Sandy Crest Medical Centre - Health Tips

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Ear Ache & Ear Infection

There are many causes of earache including trauma, infection or inflammation of the outer or middle ear, impacted wax and dental problems: - to name but a few.

The outer ear or pinna and ear canal can become inflamed and is commonly related to swimming or minor trauma such as scratching inside the ear with an object. The ear may initially be itchy with or without a discharge and then becomes painful subsequently.

The middle ear describes the eardrum and the small space behind the eardrum which is normally filled with air but can become infected and filled with fluid or mucus.

Middle ear infection is common in children, but can occur at any age. The main symptoms are earache and fever but feeling unwell, vomiting and decreased hearing are also well recognised features.

The treatment of earache involves the use of painkillers and the elimination or treatment of the underlying cause. In the case of infection, the prescription of antibiotics may be necessary to clear the infection and avoid any further complications. The infection usually clears within a few days of the appropriate treatment.