A cold can bring more than just a runny nose and sore throat. It also leads to uncomfortable ear pressure or even ear pain for some people. This happens because the cold virus can cause inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages, which affects the Eustachian tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. When these tubes become blocked, pressure builds up in the ear, sometimes leading to discomfort or mild pain. In some cases, fluid can accumulate behind the eardrum, increasing the risk of a middle ear infection.
For same-day ear pain relief, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen. Our providers specialize in treating a wide range of illnesses, with no appointment necessary. To plan your visit in advance, save your spot below!
Why a Cold Can Cause Ear Pain
When you have a cold, your body produces extra mucus to trap and flush out the virus. Unfortunately, this mucus can block the Eustachian tubes, preventing them from balancing the air pressure inside your ear. The result? A feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, and sometimes sharp or throbbing pain.
Colds can also trigger inflammation in nearby tissues, adding to the pressure in the ear. In some cases, bacteria can take advantage of the trapped fluid and cause an ear infection, especially in children with shorter and narrower Eustachian tubes.
Home Remedies for Ear Pain Due to a Cold
If your ear discomfort is mild, you may find relief with these simple remedies:
- Apply a warm compress to the affected ear for 10 - 15 minutes to reduce pain and improve circulation.
- Stay hydrated to thin mucus and help it drain more easily.
- Use steam inhalation by breathing in warm, moist air from a bowl of hot water or a shower to clear nasal congestion.
- Elevate your head when resting to promote drainage and reduce pressure.
- Use saline nasal sprays to flush out mucus and soothe nasal passages gently.
Medical Treatment for Ear Pain
If home care isn’t enough, medical treatment may be necessary, especially if the pain is severe, lasts more than a few days, or is accompanied by fever. A healthcare provider may:
- Prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial ear infection develops
- Recommend decongestants to reduce swelling in the nasal passages and help open the Eustachian tubes
- Suggest pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for symptom relief
- Perform ear drainage in rare cases where fluid buildup is significant and persistent
Think of ear pain during a cold as your body’s way of waving a little red flag. It might be harmless, or it could be the start of something more serious. If the discomfort is intense, your hearing feels muffled, you notice fluid draining from your ear, or you spike a fever, it’s time to make a quick trip to urgent care. There, you can get a precise diagnosis, the proper treatment, and peace of mind, so you can go back to battling your cold, not your ears.
Get Walk-In Ear Pain Relief at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen
At AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen, we can provide the necessary evaluation and ear pain treatment so you can get relief fast. Taking swift action can make all the difference in your healing process and help prevent any potential complications. No appointments are ever necessary for our services– we’re a walk-in facility! The center is conveniently located at 1140 State Route 34 in Aberdeen, NJ. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about ear pain treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (732) 583-5100.
