A painful sensation in the Ear. Infection is the commonest cause of ear pain. It may involve any part of the ear. In the outer ear, which includes the ear canal, the infection may begin with a boil. A fungus may become established in the ear as a consequence of swimming in a polluted area; the result may be a painful swelling. Or the ear canal may be scratched when the individual attempts to clean out wax with a bobby pin or similar device.
A large number of infections occur in the middle ear. A person with a perforated eardrum is subject to infection of the middle ear through the perforation and must take special precautions. Blow the nose gently, one nostril at a time, to avoid driving mucus up the Eustachian Tubes. Infection of the middle ear can also spread to the inner ear.
You may obtain temporary relief from earache by taking aspirin several times a day. Applying a heating pad over the ear may also help. A doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. Ear infections are usually controlled by Antibiotics.