What do you about a really bad earache?

Earaches can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and often accompany other symptoms such as fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, or sleep disturbance. While some mild earaches can go away on their own within a few days, severe or persistent ear pain requires prompt medical attention. Here's what you can do to manage a really bad earache until you can seek medical help:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help thin the mucus in your ears and reduce congestion.

2. Warm Compress: Apply a warm compress, such as a hot water bottle wrapped in a cloth or a heating pad, to the affected ear. The heat helps relieve pain and inflammation.

3. Cold Compress: For some people, a cold compress might provide more relief. You can use an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a cloth and apply it to the affected ear.

4. Over-the-Counter Pain Medication: Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed to help manage the pain and inflammation.

5. Elevate Your Head: Try sleeping with your head slightly elevated using an extra pillow. This helps reduce pressure on the affected ear and may help with pain relief.

6. Avoid Ear Candles: Avoid using ear candles, as they can cause further damage and are not recommended by medical professionals.

7. Stay Away from Smoking: Smoking can worsen the symptoms of an earache and irritate the ear canal.

8. Ear Drops: Use over-the-counter ear drops as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. They can help relieve inflammation and address any underlying infections.

9. Avoid Cotton Swabs: Don't insert cotton swabs into your ear, as they can push debris deeper and worsen the pain.

10. Seek Medical Attention: If the earache persists for more than two days, worsens, or if you experience other severe symptoms like high fever or severe dizziness, consult a doctor immediately. You might need antibiotics or further evaluation to rule out any underlying infections or other medical conditions.

11. Additional Tips: You may find some relief by yawning or chewing gum, as these actions help equalize the pressure in your ears.

Remember that these suggestions are only for temporary relief and do not substitute for professional medical advice. If the earache is severe or doesn't improve within a few days, always seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare provider.