How Are Earaches From a Cold or Ear Infection Treated?
An ear infection is usually treatable, and permanent damage to the ear or to the hearing is much less common today with proper treatment. Treatment may include medications for pain and fever, antibiotics for bacterial ear infections, and/or observation of symptoms. • Pain relief for an earache Acetaminophen or ibuprofencan help relieve an earache with a cold or a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit. These medications usually control the ear pain within one to two hours. (Earaches tend to hurt more at bedtime.) • Antibiotics for an ear infection Prescribed antibiotics will kill the bacteria causing the ear infection. They are not needed to treat an earache due to a cold or a virus. Antibiotics may cause nausea, diarrhea, rashes, or yeast infections and may interact with other drugs. • Myringotomy (ear tubes) to relieve ear fluid If fluid remains in the ear for more than three months or if your child has repeated ear infections, your doctor may insert small metal or plastic tubes through t
