Ear pain is a disease that can be seen in every individual and at any age, regardless of gender. It is a type of pain that can be seen a lot. While its occurrence can be caused by different diseases, it is usually a disease caused by disorders related to the upper respiratory tract. In order to prevent the formation of serious problems and to prevent the progression of the disease, people who experience pain should be examined and treated by an ENT specialist immediately.
The type of pain that is of interest to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department of hospitals can lead to serious conditions that can interfere with the person's daily life. Among the causes affecting this disease are otitis media, jaw joint disorder, swimmer's ear disease occurring in the ear canal. This type of pain, which varies according to the underlying causes, can occur due to many different reasons.
The question ofhow ear pain goes away is a situation that people who frequently experience this situation are looking for an answer. Most of the time, the pain goes away spontaneously within two or three days. If the pain experienced is not very severe, it can reduce the effect of these pains by applying a number of methods that the person can apply on their own. However, the pain experienced in infants and children should not be ignored and should be examined by a specialist.
Ear Pain
The ear, which is responsible for human hearing and balance, is one of the important sensory organs. Any problems and pain that may occur in this area can be a hindering factor in human life. For this reason, it is very important for the health of the person that it is taken seriously and its treatment is not postponed. The occurrence of pain can develop due to many different reasons. This pain can also be seen in people who have a cold.
The most common cause of pain is middle ear infections. While the pain causes weakness and malaise, the person may feel very tired. Otitis media, which is called "otitis media" in medicine, is mostly seen in children. Pain, which can occur due to different metabolic processes and biological causes, can also occur under the influence of external factors. When a person enters the sea, pool or takes a bath, it can cause infection if water gets into the ear. In order to prevent such situations, the person can use ear plugs.
What are the Symptoms of Ear Pain?
Pain is referred to as pressure. While it can progress slowly, it can develop suddenly and its intensity can be high. We can list the symptoms as follows;
- Hearing loss in the person
- Fever
- Fatigue and weakness
- Discharges from the ear
- Ringing
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling and redness in the ear
What is Good for Ear Pain?
In the absence of serious symptoms in people experiencing pain, there are a number of painkillers and medications that can be purchased in pharmacies with the advice of a doctor. However, medicines approved by the doctor should be used for children.
In some cases, there are methods that can relieve pain without medication. These methods can be applied at home, but anything done without a doctor's supervision can worsen the current situation. When it is said what is good for ear pain , the applications that can be done at home are as follows;
Hot application: In some pain, a hot compress applied to the person's ear can relieve the pain. It can be applied to the area, provided that it is not too high a temperature.
Garlic juice: Garlic, which has antibiotic properties, is recommended for some ear inflammations. Garlic is made into oil and dripped into the ear.
Onion: Onion, like garlic, can be used in earaches with similar properties it carries.
What are the Symptoms of Ear Pain in Babies and Children?
Care should be taken especially when the pain occurs in young children and infants. Since otitis media is more common in young children and infants, they should be examined by a specialist immediately if symptoms occur. The symptoms are as follows:
- High fever
- Vomiting
- Dizziness in children
- Experiencing discharge
- Unresponsiveness to sounds
- Crying longer and more than usual at night
- Insomnia
What are the Types of Ear Pain?
Pain types can be examined under two headings as primary (primary) and secondary (secondary):
Primary Ear Pain (Primary)
- Around the ear
- External ear
- Eardrum
- Middle ear
- Inner ear
Any problems, inflammation and infection in these areas can cause pain.
Secondary Ear Pain (Secondary)
- Dental diseases
- Infections in the mouth and throat
- Tumor
- Infections that may occur in organs
The occurrence of such disorders and diseases can cause pain. Since these diseases are of vital value, their treatment should not be postponed.
What are the Causes of Ear Pain?
Ear infections are among the most common causes. If it occurs in the ear, the pressure increase in the ear can cause severe pain in the person's ear. Infection in the inner ear can cause nausea, dizziness or vomiting, while infection in the outer ear can cause redness, swelling and itching around or inside the ear.
Most ear infections are bacterial. If these infections are left untreated, the pain can spread to the jaw area and different parts of the body. The person may also experience high fever.
The most common ear pain in children is middle ear infections. This condition can also be seen in adults, but it is not as common as in children. In adults, it is more common with the common cold. External ear inflammation, which is more common in adults and is called "otitis externa" in medicine. It is more common in people who are interested in swimming or have eczema around the ear. Drops or sprays can often be recommended as treatment.
These pains can develop due to different causes. The different conditions that cause ear pain are as follows:
Colds: Some people who have a cold may experience pain. Usually, excess mucus production causes this.
Referred Pain (pain from different parts of the body): Pain in the ear can also be caused by inflammation in any part of the body. It can develop due to many reasons such as teething of young children, abscesses in the teeth, tonsil problems, pain in the throat, reflux or esophageal problems, problems in the salivary glands, problems in the jaw joint.
Injuries and Traumas: Inserting sharp or sharp objects into the ear can cause bad consequences. Experiencing such things can cause pain. While the eardrum may be damaged, the person may experience sudden and extreme pain.
Skin Infection: Infections that can occur on the skin of the ear can cause the ear to hurt.
In addition, exposure to loud noise, allergic reactions, sudden changes in pressure can also cause pain.
How is ear pain diagnosed?
Mild pain that does not cause serious problems can usually go away on its own. However, it is important to be examined and supported by an ENT specialist in case of severe and known symptoms. The physician examines the ear, nose and throat areas, checking whether there is a problem in the eardrum with a light device with the medical name "otoscope". Depending on the results of the examination and the person's complaints, the doctor may also order a hearing test. The person is diagnosed according to the examinations and hearing test results.
Prevention Methods for Ear Pain
Some methods can be used to prevent pain. Since dirt accumulated in the ear can cause pain, it is important to clean the inside of the ear. It should be cleaned without interfering with hard, sharp, cutting objects. During airplane trips, the mouth can be opened in a yawning position to prevent pressure. In addition, the person can prevent the occurrence of pain by chewing gum. You can protect yourself against throat diseases. Avoid contact with people who have the disease and pay attention to hand hygiene.