Got an ear full? Treatment tips to resolve ear blockage and pain.

Got an ear full? Treatment tips to resolve ear blockage and pain.

Our ears may be one of the most taken for granted organs in our body – they are responsible for hearing and play a vital role in our balance as well as regulating fluid drainage. Unfortunately, as well as being incredibly important for our health, our ears are extremely delicate and easily damaged. Ear problems often arise as a result of a cold, however ear pain, blockage and infection can also be caused by wax buildup or water trapped in the ear. Having an earache or blocked ear can be extremely uncomfortable – luckily there are several effective over the counter treatments available to treat some of the most common ear problems.

Earache from a Cold:

When we have a cold or flu, the Eustachian tube in the ear, which is responsible for fluid drainage, may become inflamed, swollen or blocked, reducing ventilation and drainage of the ear. This can lead to ear aches, and a feeling of having a full ear, which can be painful and can impact hearing and balance. An earache caused by a cold usually resolves itself when the cold disappears, but treatment is available to counteract the pain. Some ear drops contain local anesthetic and glycerol to reduce the pain in the outer or middle ear. The local anesthetic is used to numb the pain while the glycerol helps to remove any residual moisture, providing almost instant pain relief. Oral pain relief products are able to help relieve pain that is deeper in the ear where drops can’t reach. Pain relief tablets are more effective when regular doses are taken at the onset of ear pain. If the pain persists after your cold is gone or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, dizziness, stiff neck, discharge or hearing or balance problems, you should see your doctor.

Wax Buildup:

Earwax is naturally produced by the body to cleanse the ear, however wax overproduction can cause ear blockages which can be painful and can affect hearing. If your ears are prone to wax overproduction, you can prevent ear problems by using ear drops, which is an easy to use spray ear cleaner that removes ear wax. If symptoms persist, you may need to consult your doctor to have your ear flushed out.

Swimmer’s Ear:

Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the ear canal which is usually caused by having too much moisture in the ear. If you are prone to getting water trapped in your ear, it is a good idea to use ear buds and a swimming cap when swimming to prevent water entering the ear canal. Aqua ear drops can also be used after swimming to prevent water build up. Once you are experiencing signs of an ear infection, it is important to avoid swimming to prevent exacerbating the infection.

Ear problems can be a real pain, but they don’t need to be. At Chemistworks, our skilled pharmacists can help you find the best products to relieve any ear problem you may be experiencing. Visit one of our Chemistworks stores to view the products listed in this article or to receive further guidance on any symptoms that may arise.