Understanding Recurrent Ear Pain: Causes & Risk Factors

Ear pain is sometimes referred to as an earache, or discomfort in or around the area of the ear. The pain can even extend deep into the ear canal. When ear pain becomes recurrent, it is usually a sign of an ear infection, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Risk Factors

• Recurrent ear pain can be attributed to certain risk factors, such as chronic allergies or sinusitis, enlarged tonsils, exposure to high altitudes or smoke, food allergies, underwater diving, illnesses such as colds or upper respiratory infections, and a family history or previous cases of middle ear infections.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of ear pain vary depending on its underlying causes. When ear pain is due to an outer ear infection, there are typically other symptoms, such as discharge from the ear and swelling.

Treatment

• Middle ear infections are typically treated with oral antibiotics, according to freeMD, but outer ear infections may require antibiotic drops.

Home Care

• To help relieve ear pain, apply a warm, wet cloth to the face and ear area. Avoid getting the ear wet, and use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lessen the pain.

Facts

• Ear pain from middle ear infections, according to the National Institutes of Health, is more common in children than adults.