Earache can appear suddenly and become surprisingly uncomfortable, especially at night or when a young child cannot explain what is wrong. Sometimes it settles within a few days. In other cases, the ear needs to be examined before the problem becomes more painful or begins to affect hearing. This article explains the common causes of ear pain, warning signs to look for and when calling Helicopteros Sanitarios’ Home GP for Ear Pain in Marbella may be the most practical option.
An ear infection is an obvious possibility, but it is not the only one. Earache may be caused by inflammation in the outer or middle ear, a build-up of earwax, trapped water after swimming or a small object inside the ear.
Pain can also travel from nearby areas. A sore throat, sinus congestion, dental infection or jaw problem can sometimes feel as though it is coming from the ear.
In adults, this referred pain is fairly common. In children, middle-ear infections often develop after a cold because their narrower drainage tubes can become blocked more easily.
Older children can usually point to the painful ear, but babies and toddlers may express their discomfort differently. Parents might notice that a child is:
These signs do not always mean there is an infection. Teething, tiredness and general illness can cause similar behaviour, which is why examining the ear can be useful.
A home visit may be appropriate when ear pain is persistent, worsening or accompanied by other symptoms. It can be particularly helpful when a child is distressed, an adult feels too unwell to travel or the pain begins outside normal clinic hours.
During the visit, the doctor can ask about recent colds, swimming, air travel or previous ear problems. They may use an otoscope, a small instrument with a light, to examine the ear canal and eardrum.
This helps distinguish between possible causes. Treatment for an outer-ear infection, for example, may be different from treatment for a middle-ear infection or compacted wax. Antibiotics are not automatically required for every earache.
A medical assessment is advisable if the pain lasts longer than two or three days, keeps returning or is associated with reduced hearing. Babies under 12 months with suspected ear infections should also be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Seek prompt medical help if the person has severe or rapidly worsening pain, swelling or redness around the ear, fluid or blood coming from the ear, a very high temperature, vomiting, dizziness or sudden hearing loss.
Urgent assessment is also important if the person appears seriously unwell, has a weakened immune system or develops tenderness and swelling behind the ear. Severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion or facial weakness should not be managed as an ordinary earache.
Simple measures may make the person more comfortable. Rest, fluids and an age-appropriate pain reliever can help. A warm or cool cloth placed gently against the outer ear may also ease discomfort.
Avoid inserting cotton buds, fingers or other objects into the ear. Do not use oil or ear drops unless a healthcare professional has confirmed they are suitable, as some products should not be used when the eardrum may be damaged.
When earache makes travelling difficult, medical advice can come to you. Helicopteros Sanitarios’ Home GP for Ear Pain in Marbella can assess children and adults in the comfort of their home, examine the ear and recommend suitable treatment or further investigation.
Contact Helicopteros Sanitarios to arrange a home GP visit and receive timely medical support without an uncomfortable journey to a clinic.
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