An earache can be caused by a variety of factors, including ear infections, changes in air pressure, and foreign objects in the ear. While its important to see a doctor if the pain persists or gets worse, there are some home remedies that may help alleviate the discomfort. Here are some options to try:
- Cold or warm compresses: Soak a washcloth in either cool or warm water, wring it out, and then put it over the ear that's bothering you. Try both temperatures to see if one helps you more than the other.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can often relieve the pain of an earache. Ask your doctor which is right for you.
- Chew gum: If you're on an airplane or driving at high altitudes and your ear pain is from the change in air pressure, chew some gum. It can help lower that pressure and ease your symptoms.
- Warm olive oil: Warm some olive oil to body temperature and put a few drops in the affected ear. This can help soothe the pain.
- Garlic oil: Garlic has both antibiotic and pain-relieving properties. Soak crushed garlic for several minutes in warm olive or sesame oil. Strain the garlic out and apply the oil to the ear canal.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a natural remedy for earaches.
- Rest: Sleeping and resting strengthens the immune system and helps your body fight off infections and other sickness. But it's best not to sleep on your infected ear – and not just because it's uncomfortable.
- Saltwater gargle: Add one teaspoon salt to one cup of warm water and gargle it for a couple of minutes. If your earache is caused by a sore throat, this may help.
It's important to note that if your earache is caused by a middle ear infection, it's likely to get better on its own within 7 days and usually won't need antibiotics. Until the pain gets better, you can use simple pain relief medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen. If your earache is caused by an outer ear infection, you may need a prescription for antibiotic ear drops to treat it.
