An earache can range from mild to severe pain and is usually caused by a cold or an ear infection. During a cold, fluid can build up in the tiny tubes of the ear, causing pressure and pain. Ear infections are not uncommon in children, and according to KidsHealth, they often resolve on their own after two to three days. If you think you may have a foreign object in your ear causing pain, or if you experience a watery or bloody discharge from the ear, see a doctor for treatment right away. Otherwise, treat your earache at home.
Step 1
Apply a cold compress to the ear. Medline Plus recommends using a cold wet washcloth or an ice pack to the ear for up to 20 minutes to relieve pain.
Step 2
Apply heat to the ear. If the cold did not help your earache feel better, try a warm compress such as a hot water bottle or a heating pad set on "low."
Step 3
Chew gum to reduce the pressure in the ear. This may be especially helpful on airplanes or in other situations where a rapid descent is causing ear pain.
Step 4
Use over-the-counter or prescription ear drops to relieve pain. If you do not have these handy, a few drops of olive oil in the affected ear may provide relief, Medline Plus says.
Step 5
Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve the earache. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers, cautions FamilyDoctor.org. In some cases, this can lead to Reye's Syndrome, which can be fatal.
Step 6
See your doctor if your earache has not gone away after two to three days. If you have an ear infection caused by a bacteria, you may require antibiotics.
Things You'll Need
- Cold compress
- Warm compress
- Gum
- Ear drops or olive oil
- OTC pain relieving medications
