What to take for earache

Earacheis one of the most uncomfortable types of pain we can suffer, and its intensity is often compared to the pain a woman experiences during childbirth. That is why it is important to have the remedies you may need close at hand to relieve this symptom when it appears. AtFarmaciasdirect,we are going to explain exactly what it is andwhat to take for earache, depending on the cause behind this discomfort.

What is earache?

Earache is a condition that canappear in any part of the ear,whether the inner, middle or outer ear. It is a sharp or dull pain in one or both ears and may be temporary or constant. The intensity of earache can range from very mild to very severe and will usually depend on the cause behind it. Thesymptoms of an ear infectionmay include the following discomforts in the patient:

• Earache
• Fever
• Fussiness
• Increased crying (in children)
• Irritability

Find out what to take for earache in adults and children

Medication is very useful for easing the pain caused by ear infections, but it should always be given under medical supervision, as it may cause unwanted side effects. These are the medicines recommended totreat earache:

• Painkillers:Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help you significantly reduce ear pain temporarily. They can be taken by adults and children, always under medical supervision. They also help to reduce fever, which may appear when a person has an ear infection.
• Drops to remove wax: Earache may be caused by a build-up of earwax inside the ear and it will need to be removed. Drop solutions such as Otocerum can be used; this type of earache medicine helps to dissolve and remove wax gently.
• Antibiotics:If the pain is caused by an external infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic drops. These medicines help to relieve pain and inflammation effectively.

Natural remedies for earache

In addition to the medicines we have mentioned above, you can start treating earache with sometips and natural remedies.We recommend using them as soon as you notice the first signs of pain, as this may help prevent the symptom from getting worse:

• Use a bag ofwarm waterand place it near your ear area, so that the moderate heat helps soothe the pain inside this organ.
• Apply a fewdrops of melaleuca (tea tree)into the ear canal, provided your doctor has not advised otherwise. You can dilute them first with a little olive oil.

• If the pain has been caused by a build-up of water in the ear canal, you cantilt your headwith the painful ear facing downwards and jump several times, as well as drying the outer part of the ear with a towel.

Causes of earache

Earache may be caused by a direct infection of this organ or of a nearby one producing referred pain. These are themain causes of earache:

• Otitis:This is the most common cause of earache. It is an inflammation which, depending on the type, can occur in the middle or outer ear. In many cases, this condition appears as a result of a common cold that has progressed and infected the tissues of the ear. It can also be caused by bacteria or fungi when hygiene is poor, or by injuries caused with cotton buds or sharp objects.
• Various types of allergies.
• Prolonged episodes of severe coughing.
• Various conditions affecting the teeth and jaw.
• Inflammation or blockage of the Eustachian tube.
• Obstruction of the ear canal by water, foreign objects or earwax.
• Shingles.
• Inflammation of the parotid gland caused by mumps.
• Injuries to the eardrum.
• Frostbite of the outer ear in very low temperatures.
• Cancerous conditions in nearby organs.
• Sudden changes in atmospheric pressure.

Now you knowwhat to take for earacheand the causes that may have triggered this very unpleasant discomfort. In our online pharmacy atFarmaciasdirectyou will find all the medication you need to treat this condition and ease the pain so that it becomes more manageable until you are fully well again.