Earache

:: Definition :: Images :: Causes :: Treatment :: Natural Remedies :: Further Reading

Search results last updated: 5/7/2009

earache - Definition: (Source: MedicineNet)

Earache: Pain in the ear. This can occur because of conditions within the ear itself, the ear canal, or the visible external portion of the ear. Acute infection of the middle ear, medically called acute otitis media, is inflammation of the middle ear and is the most frequent diagnosis in sick children in the US. The eustachian tube is shorter in children than adults which allows easy entry of bacteria and viruses into the middle ear, resulting in acute otitis media in childhood. Infection of the ear canal ( otitis externa ) is also called swimmer's ear. Otitis externa is typically caused by bacterial infection. Earache can also be due to pain and inflammation of the outer portion of the ear. A child with a draining ear should not fly (or swim). ...
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earache - Images (Source: MedLinePlus)

Ear anatomy

Medical findings based on ear anatomy

Causes of earache (Source: MedLinePlus)

Ear pain in children is often caused by a buildup of fluid and pressure behind the eardrum, in the area called the middle ear. The middle ear is connected to the nasal passages by a short narrow tube, the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube allows normal fluids to drain out of the middle ear, and helps keep the pressure in your ear equalized. A cold or allergy can block the Eustachian tube due to inflammation and the buildup of secretions. This is especially likely in small children, because their Eustachian tube is shorter and more horizontal. Closing of the Eustachian tube prevents the normal flow of fluid from the middle ear. The fluid begins to build up, which can cause stuffiness, pain, hearing loss , and an ear infection . Ear pain in adults is less likely to be from an ear infection. What you perceive as ear pain may actually be coming from another location, such as your temporomandibular joint, your teeth, throat, or other location. This is called "referred" pain. Causes of earache: Arthritis of the jaw; Ear infection Middle ear infection - acute (short and severe episode); Middle ear infection - chronic (does not go away or recurs); Outer ear (canal) infection - acute ; Outer ear (canal) infection - chronic ; Outer ear (canal) infection - malignant . ; Ear injury from pressure changes (from high altitudes and other causes); Object stuck in the ear or severely impacted ear wax ; Ruptured or perforated eardrum ; Sinus infection ; Sore throat with referred pain to the ...
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earache - Conventional Treatments (Source: MedLinePlus)

The following steps may help an earache: A cold pack or cold wet wash cloth applied to the outer ear for 20 minutes may reduce pain. For children old enough to safely chew gum, chewing may help relieve the pain and pressure of an ear infection. If a child is uncomfortable lying down, resting in an upright position can help reduce pressure in the middle ear. Olive oil or over-the-counter ear drops are gentle and effective, as long as the eardrum has not ruptured. Prescription drops, such as Auralgan, are also effective for pain relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can provide relief for children and adults with an earache. (Do NOT give aspirin to children.). You can relieve ear pain caused by rapidly descending from high altitudes by swallowing or chewing gum. Allowing infants to suck on a bottle while the plane is descending can help. ...
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Natural Remedies for earache (By Mark Michaud, M.D. Source: WholeHealthMD)

If your ear pain is severe, or accompanied by puslike drainage or partial hearing loss, you need medical attention. On the other hand, if you have "swimmer's ear," the sense of fullness you get with a cold or allergies, or your ear discomfort is mild to moderate, the supplements listed below can help. They can be used in conjunction with any conventional drugs, including antibiotics, pain relievers, or decongestants.
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Natural supplements

eucalyptus	Breathe in steam made from 5 or 6 drops oil added to pan of near-boiling water or a commercial steam inhaler. Or drink 2-4 cups of eucalyptus tea a day.
lavender	Gently dab on to the external ear.
echinacea	300-500 mg standardized extract or freeze-dried whole herb or 1-2 tsp. liquid extract diluted in water 3 times a day. For recurrent infections, reduce to one dose a day and use in a cycle of 3 weeks on, 1 week off.
garlic	Place a few drops oil in the ear twice a day.
mullein flower	Place a few drops of oil in the ear twice a day.

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Further Reading on earache

Earache : The Basics ( WebMD ) Earache is very common medical problem for both children and adults... Earache is very common medical problem for both children and adults. The 2 most common conditions that cause earache are infection... Naturopathic Medicine - Topic Overview ( WebMD ) What is naturopathic medicine ? Naturopathic medicine ( or naturopathy ) is based on the belief that the body can heal itself ...and treating illness. Most naturopaths can treat earaches , allergies, and... Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection - Topic Overview ( WebMD ) The respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV ) causes an illness that usually resembles a moderate to severe cold and is very contagious ...cough. A stuffy or runny nose. A mild sore throat. An earache . A fever. Ear Infections - Topic Overview ( WebMD ) This topic covers infections of the middle ear (otitis media)...heating pad on the ear, and rest. Watch for signs of an earache . Babies and young children may be fussy. They may pull at their...a... Ear Infections - Treatment Overview ( WebMD ) Treatment for middle ear infections ( otitis media ) involves home treatment for symptom relief and ,...emergency treatment. Applying heat to the ear, which may help relieve the earache . Use a warm... Ear Infection - Tympanocentesis for ear infections ( WebMD ) Tympanocentesis is the removal of fluid from behind the eardrum . The doctor uses a special needle with a tube attached to collect ...It is sometimes done: When a child has severe earache , fever, and... Home Ear Examination ( WebMD ) A home ear examination is a visual inspection of the ear canal and eardrum using an instrument ...helpful for parents of young children who frequently get ear infections and earaches . Sometimes a child... earache ( HomeRemedies ) earache ( HomeRemedies )

	earache: Health Search Results from the Invisible Web

earache: Health Search Results from the Invisible Web