Earache

Practicalities Health Other Possible Problems Earache 

Earache is often triggered by swimming, particularly in polluted water. Once it has occurred it is recommended to keep the ear completely dry for at least a week or two.

Measure to Alleviate/Avoid

• Ear plugs can help with this. [Suppliers]



• A complementary approach for prevention and treatment is to put a drop of garlic oil (warmed olive oil in which you steep garlic cloves) in the ears before and after each swim.



• Treatment if the ear is painful is usually with antibiotics though this may not be effective.



• If earache is a recurrent problem you may wish to ask your GP for a prescription so you can take some of the standard drug with you.



• If the ear is blocked, flying can be painful. If you know before leaving home that this is a problem you could consult your doctor who might prescribe a decongestant as a preventive measure.



• Earplane ear plugs are designed to help with ear problems when flying and are available from Cirrus Health Care [Suppliers].