Earache

Introduction

Earache is a common problem, particularly in children. It can be worrying, but it's usually only caused by a minor infection and will often get better in a few days without treatment. Earache can be a sharp, dull or burning pain in the ear that comes and goes or is constant. You may get pain in just one or both ears. This page covers: Earache What you can do at home Common causes of earache

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Articles for earache

Introduction

Find out about earache, which is a common problem in children, including when to seek medical advice, how to treat earache at home, plus the common causes.

When toget medical advice

It's not always necessary to see your GP if you or your child have earache. The pain will often improve in a few days and there are things you can do to help in the meantime (see below). You should c

What you can do at home

To treat the pain, you can use painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen , which you can buy over the counter.Children under the age of16shouldn't take aspirin. Placing a warm flannel against th

Common causes of earache

Ear infections If an ear infection is causing your earache, there may be a watery or pus-like fluid coming out of your ear. Outer ear infections (infectionsof the tube connecting the outer ear and

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