Earache

Earache is a common problem in young children, but is not always caused by an ear infection. The nerve supply to the ear is shared with the throat and upper jaw and teeth, so problems there can also cause pain which is felt in the ear.

The air-filled space behind the ear drum (the middle ear) is connected to the throat by a narrow tube (the Eustachian tube). During a cold, or sometimes with nasal allergies like hayfever, this tube becomes congested and blocked. This means that the air pressure within the middle ear can no longer equalise easily with the outside atmospheric pressure. This can cause tension on the eardrum as it is sucked in or pushed out. This, in turn, can cause an earache. This kind of earache may be helped by over-the-counter decongestant drops.

Persistent earache, or earache accompanied by a fever may be caused by an ear infection.

In babies, ear infections may be accompanied by a high temperature, persistent crying and obvious discomfort. They may also pull at their ears.

What to do

• If you suspect your baby may have an ear infection see your doctor on a same-day appointment
• With children, the majority of earaches settle on their own within 24 hours. If it carries on longer than this, or if a discharge flows out of the ear canal, see your GP
• If antibiotics are needed, remember that they take 24 hours to begin to work, and it may take 48 hours for the pain to settle
• Use paracetamol to relieve the pain and treat any fever. Sponging with tepid water will also bring a baby’s temperature down quickly
• It is normal for hearing to be dulled in ear infection, and it may take a week or two for this to get back to normal. If hearing is not back to normal within four weeks, make an appointment to see your doctor