symptoms of ear disorders
ear, nose, and throat disorders
Earache
The best way to treat earache is to treat the underlying disorder. People may take a pain-relieving drug by mouth. Usually a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) oracetaminophenis adequate. However, some people, particularly those who have a severe external ear infection, may need to take an opioid such asoxycodoneorhydrocodonefor a few days. For a severe external ear infection, doctors also often suction pus or other discharge from the ear canal and insert a small foam wick. The wick can be soaked with antibiotic and/or corticosteroid ear drops. Ear drops that contain pain relievers (such asantipyrine/benzocainecombinations) are generally not very effective but can be used for a few days. These drops (and any other ear drops, such as those to remove earwax) should not be used by people who might have a perforated eardrum, so a doctor should be consulted before drops are used. People should avoid digging in their ears with any object, no matter how soft the object. People should avoid digging in their ears with any objects (no matter how soft the object or how careful people think they are). Also, people should not try to flush out their ears unless instructed by a doctor to do so, and then only gently. An oral irrigator (such as used for teeth cleaning) should never be used in the ear. 