. Pediatric ENT services address conditions such as recurrent ear infections, while geriatric care focuses on age-related hearing loss and balance problems.
5. Earwax RemovalProfessional ear cleaning is safer and more effective than at-home methods. Otolaryngologists use techniques like microsuction to remove earwax without damaging the ear canal or eardrum.
6. Surgical InterventionsFor severe cases, surgical options may be necessary, such as:
Given Singapore's unique environment, adopting preventive measures is key to maintaining good ear health. Here are some practical tips to protect your ears:
Choosing the right ENT specialist is crucial for effective treatment. To find the best provider, consider these tips:
Ear pain, while common, can significantly impact your daily life if left untreated. By understanding the causes, recognizing the signs that require professional attention, and taking preventive measures, you can protect your ear health in Singapore's unique environment. If you're experiencing persistent ear pain or discomfort, don't hesitate to consult a specialist for a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan. With access to advanced medical services, timely intervention can help you maintain optimal ear health and well-being.
Flying And Ear Pain - Austin American-Statesman
Q: Why does ear pain occur when I fly?
A: Ear pain or pressure may occur when flying due to changes in altitude and barometric pressure. The air pressure in the middle ear (behind the ear drum) is usually the same as outside the body. With altitude changes, the air pressure outside the body changes, and a pressure difference occurs. This is called "ear barotrauma" and can cause pain, pressure, fullness, ringing and some hearing loss in one or both ears. Severe barotrauma can result in dizziness, bleeding from the ear, an ear infection or a ruptured ear drum that requires treatment.
If you begin to feel such pain, try these tips:
- Open the Eustachian tube, or "popping the ears," to relieve the pressure difference between the middle ear and the outside of the body. This can be done by yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum. Doing this while the plane is landing will help minimize barotrauma.
-Use decongestants (such as Sudafed), nasal decongestant sprays (such as Afrin), and antihistamines to decrease congestion. Look for antihistamines with a "D" in the name, such as "Claritin-D" or "Allegra-D".
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers (such as Tylenol, Aleve, Motrin, ibuprofen, etc.) to relieve ear pain.
Barotrauma is usually self-limited and symptoms will go away on their own. If ear pain, pressure, and fullness do not go away within a day, you may need to see a physician. Notify your doctor if you have severe ear pain, hearing loss, or bleeding from the ear. Your doctor may also prescribe you a course of steroids if ear pressure and congestion is severe.
Dr. Yi-Hsuan Emmy Wu is board-certified in otolaryngology.
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