 Earaches
An earache occurs from inflammation or infection most commonly in the middle ear. Its symptoms produce burning pain and a dull, sharp ache in one or both ears. The pain can be constant or sporadic, but usually the pain doesn't go away without medical or holistic intervention.
Common causes of earaches
The middle ear and the nasal passages are connected by a short narrow tube called the Eustachian tube. Until children reach the age of five or six they can be especially prone to earaches. Nasal fluids produced by colds or allergies tend to drain into the ear rather than the back of the throat causing fluid to build up in the middle ear. This is what causes pain, stuffiness, hearing loss, pressure in the ear and sometimes ear infections.
Earaches may also be caused by such things as:
- Soap or shampoo getting into the ears
- Bath water or swimming pool water that is not allowed to drain properly
- Pressure caused by a sudden change in altitude
- Damage from a cotton-tipped swab inserted too deeply
Earache symptoms in a child
You might suspect your child has an earache if they pull at their ear, cry for no apparent reason, or get fussy and irritable. If you should try to look at or clean the ear, the child may scream as if you've just pinched the skin. Occasionally, earaches may cause a temporary loss or reduction in hearing. In addition, a child with an earache may develop a fever.
How do you treat an earache?
Natural remedies often work very well to reduce the pain caused by earaches. Natural or holistic treatments for earaches include a couple drops of warm (not hot) extra virgin olive oil, vitamin E or aloe-vera gel.
If earaches occur frequently or are not aided by natural treatments a visit to the doctor is recommended. If the source of the earache is determined to be an infection, your doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic. In certain cases where ear infections are chronic, tubes may be inserted into a child's ears to bring more relief that is permanent.
Read testimonials about using Wounded Warrior on earaches.
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