Over-the-counter medications for ear pain available at pharmacies
Earaches, ear infections, and otalgia
- There are many conditions that can cause ear pain: an ear infection, a cold, a sinus or throat infection, an injury to the ear canal, or even a dental abscess.
- Ear pain refers to localized pain in the ear. Ear conditions affect three parts of the ear: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. This condition, which affects hearing, often results in an ear infection.
- An ear infection is an inflammation of the ear. It often results from a cold or pharyngitis. Symptoms of an ear infection often include a feelingof a blocked ear, fever, and pain that can range from mild to severe. A doctor may also prescribe ear drops containing a local anesthetic to relieve pain in cases of external otitis.
- As with children, ear infections and localized ear pain always warrant a medical consultation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment through otoscopy.
How can you relieve your earache?
First, it’s important to determine the cause of the ear pain, also known as otalgia.
- Identify the cause of the earache (cold, sore throat, toothache, etc.) and the type of ear infection
- Take the appropriate medication to treat the ear pain (as prescribed by a doctor) and, if necessary, clear the ear
- Practice good ear hygiene
Ear Infection and Ear Pain: What Medication to Take for Ear Pain
In most cases, ear pain is caused by an ear infection—that is, inflammation or an infection of the ear. More rarely, the pain may stem from a sinus infection or a sore throat.
Ears: How to Recognize and Treat Each Type of Ear Infection
Order your over-the-counter medications to treat ear pain from your ARS-approved online organic pharmacy. To relieve the symptoms of an ear infection—whether it’s an inner, outer, or middle ear infection—it’s recommended to take pain relievers. Generally, your doctor or ENT specialist will prescribe acetaminophen oribuprofen up to 4 grams per day. It is also recommended to take an anti-inflammatory medication for ear pain (Advil or Nurofen), up to 1,200 mg per day.
Middle Ear Infections
- Acute otitis media: Acute otitis media is a bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear, usually accompanying an upper respiratory tract infection. Acute otitis media (AOM) is characterized by a purulent effusion in the tympanic cavity. Acetaminophen is the medication most often recommended to treat pain associated with acute otitis media.
- Serous otitis media: Serous otitis media is a chronic inflammation of the middle ear characterized by the presence of fluid behind the eardrum. Serous otitis results from incomplete healing of an acute otitis or from an obstruction of the Eustachian tube without infection. Depending on the doctor’s recommendations, decongestants, such as phenylephrine, may be taken (by older children and adults) to reduce nasal congestion. People withserous otitis media should avoid scuba diving or air travel. Changes in environmental pressure can cause pain and damage to the ear in this case.
- Chronic otitis media: Inflammation of the mucous membrane persists for more than 3 months.Chronic otitis media results from multiple episodes of infection and is often characterized by a perforated eardrum or otorrhea. If the eardrum is perforated, it is advisable to protect the ears from water. In cases of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), doctors prescribe antibiotic ear drops. It is dangerous to put anything in the ears if the eardrum is perforated. You should wait until your medical appointment to use an ear solution such as Otipax Ear Instillation Solution, available at the best price in our online pharmacy.
Inner Ear Infection (Labyrinthitis)
Inner ear infection results from an acute otitis media that takes a turn for the worse. Treatment must then be tailored to the specific type of inner ear infection diagnosed.
- Bacterial inner ear infection should be treated with antibiotics, sometimes in combination with surgery, to drain excess pus from the inner ear.
- Viral inner ear infections are treated with antiviral medications specific to the cause of the infection (which differ depending on whether the cause is the flu, the varicella virus, or shingles).
- Inflammatory inner ear infections are treated with anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone derivatives
Outer Ear Infection
External otitis is characterized by an infection of the skin of the external ear canal, which may be purulent. External otitis is a condition that occurs primarily in the summer, as it is exacerbated by heat and humidity. This type of ear pain primarily affects young children, who have narrower external ear canals. BloXoto is a medical device that can be prescribed for otitis externa, discomfort, or pain in the external auditory canal. It relieves and soothes itching in the ear.
Your pharmacist’s advice for properly cleaning and protecting your ears
It’s also important to prioritize proper daily ear cleaning, in addition to taking pain relievers for ear pain.
- For example, you can use ear care products to disinfect and immediately relieve pain.
- Reduce ear pressure by staying indoors and sitting down, for example
- Use Quies earplugs to protect your ears from external irritants
- Use an ear pick to clean your ears without damaging the ear canal.
Good to know: More severe cases of ear pain require consultation with an ENT specialist, who can perform a comprehensive diagnosis. You can also find advice on natural treatments using medicinal herbs to treat ear infections on our blog.
Also check out our liquid essential oil blend for treating ear infections, available in our online pharmacy.
How can you relieve an ear infection and soothe ear pain before seeing a doctor?
While waiting for a doctor’s appointment for an ear infection, you can use several homeopathic remedies to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Here are some recommended treatments for different symptoms and situations:
- Sudden fever and ear congestion: Belladonna 9 CH, Ferrum phosphoricum 9 CH, and Capsicum annuum 9 CH can be taken by alternating 3 granules of each every hour.
- Suppuration: Add Arsenicum album 9 CH, Pyorogenium 9 CH, and Mercurius solubilis 9 CH, taking 3 granules three times a day.
- Acute otitis media: Belladonna and Arsenicum album 9 CH are recommended as pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, to be taken in doses of 5 granules 2 to 3 times a day.
- As an adjunct to antibiotics: Take 5 granules of Mercurius, Hepar sulfur, Capsicum 9 CH, or Pyrogenium several times a day.
Depending on specific symptoms, other homeopathic remedies may be used:
- Arsenicum album 9 CH: if heat relieves the pain.
- Belladonna 9 CH: to relieve throbbing pain.
- Capsicum annuum 5 CH: if the pain is difficult to pinpoint.
- Chamomilla vulgaris 15 CH: to alleviate unbearable pain.
- Ferrum phosphoricum 9 CH: if the fever is moderate (38–38.5°C), to be taken 4 times in 24 hours.
No medications will be shipped outside of France. Available for pickup only at the pharmacy in Perpignan (France).
What cold remedies are available on Soin-et-Nature?
Find a wide selection of treatments for colds and respiratory conditions on Soin-et-Nature, your specialized online pharmacy. Our medications target winter symptoms, allergies, and ENT disorders.
- Allergy treatments: antihistamines and decongestants to reduce a runny nose, sneezing, and itching associated with seasonal allergies.
- Colds: Solutions to clear nasal passages, relieve headaches, and improve breathing comfort.
- Rhinitis: Medications to reduce inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by allergic or infectious rhinitis.
- Flu-like symptoms: Treatments targeting fever, muscle aches, and flu symptoms.
- Sore throat: lozenges, sprays, and mouthwashes to relieve irritation and soothe inflammation in the throat.
- Bronchitis: treatments designed to reduce inflammation of the bronchi and facilitate the expulsion of phlegm.
- Dry cough: cough suppressants to soothe a persistent cough and reduce irritation of the respiratory tract.
- Productive cough: Expectorants to thin bronchial secretions and promote their clearance.
- Mixed cough: Medications combining antitussive and expectorant actions for effective treatment of mixed coughs.
- Ears: ear drop-type solutions to relieve ear pain and ENT inflammation.
- Humex line: specific medications to combat colds, nasal congestion, and coughs.
- Lysopaine: Antiseptic and analgesic lozenges for rapid relief of sore throats.
- Stodal: homeopathic syrup suitable for dry and productive coughs.
- Strepsils: antiseptic and anesthetic lozenges to soothe sore throats.
- Vicks Line: decongestants, inhalers, and balms to clear the airways.
Order your over-the-counter treatments from Soin-et-Nature, your trusted pharmacy, and enjoy fast delivery to help combat cold symptoms.
