EARACHE

    What Causes An Earache?

Most of the time, an earache is caused by an infection in the ear. The infection can occur in the ear canal or behind the eardrum. Infection in the outer ear is sometimes called "swimmer's ear" because swimmers often get it. Occasionally an earache may be caused by a sore tooth or a sore throat. A blow to the head near the ear may also cause an earache.

    What Is The Home Treatment For Earache?

  1. Take aspirin or Tylenol® to help relieve pain and lower fever. (Do not give aspirin to infants, children, or teenagers unless recommended by your doctor.)
  2. Do not try to clean the ear or use ear drops without first asking your doctor. If the eardrum is broken, this may cause further problems.


    How Can You Prevent Repeated Ear Infections?

  1. Take all the medicine which your doctor prescribes, even if you are well before all the medicine is gone.
  2. Come back to the doctor for a recheck to make certain that the infection is gone.
  3. Don't let your baby lay flat and drink a bottle. Always hold your baby with his/her head propped up when feeding.
  4. If you smoke, quit, or do not smoke around your children. Children of parents who smoke have more respiratory infections (colds) and are at greater risk for ear infections.

When Should You Call The Doctor?

Any time you or your child has an earache, a doctor should look at it. You may wait until morning to call about a mild earache which occurs in the middle of the night. Call immediately if the earache is severe.



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