Earache can be very irritating and painful. It could be because of an ear infection, or inflammation caused in the external, middle, or inner ear. Earaches are also a symptom of several other illnesses such as toothaches, sore throat, and tonsillitis. An earache may affect one or both ears, but usually, it’s only that the pain is felt in one ear. People describe ear pain as it is sharp and burning. It may be continuously felt or also be more of a “come and go” thing.
There are several causes of an ear infection. Make sure you keep them in mind so that you can stay cautious and avoid ear pain.
Common Causes Of Ear Pain
Ear pain can be caused due to many reasons. An accident, an illness, or it might come in the form of symptoms for another disease. Some of the common causes of ear pain are:
Change in air pressure
When moving at a higher or lower altitude, the result in a pressure imbalance can lead to a sensation of irritation or popping in the ears, which can lead to pain in the ears.
Sinusitis
If you have flu, you may have experienced increased pressure within the middle part of your ear. There is a link between your sinus and ears, and they are associated together in your head. So sinus congestion and stuffiness can highly influence the pressure in your ears. Curing the congestion could help reduce pain. The same is the case with stuffy noses. You can also have the same pain, dizziness, and that muffled-ear sensation like you’re sitting in a plane, and it is about to move.
Pharyngitis or Tonsils
Tonsils or (throat inflammation) is very likely to cause a pain that triggers in the inner parts of the ear. That bacterial infection will often lead to ear pain. Moreover, there would be a difficulty felt in opening the mouth and swallowing anything—even liquids.
Water
If water gets trapped in the ear, it can be very annoying. Consequently, a sore tickling pain is felt.
Allergic reactions
These could be from a wide range of things. For instance, if you wear some ear jewelry that does not suit your skin type. Your ear could react in a bad way, as a part of it would swell, and pain could be felt if touched. Moreover, if some shampoo or cream goes inside the ear, that could be painful too for some people.
How to Get Rid of Earache Using Home Remedies
There are various home remedies that you can use to cure ear pain, below are some home remedies for earache that will help you get instant relief.
Garlic
The analgesic and pain-relieving properties of garlic can help relieve ear pain. Crush the garlic cloves and keep them for boiling in either olive oil or sesame oil. After when it’s boiled, strain the cloves out, and wait for the oil to be mildly hot. Then apply it on the inner corners of the ear. This will tend to give instant relief with a relaxing and soothing effect.
Ginger
Besides being analgesic and antibiotic, ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties. This also makes it an ideal choice for treating an ear infection or ear pain. Cut out some fresh ginger into thin slices and place it into boiling water for about 10-15 minutes. After boiling, allow the mixture to cool slightly and soak a washcloth in the ginger scented water. Squeeze the cloth and place the warm cloth on the affected area of the ear for 10 to 15 minutes. The powerful ginger properties infused in the warm cloth will help reduce the pain in the ear.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Vinegar is known to be acidic. Researchers have concluded that apple cider vinegar changes the PH of the ear canal and creates a condition where the majority of bacteria and viruses cannot survive. Warm 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and apply on the infected area with a cotton bud or ball. You could also mix it with water and then apply it with the help of a cotton bud. Press the cotton slightly on the infected area for about 10 mins.
Salt
Believe it or not, salt is a miraculous ingredient. It does wonders from cooking to remedies. Heat about 2 tablespoons of salt on low flame and then dip a cotton bud in it. This would let the salt accumulate on the cotton bud. Then place this in your ear for a good 10-15 mins. Salt helps to draw out any excess or infectious fluid from the ear and reduce any swelling. Salt also reduces inflammation and pain within your ear canal.
Heat
People often use warm compresses, like a heating pad or a damp hot washcloth, to relieve pain. This can also be done to alleviate the pain of an earache. This method is safe to use for children and adults. Apply a hot piece of cloth to the ear for about 15-20 minutes. For a more promising result, place the hot cloth on your throat and neck as well.
Massage
A massage is always beneficial. Getting a gentle, relaxing massage on the muscles of the jaw and teeth can be helpful. Tell your massager to massage you using a downward hand motion. Then some light pressure should be applied just behind the ears and down the neck. Continue to apply the pressure downward, and then work forward to the front of the ears. This method can make you relaxed and sleepy, so make sure to try this remedy right before bedtime!
All the above-mentioned home remedies for earache can help you in relieving the pain in your ears, but if your pain persists for more than 24 hours, get medical advice.