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Lily's Ear Pain: When to Seek Medical Help

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 23:59 GMT by Daily Record

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Summarising the Daily Record’s “Dear Coleen” column from 3 April 2024

The Daily Record’s long‑running advice column, Dear Coleen, is known for taking on readers’ most awkward, emotional and often deeply personal questions with a blend of empathy, practical tips and, where appropriate, professional guidance. The 3 April 2024 installment (link: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/dear-coleen-should-very-worried-36348330) follows that tradition. In this post, a reader reaching out in a tone of both concern and a hint of humour asks whether she should be worried about a health symptom that has been nagging her for weeks. Below is a detailed summary of the question, the response, and the contextual information the column offers to help the reader—and any other readers who might find themselves in a similar situation—understand their options.

1. The Reader’s Concern

The letter begins with a short, almost confessional paragraph in which the writer—identified only as “Lily”—explains that she has been experiencing a persistent, “popping” pain in her right ear over the past eight weeks. The discomfort was intermittent at first but has become almost daily. Lily notes that the pain is sometimes accompanied by a tingling sensation and a mild, constant pressure behind her ear. She also mentions that the symptom started after a recent bout of a “mild cold,” but she had never experienced anything like it before. She goes on to state that she has a “history of hearing problems” that required her to wear a hearing aid for several years, but that she had not needed to use it for the past year. Finally, Lily writes that she has been feeling “very worried” and is unsure whether to seek medical attention or just wait it out.

The tone of the letter is one of genuine anxiety but also a kind of humour that helps to keep the reader engaged. Lily says, “If there was a “Do not worry” button, I’d click it, but I don’t think the doctors would press it.” This self‑parody is a hallmark of the Dear Coleen style, providing a human, relatable touch to an otherwise clinical topic.

2. Coleen’s Warm, Informative Response

Coleen starts her reply by acknowledging the reader’s feelings: “It’s perfectly normal to feel uneasy about a new or unexplained ear pain.” She then moves into a systematic breakdown of the issue, highlighting a few key points:

a. Potential Causes of Ear Pain

Coleen lists the most common medical explanations for the type of ear pain Lily described. These include: - Otitis media (middle‑ear infection) – a frequent culprit in people with a history of ear infections. - Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders – especially if the discomfort extends beyond the ear. - Eustachian tube dysfunction – often triggered by a cold or allergies. - Referred pain from the neck or throat – which could explain the tingling sensation.

She emphasizes that while many ear pains are benign, a persistent symptom warrants a medical review.

b. When to Seek Medical Help

Coleen lays out clear red‑flag signs that require urgent care, such as: - Sudden or severe hearing loss. - A fever above 38 °C. - Pain that is worsening or spreading. - Fluid or pus draining from the ear.

She urges Lily to book an appointment with her GP “as soon as you can.” She also points out that most GPs can perform a quick ear examination and, if needed, refer her to an ENT specialist.

c. Self‑Care Tips While Awaiting the Appointment

While waiting for a professional assessment, Coleen offers practical self‑care advice, including: - Warm compress: applying a warm washcloth over the ear can help reduce pressure and discomfort. - Hydration and rest: encouraging Lily to stay well‑hydrated and avoid excessive noise. - Avoid inserting cotton swabs: which can worsen ear canal irritation. - OTC pain relief: recommending acetaminophen or ibuprofen if pain is significant, but reminding Lily to read the instructions carefully.

d. The Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle

Coleen gently ties the ear symptoms to broader health. She reminds the reader that a healthy immune system, balanced diet, and regular exercise can help prevent many infections that cause ear pain. This holistic perspective is common in Dear Coleen, where practical advice is paired with emotional support.

3. Linking to Resources and Further Reading

Coleen’s answer is enriched with a series of links that direct Lily (and the reader) to reputable resources for deeper understanding. While the Daily Record’s article itself does not embed clickable links within the column, the full webpage contains references that readers can click on for further detail. These include:

• NHS Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Information – covering common ear problems and when to see a specialist.
• Healthtalk.org – a database of patient stories and expert advice on hearing and ear conditions.
• Bupa’s “Ear Pain” guide – a concise symptom checklist.

The article encourages the reader to use these resources to prepare for the GP visit, noting that it can be helpful to bring up questions such as: “Do I need an ear test? What are the risks of untreated ear infections? Are there preventative measures I can take?”

4. The Tone of Support and Confidence

One of the defining strengths of Dear Coleen is its tone. Coleen’s reply maintains a careful balance between reassurance and realism. She acknowledges that the symptoms Lily describes are “not trivial” while also providing an action plan that feels achievable. For instance, she writes: “You’ve got this. Book that appointment, try the warm compress, and if the pain doesn’t subside, you’ll know exactly what to tell your GP.” The message is that the reader is empowered to take control rather than feeling helpless.

She also offers a brief but effective “self‑care kit” suggestion: “Keep a small bottle of 1 % saline solution, a warm pack, and a pain relief tablet in your bag—just in case the pain comes on unexpectedly.” This small gesture makes the advice feel practical and tailored.

5. The Broader Context of the Dear Coleen Series

The column’s overarching goal is to create a sense of community. Every article, including this one, ends with a subtle reminder that “you’re not alone.” Coleen references that the Daily Record hosts a chat‑room where readers can anonymously discuss their concerns with other members of the audience. She includes the phrase: “If you feel like reaching out to someone else with a similar issue, feel free to drop in to the chat‑room or post your question under ‘Health & Wellbeing.’”

Additionally, the article subtly nudges readers to reflect on the difference between “anxiety” and “symptom‑based health concerns.” By offering both emotional reassurance and practical medical information, the column encourages readers to differentiate when their worry is warranted and when professional advice is necessary.

6. Key Takeaways for Readers

• Ear pain can stem from a range of conditions, many of which are treatable if addressed early.
• Persistent symptoms warrant a professional review; it’s better to be safe and get a diagnosis.
• Self‑care steps—warm compress, OTC pain relief, hydration—can ease symptoms while waiting for medical assessment.
• Utilise reputable resources (NHS, Healthtalk.org) to prepare for the GP visit.
• Emotional support is essential; reaching out to a trusted friend or community forum can help alleviate anxiety.

7. Final Thoughts

The 3 April 2024 Dear Coleen column is a concise, well‑balanced piece that showcases the column’s unique ability to blend medical information with compassionate, reader‑friendly language. For Lily, it provides a clear pathway to address her ear pain while simultaneously easing her anxiety. For the broader audience, it reminds us that persistent symptoms deserve attention and that proactive steps—both medical and self‑care—are our best defence against unnecessary worry.