Can a common cold cause an earache?

A blocked nose and swollen tissues around the nose and throat can affect the Eustachian tube, which helps ventilate the middle ear. Pressure may then build behind the eardrum, causing aching, fullness, popping or muffled hearing. Coughing, swallowing and changes in pressure can make the discomfort more noticeable.

Cold-related ear discomfort may improve as the blocked nose settles. Earache can also occur with problems such as an ear infection, so the character and course of the pain matter. Fluid draining from the ear, marked hearing change or pain that keeps worsening deserves assessment.

Rest, drink fluids and use a saline nasal spray or rinse if it is suitable for you. Gentle swallowing, yawning or chewing may help the ear equalise; do not forcefully blow against a blocked nose. A warm cloth held against the outer ear can be soothing.

For pain, follow the label directions for a medicine you can safely take, such as paracetamol. Check with a pharmacist before using decongestants, particularly if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart disease or other ongoing conditions. Do not put cotton buds, oil or unprescribed drops into the ear.

Arrange a medical review if earache is severe, lasts beyond the cold, returns after improving, or comes with fever, fluid from the ear, new hearing loss, dizziness or swelling around the ear. Seek urgent help for severe swelling behind the ear, facial weakness, confusion or difficulty breathing.

Ask whether the eardrum looks inflamed, whether congestion is affecting the middle ear, and which pain relief or nasal treatment fits your health history. Mention when the pain began, whether hearing has changed, and any fever or discharge.