One of the most complex structures of the human body, the ears consists of three major sections - the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. The middle ear is connected to the nose and throat through a tube called the Eustachian tube. It’s when any part of the ear is attacked by bacteria fungus or virus, that infection starts developing accompanied by pain. Ear infection pain may be accompanied by inflammation of the ear, which is known as ‘otitis’. Ear infection can be divided into two types - otitis externa, wherein the external part of the ear gets infected and otitis media, in which the middle part of the ear is infected. There are several ear infection pain relief measures you can take which are mentioned below.

Ear Infection Pain Relief

There are ear infection pain medications which are available over the counter for ear pain remedies. Some of the most common of them include acetaminophen and ibuprofen. If you are using these medicines make sure that you read the dosage prescribed, or else it may cause serious harm. Moreover, there are ear drops available which can be used to relieve ear pain. Other than that you can also use warm olive oil for ear infection, as it is known to soothe discomfort of the ears. While using olive oil, make sure that you warm it for a few seconds before applying.

Another option which you can use include placing a warm heat pad on the involved ear. Placing a warm pad helps in elevating the production of ear wax from your glands, which in the process helps in relieving pain. A heat pad also helps in dilating the arteries and veins of the ears, thereby helping the blood to flow better. In the process more white blood cells reach the area which fight the microorganism causing the ear infection. However, this option gives temporary relief only and can’t be used as a substitute to medications for ear infection.

Whenever you get a ear infection pain, one thing which you must do is keep your head in an elevated position when you lie down. Make sure that you keep your ears dry after a bath or swim. Whether it’s a outer ear or an inner ear infection pain, it’s good if you mix a few drops of vinegar and water in the proportion of 1:1 and apply it in your ears. While using this home remedy for ear infection, you need to tilt your head on one side and wait for sometime so that the mixture drips down your ear canal. Once you are done with that, you need to wipe the liquid which may flow out from your ears with a cotton ball or cotton towel.

Ear Infection Pain in Jaw

Whenever you get an ear infection, especially infection of the outer ear, you may get jaw and ear pain. This is because the outer parts of the ear swell, which causes the pain to radiate towards the jaws. Pain in the jaws can be said to be one of the ear infection symptoms. This condition is mainly caused by fungi or bacteria, which infects moist parts of the ears. Outer ear infection is also called swimmer’s ears, and the main reason for this is that, people who swim a lot are more prone to this type of ear infection. Of course this does not mean to say that all people get ear pain after swimming, but you need to make sure that you wash and dry your ears after swimming. Fungi and bacteria thrive in swimming pools and can infect your ears. There may be other ear pain causes as well like sore throat, so you need to get as much information as possible on sore throat and ear pain, so that you know the measures you need to take to prevent it.

Inner Ear Infection Pain

Inner ear infection is mainly caused by bacterial or viral infections, wherein the inner ear swells and cause inner ear pain. Many a times infections caused by bacteria or viruses in other parts of the body like the jaws may also cause ear problems and you may have difficulty in hearing things. If inner ear infection is severe, then it may be accompanied by vomiting, nausea and temporary hearing loss, which if not treated on time may lead to serious consequences.

So there may be several causes of ear infection pain, and whenever you get one, it’s always better to get in touch with a doctor. As a preventive measure make sure that you always keep your ear clean and dry so that chances of ear infections such as fungal ear infection are less.As with all medical conditions, the doctor knows best, so consult one as soon as possible, if you get ear pain. He may prescribe ear infection antibiotics to relieve you from the pain.