Earache

One of the frequent reasons people visit their GP is for ear pain or earache. Maybe you've already seen a doctor and tried antibiotics, either as pills or ear drops or spray, but nothing's worked. If you're not running a fever, having headaches, or showing other signs of infection, a likely culprit could be Eustachian tube dysfunction or blockage. This can make your ear feel full and painful, among other symptoms.

The Eustachian tube is a small passageway that links your middle ear to your throat. This isn't something you can see, and it's different from your ear canal, which is part of your outer ear. It normally helps to equalise the air pressure both sides of the ear drum.

Your middle ear is always making fluid to keep its tiny bones moving smoothly, which helps you hear. This fluid production is usually at its peak in the early morning hours. If your Eustachian tube gets blocked or isn't working right, this fluid can't drain away like it should.

Here's what you can do to feel better:

Breathe in steam through your nose and mouth for about 5 minutes. Try to "pop" your ears to relieve pressure.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers if you need them.

A steroid nasal spray from a pharmacy might also help speed up your recovery.

Keep in mind, it might take longer than you'd like to feel completely better.

If you don't take steps to relieve the fluid buildup, your ear pain could get worse, and you might even risk tearing your eardrum.

What to Watch Out For:

If your eardrum does tear, it usually heals in 3-4 weeks. You'll notice fluid draining from your ear. Make sure not to get any water in there.

Sometimes, this condition can lead to a middle ear infection. If you start to have worsening ear pain, pain behind your ear, a fever, feel generally unwell, or have more ear discharge or headaches, get medical help right away.

If you are not sure, visit https://GPUnlimited.co.uk and book an appointment with Dr. Shakir