Earaches, also called ear pain or otalgia, are among the most common reasons for child healthcare visits. Although not usually a sign of a serious condition, repetitive or long-lasting earaches can quickly turn into a nuisance. Let’s take a look at a few common causes of earache and how you can manage them.
Ear Barotrauma
Ear barotrauma, or “airplane ear,” refers to the stress on your eardrum when there is an imbalance in the pressure between your ear and the environment. This usually happens when you rapidly change elevation, such as ascending or descending on a flight.
To prevent ear barotrauma, try the Valsalva maneuver during takeoff and landing. To perform the maneuver, gently blow air through your nose while holding your nostrils closed. You can also try chewing gum, swallowing or yawning to equalize pressure.
Ear Infection
Ear infections develop when a virus or bacteria infects the space behind the eardrum, leading to fluid buildup and ear pain. Anyone can develop an ear infection, but they are especially common in children, with five out of six children developing at least one ear infection by their third birthday.
While there is no way to completely prevent ear infections from developing, a few ways you can minimize your and your child’s risk include:
- Avoid secondhand smoke
- Wash your hands after eating, sneezing or using the restroom
- Stay up-to-date on vaccinations
- Talk to your ENT provider about ear tubes to prevent repeated infections
If you or your child develop an ear infection, it will likely clear on its own. If it doesn’t clear, your ENT provider may recommend antibiotics.
Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear is an infection in the outer ear canal caused by bacteria or fungus. The condition is called swimmer’s ear because it often develops following water retention in the ear. You can identify the infection by redness, itching, fluid drainage and tenderness or pain. A few ways you can prevent this swimmer’s ear include:
- Gently dry your ears with a soft towel after swimming or showering
- Use provider-approved drying drops if you swim frequently
- Choose clean pools like the Florence Aquatic Center over high-bacteria swimming environments
- Wear earplugs when you swim
Swimmer’s ear won’t go away on its own. If you notice symptoms, see your ENT provider for cleaning and medication to treat the infection.
Other causes of ear pain may include foreign objects in the ear, Eustachian tube dysfunction, tonsillitis, dental problems and acid reflux. Because the causes of ear pain vary, it is crucial to make an appointment with your ENT provider if the symptom is long-lasting or severe. Contact ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.