{"id":2443,"date":"2024-07-19T18:35:37","date_gmt":"2024-07-19T22:35:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entandallergyspecialists.org\/?p=2443"},"modified":"2024-07-19T18:36:34","modified_gmt":"2024-07-19T22:36:34","slug":"common-causes-of-earaches-and-how-to-manage-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entandallergyspecialists.org\/common-causes-of-earaches-and-how-to-manage-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Causes of Earaches and How To Manage Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Earaches, also called ear pain or otalgia, are among the most common reasons for child healthcare visits<\/a>. Although not usually a sign of a serious condition, repetitive or long-lasting earaches can quickly turn into a nuisance. Let\u2019s take a look at a few common causes of earache and how you can manage them.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ear Barotrauma<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Ear barotrauma, or \u201cairplane ear,\u201d refers to the stress on your eardrum when there is an imbalance in the pressure between your ear and the environment<\/a>. This usually happens when you rapidly change elevation, such as ascending or descending on a flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ear Infection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> developing at least one ear infection by their third birthday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While there is no way to completely prevent ear infections from developing, a few ways you can minimize your and your child\u2019s risk include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n