EARACHE

Earache can be caused by eczema in the ear or earwax. It can also be caused by an infection in the middle ear. This is usually the result of a cold. The symptoms of middle ear infection are: earache, a feeling that there is a blockage in the ear, and a temperature. Sometimes fluid runs from the ear.

CHILDREN

When small children have a cold they often get a slight pressure in the ears. This is because the link between nose and middle ear (the Eustachian tube) becomes blocked. Like the nose this tube is covered with a membrane (a thin lining). If, with a cold, this membrane swells, the mucus formed inside it cannot get away. It presses on the eardrum and causes pain.

After a few days the swelling goes down and the trapped mucus can drain. Sometimes bacteria stick in the mucus. The ear pain does not then disappear, and an unpleasant discharge can then be noticed coming from the ear. In some cases the infection only makes itself known as pus comes out of the ear. A yellowish damp patch will then be found on the pillow.

SELF-CARE

What you can do yourself

Laying the head a little higher in bed sometimes brings relief. You can use nose drops, menthol sweets or steam inhalations, particularly before going to sleep. These are available without prescription from pharmacies (see section on medicines). The pain may be relieved with a painkiller ask your pharmacist for advice.

CHILDREN

When a child has a cold and is more likely to get middle ear infections, earache can be prevented as for adults (see section about colds). You may also give a painkiller such as children's paracetamol. Make sure that at night the child's head lies higher than the rest of the body.

As a rule a middle ear infection without discharge does not need to be treated with antibiotics.

Contact your doctor

   If you have an earache with or without fever which does not disappear with a painkiller.

   If your ear starts to 'run' even if the pain has gone.

CHILDREN

   If, despite a painkiller, the child still has a bad earache after twelve hours.

   If the child still has a slight earache after three days.

   If the child gets a runny ear.

   Have the child examined by a doctor if you suspect an ear infection, especially if the child is still too young to say so itself.

   When the area surrounding the ear is painful.

If following the earache you are concerned about the child's hearing, make an appointment with the doctor to discuss whether a hearing test may be appropriate.

Contact your doctor immediately

CHILDREN

   If a child has runny ear and the pain and/or fever does not lessen.

   If the child becomes drowsy.

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