Common Ailments

EAR CARE

The ear is made up of three different parts: the outer ear (the part you can see), the middle ear (which is separated from the outer ear by the eardrum and contains tiny bones that amplify sound waves) and the inner ear (where sound waves are translated into electrical impulses and sent to the brain).

The majority of earaches are caused by problems occurring either within the outer ear or within the middle ear, just behind the ear drum.

Aching and pain in the ear can occur as the result of a variety of infections or conditions.

BUILD UP OF EAR WAX

What we call ear wax is actually largely made up of a substance called cerumen that is produced by glands in the skin lining the auditory canal. This substance can sometimes build up, along with dead skin cells and dirt, and form a plug within the canal.

When an earache is caused in this way, the pain will normally be accompanied by a feeling of a blockage within the ear and mild deafness. People often attempt to deal with these types of build-up with cotton buds but this often only forces the blockage further into the ear.

It is best to use ear drops that are available through your local Numark Pharmacy.

In some cases your GP may suggest that the blockage be removed via syringing of the ears.

OTITIS MEDIA

A common cause of pain around the ear in infants and young children is described as otitis media, when fluid builds up in the middle ear, normally as a result of an infection.

This fluid retention occurs along with inflammation in the inner ear causing pain and discomfort.

Fluid may build up in the middle ear for two reasons. First, when a child has a cold, the middle ear may produce fluid just like the nose does. This fluid cannot drain out of the middle ear as easily as it does from the nose however and therefore builds up.

Children who have an ear infection caused through a cold could suffer with otitis media if the fluid stays in the middle ear for a long time. The pressure from this build up of fluid is what causes the symptoms of otitis media.

The symptoms can include:-

• Earache
• Headache
• Fever
• Discharge from the ear
• Mild deafness
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Loss of appetite

TREATMENT

Otitis media normally clears up quite quickly by itself, with the fluid eventually clearing. In the few cases where this doesn't occur a GP may prescribe antibiotics.

Ear drops or pain-killing medication can be used to reduce your child's symptoms. Your GP will ask that you monitor your child's symptoms to check whether they are clearing up as expected.

OTITIS EXTERNA

Otitis externa is the name given to earaches caused by conditions in the outer ear. The two common causes of otitis externa are trapped fluid and minor injury to the ear canal.

This type of earache is often referred to as swimmer's ear because it commonly occurs after a trip to the swimming baths or after bathing, when moisture gets trapped.

Minor injuries or scratches to the outer ear can occur when people use cotton buds or other less suitable objects in an attempt to clear our their ear canal.

Treatment for this type of earache normally involves the use of analgesic or antibiotic eardrops that clear up any infection.

If your earache is prolonged and refuses to clear even after treatment you should consult your GP.

For further advice on ear care contact your Numark Pharmacist.