How to Ease Earache Pain

Otalgia, or ear pain, is a common problem among children and adults worldwide. This condition is typically caused by an infection of the ear area, including middle ear infections, outer ear infections and mastoiditis, an infection of the mastoid bone of the skull, located just behind the outer ear. Conversely, ear pain can also occur from conditions and infections of the nerves near the ear, which may have originated from jaw disorders, throat disorders or dental conditions. If left untreated, ear pain can get worse and cause extreme discomfort. By employing some different strategies, you can alleviate ear pain.

Things You'll Need

• Hot pack
• Garlic oil
• Tylenol

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Instructions

• 1

  Apply a hot pack to your ear. The heat dilates the blood vessels around and in your ear, lessening the pain. Make sure to cover the hot pack with a towel or cloth before applying it to your ear. Apply the pack to the affected ear for 20 minutes.

• 2

  Swallow food or water. Swallowing helps relieve an earache by eliminating the pressure buildup caused by changes in altitude or ear infection. Chewing gum can also produce the same effect.

• 3

  Apply garlic oil to the affected ear two to three times a day. Garlic contains a potent compound called allicin, which can kill any microorganism infecting the ear and causing ear pain. Place one bulb of garlic into a cup of virgin olive oil, and let it stand for a few days. Using a medicine dropper, apply two drops of the mixture into the affected ear. Leave the drops in for 15 minutes, then wash the ear out completely.

• 4

  Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol. This medication can alleviate earaches and pain and reduce fever associated with an ear infection. Determine the dosage by reading the recommendations on the package.

• 5

  Consult your physician if the pain persists or gets worse. If your ear pain is intense and accompanied by fever, or if it does not get better in one to two days, it's time to see a doctor. Throbbing pain with fever can be a middle ear infection, which requires antibiotic treatment. If left untreated, pus may develop and could cause deafness.