Painful Ear Infections

Ear infections are the most common infection among children and adults. Ear infections can be mild or extremely painful depending on its duration or level of intensity. There are many ways to treat and prevent painful ear infections.

Facts

• A painful ear infection can be the result of a common cold, allergies or a bacterial invasion. Ear infections cause a build-up of mucus and puss in the middle and inner ear, causing pressure, pain and discomfort.

Cause

• Pain associated with ear infections is a result of excess mucus and puss pressing on the eardrum. The pressure placed on the eardrum can cause mild to severe pain in the ear and throughout the head.

Treatment

• The most common treatment is a regimen of prescription antibiotics to kill the infection and over-the-counter pain relievers to soothe the pain.

Prevention

• Preventing a painful ear infection begins with proper hand washing to prevent the spreading of bacteria. Eating a well-balanced diet, drinking at least six 8 oz. glasses of water daily and getting eight hours of sleep a night will help maintain a strong immune system to ward off any infection.

Complications

• Painful ear infections should be looked at by a medical professional because pain is the body's way of telling you something is wrong. If the infection is not treated in time, it could spread to the sinuses, eyes and the brain.