It thumps, stings, or hurts when you chew: earache can be quite uncomfortable. Anyone who suffers from it wants to get rid of it as soon as possible. But what helps against earache?
Earache can have many causes. Middle ear infections and inflammation of the external auditory canal are particularly common. Otitis media is particularly common in children between the ages of three and eight. In many cases, it is caused by bacteria that get from the lining of the nose or throat to the middle ear during a cold, where they cause inflammation.
In adults, otitis media are rare. Here, the outer auditory canal is more likely to be affected, where bacteria or fungi that have invaded are responsible for the inflammation.
But even in the outdoor pool season, bath water can get into the ear and lead to inflammation on or in the ear in children and adults.
In addition to these two diseases, dental problems, tonsillitis, and many other diseases can be responsible for pain in the ear.
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What Helps Quickly Against Earache?
Since earaches are often very severe and painkillers are of little use, help is needed quickly. If it is not clear what is causing the pain, the first thing to do is see a doctor. He can see immediately whether it is an otitis media or whether bacteria in the outer ear are to blame. Accordingly, he can prescribe suitable medication for you and give you an answer to the question: What helps against the earache?
Caution: If the pain is treated incorrectly or too late, permanent damage can result. Therefore go to the doctor directly if the earache persists.
Home Remedies For Earache
What helps against earache? Many people think of home remedies right away. They can help. Please discuss the application with your ENT doctor first. Not all home remedies are suitable for every type of earache. In most cases, however, home remedies cannot replace medication therapy.
In the case of otitis media, heat can relieve the pain and is perceived as beneficial. If you have an infrared lamp, you can sit in front of it. You can also cut an onion into fine pieces, fry it briefly and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. You put this on your ear. The warmth and essential oils are said to help reduce inflammation.
Please do not: do not drip warm olive oil in your ear. This home remedy for earache has long been very popular, but the oil can cause burns.
Special Case Aviators: What Helps Against Earache When Flying
As soon as the plane is in the air, the first complaints appear. The ear closes, you have an uncomfortable feeling of pressure on the ears. It’s painful but normal. This is due to the changed air pressure in the cabin, which leads to a bulging of the eardrum. By yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum, you can usually quickly equalize the pressure.
If you have a strong cold, you can also experience earache. A nasal spray helps in advance, which ensures that the mucous membranes in the nose swell.
Very rarely, the eardrum can be damaged when flying. Symptoms may include severe earache, dizziness, poor hearing, and nausea. In any case, consult an ENT doctor if you suddenly have ear pain after a flight that does not go away after a few hours.
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