Earaches are a common reason for doctor visits, but home remedies can work if you don’t have an infection. Board-certified otolaryngologist Nilesh Patel, MD, and Lindsay Princer, PA-C, treat all types of ear, nose, and throat disorders in our Manhattan, New York office.
Whether it’s a dull ache or a sharp, shooting pain, ear pain has numerous etiologies. If you have a cold or sinusitis, the mucus can block the Eustachian tubes that balance pressure in your ear.
When you’re sick with a cold or sinusitis and these tubes are blocked, you may experience ear pain. Likewise, allergies can cause inflammation and block your eustachian tubes, producing an earache.
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is another common ailment that can cause ear pain. This joint connects your jaw to your head. If it doesn’t function properly, you can experience jaw pain, headaches, earaches, and difficulty chewing and swallowing, as well.
Have you ever had sudden ear pain on a plane when the plane is ascending or descending? A change in air pressure distorts the eardrum, causing ear pain. A rapid change in water pressure (for example, scuba diving) can trigger the same effect.
A cold is bad enough; if you’re also saddled with ear pain, these helpful home remedies can ease your discomfort.
A warm compress can help to relieve ear pain. The moisture opens up your eustachian tubes and helps drain away any fluid that may have accumulated. If warmth doesn’t feel good, try using a cool compress, instead.
Inhaling steam can help to loosen congestion and relieve uneven ear pressure and pain. For this simple treatment, you can run a hot shower in a closed bathroom for 10-15 minutes, or lean your face over a bowl of steaming water with a towel draped over your head to trap the steam.
Do your ears pop or hurt during airplane travel — particularly during takeoff or landing? Carry chewing gum with you and start using it before the plane leaves the ground. Gum stimulates saliva production, causing you to swallow more frequently.
This muscle action helps open the eustachian tubes, restoring the balance of pressure on the sides of your eardrums. If you like chewing gum, you can try sucking on hard candy — or simply make an effort to swallow frequently during takeoff and landing.
If your ear feels full and you have ear pain, try placing a wedge under your mattress so it’s positioned below your pillow. The force of gravity helps your ear drain if it has fluid in it. If you don’t have a wedge, an extra pillow may help.
If your ear pain includes any of the following symptoms, call our office right away for an appointment. You need medical attention if you have:
For all of your ear, nose, and throat concerns, call Nilesh Patel, MD, in Midtown, New York City, today, or schedule an appointment online at your convenience.
