Earache can be a common occurrence, and in most cases they can be treated with home remedies. However, there are times when it’s important to see a doctor.
Common causes of earache
An earache can be alarming if you have never experienced one before. Some people are more prone to earaches, and others only get them under specific circumstances every once in a while. The most common causes of earaches are:
- Ear infections
- Allergies
- Sinus infections
- Cold or flu
- Earwax build-up
- Swimmer’s ear
- TMJ disorders
It is more common for children to experience ear infections than adults. Even if your child is too young to speak, they may indicate an ear infection by tugging at their ears, fussing, developing a fever, and having trouble balancing and sleeping.
When to see a doctor about an earache
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor:
- Severe pain
- Fever
- Drainage from the ear
- Hearing loss
- Dizziness
If you have an earache that is accompanied by a fever, it could be a sign of a more serious infection and you should see a doctor right away.
How to prevent
There are a few things you can do to prevent the issue:
- Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.
- Avoid exposure to colds, flu and allergies.
- Keep your sinuses clear.
- Use a humidifier.
- Don’t smoke.
- Avoid exposure to loud noises.
- Keep your ears clean and dry.
- Avoid earwax build-up.
Note: Do not use cotton swabs to clean your ears. This could actually pack the earwax further into your ear rather than clearing it out. It can also potentially cause damage to your middle ear and lead to ear infections.
If your earache does not improve or worsens over a few days, make an appointment with your doctor or visit an urgent care center. The doctor will either reassure you that home remedies will do the trick or prescribe you with necessary medication.
