Earache

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

An earache is pain in your ear. It may be caused by too much wax buildup or an injury to the ear. It may also be caused by an object in your ear or damage during air travel or scuba diving. You may have dental trauma or pain that travels up to your ear and feels like an earache. It may not be easy to tell what is causing your earache.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

Treatment will depend on what is causing your earache.

• Acetaminophen: This medicine is available without a doctor's order. It is given to decrease pain.
  
  
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine: This group of medicine is also called NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine may help decrease pain and swelling. This medicine can be bought without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems if not taken correctly.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider or ear specialist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Contact your primary healthcare provider or ear specialist if:

• You have a mild earache and fever.
  
  
• You have ear pain with hearing loss, dizziness, or ringing in your ears.
  
  
• You have drainage from your ear.
  
  
• Your ear shape does not look normal.
  
  
• Your ear pain does not go away, even after treatment.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or treatment.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You have a medium to severe earache and fever higher than 102.2°F (39°C).
  
  

Copyright © 2012. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.