Ear Drops for Pain

Amongst the common medical problems, ear pain is one of them. It can occur for both, children and adults. It can be manifested due to several medical conditions, either related to ear or other parts of the body. Many of us end up using over-the-counter ear drops for pain relief, without thinking twice about the suitability of the medication. Here, we will discuss causes of earache and ear drops used for relieving pain.

Causes of Ear Pain

Ear pain or earache is a troubling condition, which requires immediate medical attention. Patients often complain of throbbing pain, soreness and drainage from ear. As we all know, pain and soreness are the typical signs of ear infection. But, there are more ear pain causes, rather than just infection, which are listed below:

• Blockage of Eustachian tubes
• Microbial infection of external ear, ear canal or middle ear
• Accumulation and compaction of earwax
• Physical trauma to the ear
• Ear pain associated with sinusitis and common cold
• Increased ear pressure during scuba diving or flight journey
• In children, teeth eruption causes ear pain
• Dental infection causing referred ear pain
• Jaw disorders affecting nerves of the ear

Types of Ear Drops for Pain

It is to be borne in mind that not all earache cases are treatable with ear drops. The effectiveness of these medications depend on the underlying cause. Say for example, pain resulted due to clogged ear can be alleviated by using clearing solution. The ear drop helps in softening earwax and opening the blocked ear, thus reducing pain condition. While in case of ear pain caused by infection, antimicrobial medication is suitable for treating the ear problem. Following are the two classes of ear drops for pain:

Over-the-Counter Ear Drops for Pain
Mild to moderate pain symptoms in the ear can be treated with over the counter ear drops and garlic oil ear drops. If the causal factor is mild infection, antiseptic ear drops will be recommended to fight against bacteria. Also, homeopathic ear drops for pain are sold in drugs stores. They are formulated with active ingredients, which help treat ear pain. For every patient, using ear drop of a reputable brand and following usage directions are imperative to relieve ear pain. Self treatment of chronic ear pain by using ear drops is strictly not recommended.

Prescription Ear Drops for Pain
For earache treatment, the doctor may recommend either prescription ear drops (antibiotic drop, with or without steroid) or therapeutic procedures, or sometimes both. The otic solution, formulated with antipyrine and benzocaine, is effective to alleviate swelling and pain in the ear, which are caused by ear infection. Follow the usage directions, instructed by the doctor. For treating infected related pain, frequent application is indicated. While for softening and removing earwax, otic ear drops should be applied twice daily. Some brands of prescription ear drops for pain are Ciprodex, Cortisporin, Auralgan, A/B Otic, Auroto, Otocalm and Antiben.

When to Seek Doctor's Help?

Ear drops for ear pain is not recommended, if the manifested sign is due to any of the conditions - post surgery pain, injured eardrums and disorders of the ear tubes. Also refrain from putting ear drops, in case of constant ear irritation, rashes, inflammation and unusual discharge from the affected ear. In such cases, getting them checked by a trusted physician is a practical solution, rather than self instilling ear drops for ear pain. The doctor will examine the condition and suggest the suitable treatment medications.

Learning the possible reasons for ear pain will surely help in minimizing this common medical problem. On the concluding note, use ear drops for pain, only when necessary. Stop applying it in case of adverse effects, like unusual ear drainage and high fever condition. While using ear drops for pain, over the counter products, stop applying if the earache symptoms persist for more than 2 days and consult the doctor immediately.