102 FAMILY ILLNESS
Earache
START
Pain in one or both ears is a distressing symptom, especially for children. Earache is usually caused by an infection in the outer or middle ear. Mild discomfort, however, may be due to wax blockage. Consult your doctor if you suffer from earache, particularly if it is persistent. A severe or recurrent middle-ear infection may damage hearing.
Does pulling the earlobe make the pain worse?
Increases pain
Pain is no worse
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES A cold may often be accompanied by mild earache. Persistent or severe earache is likely to be due to otitis media( middle-ear infection).
• Take a decongestant to relieve stuffiness and an analgesic, such as acetaminophen, to relieve discomfort.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if the pain is severe or if it persists for longer than 2 days.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR Your earache is probably due to otitis externa( infection of the outer ear) or a boil in the ear canal.
• Take an analgesic such as acetaminophen.
Is there a discharge from the affected ear?
Discharge
No discharge
Do you have a runny or stuffy nose?
Yes
No
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS You may have otitis media( middle-ear infection) with a perforated eardrum; otitis externa( outerear infection) is another possibility.
• Take an analgesic such as acetaminophen.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR if the discomfort persists for longer than 24 hours. Barotrauma( ear damage or pain caused by pressure changes) may be the cause of your pain.
Did the pain start during or immediately after an airplane flight?
During or immediately after flight
Unrelated to air travel
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS if you cannot identify a possible cause for your earache from this chart.