How to Get Rid of Earache with Home Remedies

An earache is a painful condition that occurs when the Eustachian tubes, that go from the throat to the middle ear, become clogged. Bacteria can travel into the middle ear via fluid that builds up and becomes trapped in the Eustachian tubes. Earaches are more common in children than adults. An earache sometimes develops during or after a bout of cold or flu. There are steps you can take at home to alleviate the pain and discomfort of an earache. However, consult a physician immediately if fever, swelling or if you notice any discharge of blood or pus from the ear.

Warm It Up

• Heat can temporarily soothe and alleviate pain in the affected ear. Wet a washcloth under warm water and then ring it out, and place it against the sore ear. Repeat, as necessary. Wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and hold it gently against the ear. You can warm also lie down, laying the affected ear on the towel-wrapped hot water bottle. Use a hair dryer to reduce pain. Turn the dryer to the lowest setting so that the air does not get hot enough to burn. Hold the dryer's nozzle a couple of inches from your ear and move it in a back and forth motion. The heat from the hair dryer will help ease the pain.

Get it Cold

• Alternatively, you can use cold to alleviate the discomfort of an earache, instead of heat. Apply a cold, wet washcloth or a cold pack to the ear. HealthyChildren.org suggests keeping the cold pack in place for 20 minutes to relieve the pain. However, the website also notes that some children may prefer the application of heat instead of cold. Either one is effective for temporary relief.

Soothe With Olive Oil

• Warming a few drops of olive oil and placing 2 to 3 drops of the oil in the ear can help alleviate pressure. Make sure the oil has cooled sufficiently before placing it into the ear. The oil will soothe the ear and loosen any build up of earwax. An excess of earwax can cause the ear to ache. HealthyChildren.org warns that olive oil or ear drops should not be used if a child has ear tubes or a hole in the ear.

Chew Gum

• Chewing gum relieves pressure and pain in the ear. Air pressure builds when the Eustachian tubes are blocked, causing pain and discomfort. Chewing can relieve the pressure. Chewing food, yawning and swallowing can also help reduce earache pain by alleviating pressure in the Eustachian tubes.

Prop Yourself Up

• Lying down can be uncomfortable when you have an earache. Sitting up helps to alleviate the pain. Prop yourself with pillows so that you are in a semi-sitting position instead of lying flat. According to the National Institutes of Health, resting in an upright position can help reduce pressure in the middle ear.

Warnings

• If your child is weak or not moving, call 911, according to HealthyChldren.org. You should seek medical attention if the child or adult has a severe earache that does not improve with two hours of taking pain medication, if the affected individual has redness or swelling behind the ear or a stiff neck, a fever above 104 degrees or if a foreign object has been inserted into the year. Individuals with a weakened immune system should see a doctor immediately.