TRAVEL HEALTH
EARACHE

Earache can be caused by eczema or wax in the ear canal. However 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. The lining of the air passages, which include the nose, throat, sinuses and middle ear can become inflamed as a result of infection. Mucus is produced and this can build up in the middle ear (the part behind the ear drum) if it cannot drain away into the back of the throat then earache is caused by mucus pressing on the ear drum.

After a few days, it is usual for swelling to go down and the trapped mucus drains. Sometimes bacteria grow 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 by pus coming out of the ear. A yellowish damp patch will then be found on the pillow or in the ear.

SELF-CARE

What you can do yourself

Laying the head a little higher in bed sometimes brings relief. You can use nose drops, decongestants, menthol sweets or steam inhalations, particularly before going to sleep. These are available without prescription from pharmacies. The pain may be relieved with a painkiller - such as Paracetamol.

CHILDREN

When children have a cold they are more likely to get middle ear infections. You may also give a painkiller such as childrenÕs Paracetamol. Make sure that at night the childÕs 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 a 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 maximum painkiller, the child still has a bad earache after 24 hours.

If the child still has a slight earache after three days. n 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 (on your return) to discuss whether a hearing test may be appropriate.

Contact a doctor immediately

CHILDREN

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

If the child becomes drowsy.

If the child is becoming more unwell despite the treatment.

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