A cold, allergies, or a sinus infection can block the tubes in your middle ear. When fluid builds up and gets infected, your doctor will call it otitis media. This is the most common cause of ear pain. If your doctor thinks the cause is a bacteria, she may prescribe antibiotics.
- How do I make my ear stop hurting?
- What is the cause of ear pain?
- How long does ear pain last?
- Should I go to the doctor if my ear hurts?
How do I make my ear stop hurting?
Try these options to ease the ear pain:
- Apply a cold washcloth to the ear.
- Avoid getting the ear wet.
- Sit upright to help relieve ear pressure.
- Use over-the-counter (OTC) ear drops.
- Take OTC pain relievers.
- Chew gum to help relieve pressure.
- Feed an infant to help them relieve their pressure.
What is the cause of ear pain?
Ear pain is often caused by ear infections, including middle ear infections (otitis media) and swimmer's ear (otitis externa). Children are more likely to have ear infections than adults, although they can occur in people of all ages. In adults, conditions like TMJ and arthritis of the jaw can also cause ear pain.
How long does ear pain last?
Middle ear infections often go away on their own within 2 or 3 days, even without any specific treatment. In some cases, an infection can last longer (with fluid in the middle ear for 6 weeks or longer), even after antibiotic treatment.
Should I go to the doctor if my ear hurts?
The pain from an ear infection will come on fast, but it doesn't usually last longer than a day or two. But if your pain lingers without improving for several days, you should head over to the doctor. Depending on the severity of your ear infection, they may or may not prescribe you any antibiotics.