Earache
DEFINITION
Earache is a pain that is experienced in and around the ear.
This pain may be due to a number of different causes. See the
topics Otitis Media and Otitis Externa.
This pain may be due to a number of different causes. See the
topics Otitis Media and Otitis Externa.
DESCRIPTION
Earache may be caused by infection or a tumour or it may be a
referred pain from another disease elsewhere in the body e.g., the
pain of a toothache may also be felt in the ear. As the middle ear
is so closely connected with the nose and the throat, infections
such as colds, influenza or tonsillitis often spread to the ear.
Patients who experience earache or pain, discharge or vertigo or
have a raised temperature in association with any one these
problems should see a general practitioner. Anyone with diabetes
who experiences ear problems should seek the advice of a diabetic
specialist.
referred pain from another disease elsewhere in the body e.g., the
pain of a toothache may also be felt in the ear. As the middle ear
is so closely connected with the nose and the throat, infections
such as colds, influenza or tonsillitis often spread to the ear.
Patients who experience earache or pain, discharge or vertigo or
have a raised temperature in association with any one these
problems should see a general practitioner. Anyone with diabetes
who experiences ear problems should seek the advice of a diabetic
specialist.
Infections can be treated very effectively with antibiotics, though
if left untreated, can spread to the facial bones and in serious
cases to the brain. Inflammation of the sinuses can also be a cause
of Earache. Mild inflammation of the external ear canal can produce
severe pain. If the Eustachian tube is obstructed due to changes in
air pressure, infection or mucus, severe pain may be experienced in
the ear. Sometimes Earache may be due to damage to facial
nerves.
if left untreated, can spread to the facial bones and in serious
cases to the brain. Inflammation of the sinuses can also be a cause
of Earache. Mild inflammation of the external ear canal can produce
severe pain. If the Eustachian tube is obstructed due to changes in
air pressure, infection or mucus, severe pain may be experienced in
the ear. Sometimes Earache may be due to damage to facial
nerves.
The most common cause of Earache in children is infection in the
ear. This can cause a child great distress. Crying babies may tend
to pull or rub their ears when they are experiencing Earache. If a
child has an Earache first look in the ear with a torch to see if
there is a pea or part of a toy or something similar lodged in it.
If you can remove it easily it may solve the problem. Never poke or
probe in the ear as it is very vulnerable to damage. Take the child
to a Doctor as soon as possible.
ear. This can cause a child great distress. Crying babies may tend
to pull or rub their ears when they are experiencing Earache. If a
child has an Earache first look in the ear with a torch to see if
there is a pea or part of a toy or something similar lodged in it.
If you can remove it easily it may solve the problem. Never poke or
probe in the ear as it is very vulnerable to damage. Take the child
to a Doctor as soon as possible.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted. Your
Doctor will diagnose this condition. Ask your Doctor about the
latest advice on this ailment. Treatment for Earache involves
identifying the cause of the pain and providing the appropriate
therapy for the condition.
Doctor will diagnose this condition. Ask your Doctor about the
latest advice on this ailment. Treatment for Earache involves
identifying the cause of the pain and providing the appropriate
therapy for the condition.
DIET HINTS
- It is important to have a well rounded, nutritious diet at all
times to help the natural immune system of the body. A healthy diet
includes carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and
wholegrain cereals), protein (lean meat, fish, eggs and dairy
products) and fats and oils (butter, polyunsaturated and
monounsaturated oils). - The diet should focus on raw, fresh foods, in particular
fruits, vegetables and Wholegrain cereals. - Foods to be avoided or kept to a minimum include fatty or
processed meats, deep fried foods, cakes, biscuits, sweets, soft
drinks, ice cream, chocolate, butter, margarine, cream, tea, coffee
and alcoholic beverages. - Do not eat any foods after their expiry date or if the food
does not look or taste fresh. These foods provide very little
nutritional benefit to the body and in many cases may be
detrimental to your health. - Include 6 – 8 glasses of filtered water each day to help
prevent dehydration and constipation. - Try to include foods rich in zinc, such as oysters, pumpkin
seeds and lean red meat regularly. Zinc may be useful in promoting
the immune system to help the body fight infections.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
- Patients with Earache should see a Doctor for a correct
diagnosis. - It is particularly important that a patient with diabetes see
their Doctor as soon as possible if they are suffering from
Earache. - If antibiotics have been prescribed, always take the whole
course of medication. Do not discontinue treatment if symptoms
stop. Not finishing a course of antibiotics can lead to an
overgrowth or drug-resistant strains of bacteria. - Do not push anything in the ear canal, not even cotton buds.
See your Doctor if the ears need cleaning. - Your Pharmacist might suggest some pain relieving ear drops and
pain relieving medication, but remember to see a Doctor if pain
persists. - Products which can be used to help dry up any excess water in
the ear should not be used if there is any inflammation
present. - Do not use ear drops if intending to see a Doctor as they can
distort and obscure visual examination. - Show caution when using some cotton applicators as sometimes
the cotton bulbs can detach and lodge in the ear. - Nutritional supplements may be of some benefit if the diet is
inadequate. Garlic is thought to have antibacterial activity in the
body. Garlic can be included in the diet and it is also available
in supplement form.