Ear Pain Treatment in Kingwood, TX

An earache can happen without an infection being present. This can happen when air and/or fluid builds up behind the eardrum, leading to a feeling of fullness, discomfort, impaired hearing, and/or pain. This condition is called otitis media with effusion (OME) or serous otitis media, which denotes that there is fluid built up in the middle ear. OME can happen because of congestion, nasal allergies, or following a bacterial infection in the middle ear.

Ear pain may also be a symptom of other medical issues taking place in the body. Earaches may also be the result of:

● Allergies
● Buildup of earwax
● Ruptured eardrum
● Sinus infection
● Tooth infection
● Sore throat
● Pressure/altitude changes
● Joint problems (especially in the jaw)
● Arthritis of the jaw

It is common for ear pain to develop in one ear although sometimes it will manifest in both. This may be as the result of an infection, otitis media with effusion (OME), or as the symptom of another medical condition. Ear pain can come on gradually or quickly and the pain may feel sharp, dull, or burning.

If you’re experiencing ear pain, you may also experience accompanying symptoms such as fever, drainage from the ear, difficulty hearing, hearing loss, the sensation of fullness in the ear(s), headache, difficulty chewing, or jaw pain.

If you’re experiencing ear pain, it’s always best to get it medically assessed by a physician for pain management purposes and to ensure the condition doesn’t worsen.

While it’s possible to sleep with an earache, sufferers may find their nighttime sleep cycle is easily disrupted by the presence of ear pain. Managing your pain and knowing the different ways you can sleep better will help ensure a restful night’s sleep. Consider the following when trying to sleep with an ear infection:

● Sleeping upright. Sleeping sitting up or with your head elevated can allow fluid in your ear to drain and can also ease pressure and pain in the ear.

● Utilizing over-the-counter painkillers. Taking pain relief medication (like paracetamol or ibuprofen) may provide relief from ear infection symptoms. However, those with ongoing health conditions should consult a doctor to ensure they’re taking the best medication for them. Similarly, children under the age of two should only take medication that is prescribed by their pediatrician.

● Sip and swallow method. Sipping water before bed, or during the night, may help reduce ear pain. The motion of swallowing can help trigger drainage in the ear which can act as a natural pain remedy.

● Switching positions. Lying on your back puts pressure on your ears which can enhance your pain. By regularly changing positions, or sleeping upright, you can help relieve some of this pressure. Many find that resting on their side has a relaxing effect and is also more ‘natural’ than trying to sleep upright.

● Allergy and congestion relief. Adults who have an ear infection because of a respiratory infection or allergies may find that taking oral or nasal decongestants can help relieve pressure in their ears.

Ear infections may feel different from person to person and the severity of symptoms may vary depending on the cause of the infection and what stage the infection is in. The common symptoms that adults feel when they’re suffering from an ear infection are:

● Earache (pain may be sharp and/or sudden or be more of a dull, continuous pain)
● Drainage from the ear canal
● A feeling of fullness and/or stuffiness in the ear
● Nausea
● Difficulty hearing or muffled hearing

At Kingwood Urgent Care, TX, we can help you find the pain relief you need from an ear infection or related medical issue. We promise safe, reliable, and efficient care that you can depend on from beginning to end. For more information, contact us at your earliest convenience or visit us online to see our business hours. We also accept walk-ins. Our clinic is conveniently located at 2601 W Lake Houston Pkwy Kingwood, TX. We serve patients from Kingwood TX, Huffman TX, Atascocita TX, Humble TX, Porter TX, New Caney TX, Houston TX, Crosby TX, Dayton TX, Mont Belvieu TX and Spring TX.