Earache and Ear Infections: What Helps and When to See a Doctor
A painful ear in a child or adult, sometimes after a cold? Ear infections are common, especially in children, and often settle on their own. Learn what helps, what to avoid, and the warning signs.
A sudden earache — a child crying and tugging at their ear, or an adult with a deep, throbbing pain, often on the back of a cold — is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor, especially with young children. The good news is that many ear infections settle on their own, and there is plenty you can do to ease the pain meanwhile. Here is a clear, plain-language guide to what is happening, what helps, and the signs that mean you should get it checked.
Why Ears Get Infected
Most childhood earaches are middle-ear infections — behind the eardrum. They often follow a cold, because the small tube connecting the middle ear to the throat gets blocked, fluid builds up, and germs multiply, causing pressure and pain. Children get them more because that tube is shorter and more horizontal. Adults can get ear infections too, including infections of the ear canal (often after water exposure — "swimmer's ear").
Common Signs
- Ear pain (in babies: crying, tugging the ear, trouble sleeping, irritability)
- A feeling of fullness or reduced hearing
- Fever, and being generally unwell — often after a cold
- Sometimes fluid or discharge draining from the ear
What Helps at Home
- Simple pain/fever relief (like paracetamol) as directed — the mainstay for comfort
- A warm compress held gently against the ear can soothe pain
- Rest and fluids
- Keep the ear dry; do not poke anything (including cotton buds) into it
The Warning Signs
Redness/swelling behind the ear with the ear pushed forward is a sign of a more serious infection and needs prompt medical attention.
When to See a Doctor
Many earaches settle with pain relief and time, but see a doctor for the warning signs above, for a very young child, or for infections that keep coming back. An ENT specialist can treat stubborn or recurrent ear problems, check hearing, and address any underlying cause. For a straightforward earache, an online consultation can help you decide whether home care is enough or you need an in-person look — and a doctor will tell you clearly if the ear needs examining.