Instant relief from ear pain due to a cold

A cold can swell the nose and the passage that helps equalise pressure behind the eardrum. Trapped pressure may feel like fullness, popping, or an ache, particularly when swallowing or blowing the nose. Middle-ear infection can develop after a respiratory infection and may cause stronger, persistent pain, fever, or reduced hearing. Earwax buildup, sinusitis, or tonsillitis can also cause pain felt in or around the ear. Earache alone does not identify its cause.

Rest, drink fluids, and place a comfortably warm cloth over the outer ear. Keep the head slightly raised when resting and blow the nose gently, one side at a time. Use only a pain reliever that is suitable for your age, health conditions, and other medicines; a pharmacist can guide you. Do not put cotton buds, oil, or unprescribed drops into the ear, and keep water out if the ear is draining. Do not share antibiotics or start them without an examination.

Arrange prompt medical review for severe or worsening pain, fever, new hearing loss, dizziness, swelling behind the ear, or fluid, pus, or blood from the ear. Seek urgent care for facial weakness, severe headache, confusion, or a very unwell child. An examination can distinguish a cold-related pressure problem from infection, wax, or another cause and determine whether antibiotic treatment or ear wax removal is appropriate.

Does my eardrum look inflamed or blocked? Is pain relief enough, or do I need treatment? What should I do if hearing or drainage changes?