[toc]Earache is a very common condition which is characterized by pain in the ear and it is more common in children than in adults. The pain in the ear may come and go or remain constant for a considerable amount of time.
It usually feels like a burning sensation or a sharp or dim pain which can affect one or both the ears. There are several reasons responsible for earaches. Let us learn about some of those reasons.
6 Causes Of Earache
Ear Infections
The most common cause of earache is ear infection, especially in the small children. The infection can be caused in any part of the ear, particularly the ear canal or the middle ear. Adults also develop acute middle ear infections as well as outer ear infections.
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This condition is usually characterized by redness in the ear, itchy feeling inside the ear and acute pain while moving the head or while touching the ear. Sometimes, drainage from the ear in the form of pus is also seen.
Injury
Many times, earache is caused due to an injury in the ear canal. The injury is caused mainly due to objects poked inside the ear such as sticks, cotton buds, clips, etc. It is a common practice of many people to clean their ears with almost any kind of thin object.
This should be avoided as it is nothing less than sheer stupidity as even a little injury can cause grave consequences, even loss of hearing ability.
Eczema In The Ear Canal
Sometimes, eczema is caused in the ear canal and this may result in acute pain and discomfort in the ear. Eczema is also known to result in red, dry, scaly and itchy skin.
It may result in infection as well. In case you have eczema in your ear, then it is advisable to be extremely careful while putting cotton buds into your ears as it will only make your situation more badly.
Glue Ear
Glue ear refers to the deep buildup of fluid inside the eardrum. It is mostly found in children especially within the age group of 1 and 3 years old. It is caused after an ear infection or cold.
The fluid gets trapped inside their ear thus, causing pain and inability to hear properly. This is popularly known as glue ear. However, glue ear is not a serious issue as the fluid clears up on its own within a few months.
Inflammation
Inflammation of the middle ear is also one of the most common causes of earache. It can be caused due to an infection or even due to an injury caused by the insertion of any object inside the ear.
As a result of increased pressure in the middle ear, the eardrum gets stretched and swells up. It may result in hearing inability as well as pain.
Common Cold
Earache is also caused by the common cold.
If you are infected by cold, then it is likely that you will suffer from pain and discomfort in your ear, too. Thus, you must take medicine as soon as you get cold.