Top remedies for earache relief: from home solutions to urgent care.

Earaches: common causes and symptoms.

Earaches can happen for many reasons. Identifying the cause is the first step toward finding relief.

Here are some common causes and symptoms.

Common causes.

• Infections. Ear infections, often caused by bacteria or viruses, are a leading cause of earaches. Middle ear infections (otitis media) and outer ear infections (swimmer's ear) are common culprits.
• Wax buildup. Too much earwax can block the ear canal, causing discomfort and pain.
• Pressure changes. Changes in altitude, like during flights or diving, can lead to ear pain due to pressure imbalances. 
• Injuries. Inserting objects into the ear or a blow to the head can cause pain and inflammation.
• Dental issues. Sometimes, earaches come from your teeth, like cavities or jaw problems.

Common symptoms.

• Sharp or dull pain. Pain can range from mild discomfort to sharp, stabbing pain.
• Hearing loss. You might experience temporary hearing loss or feel like your ear is plugged.
• Drainage. Fluid or pus draining from the ear is often a sign of an infection.
• Fever. This often happens with ear infections, especially in children.
• Itching or irritation. These symptoms are common with swimmer’s ear or allergic reactions.

Summer allergies and earaches.

Summer is great for outdoor fun, but it can also bring on allergies that cause earaches. Here’s how summer allergies can affect your ears:

Allergic reactions.

• Hay fever. Pollen and other allergens can cause hay fever, congestion, and ear pain.
• Sinus congestion. Allergies often cause sinus congestion, creating pressure and ear pain.
• Swimmer’s ear. More time spent in the water increases the risk of outer ear infections, especially for those with allergies that cause itching and irritation.

Managing summer allergies.

• Stay indoors: On high pollen days, try to stay indoors to minimize exposure.
• Use air purifiers: Clean indoor air with air purifiers to reduce allergens.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus and relieve congestion.
• Medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants can help manage allergy symptoms.

Finding earache relief.

When an earache strikes, finding relief quickly is key. Here are some tips, from home remedies to knowing when to see a doctor:

Home remedies.

• Warm compress: Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain and reduce fever.
• Hydrogen peroxide drops: Hydrogen peroxide and water can help clear earwax buildup.

When to seek urgent care.

• Pain: If the pain doesn’t go away, it’s time to see a doctor.
• Fever: A fever alongside an earache can indicate an infection.
• Hearing loss: Hearing loss needs a medical evaluation by a doctor.
• Discharge: Pus or fluid draining from the ear warrants medical attention.

Treating earaches at CityMD.

• Professional evaluation: Our healthcare providers will assess your symptoms and determine the cause of your earache.
• Effective treatment: Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include antibiotics for infections, ear drops for wax buildup, ear wax removal or other appropriate medications.
• Follow-up care: We’ll ensure you receive the proper follow-up care to monitor your recovery and address ongoing issues. 

Don't wait in pain! CityMD urgent care is here for you. Just walk in or book a visit, whichever is easier for you. If you are experiencing persistent ear pain, you can feel confident in visiting your nearest CityMD urgent care. Our friendly healthcare providers are ready to help you feel better quickly.