It is a very common complaint which may be found in patients of all ages and it refers to the pain in the ear. It can be a simple discomfort or an extreme pain and can be in duration or in intervals. To avoid misdiagnosing the condition or in case of severe pain it is important to know some of the leading causes of ear pain.
1. Ear Infections
Ear pain is most often caused by an ear infection which is not a rarity among children. There are different types of ear infections:There are different types of ear infections:
- Otitis Media: This is commonly known as otitis media in which the middle part of the ear becomes infected and causes a buildup of fluid behind the eardrum commonly caused by cold or a respiratory infection. Some of the signs include earache, hearing impairment and at times, fever.
- Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear): This is a condition whereby the outer canal of the ear is infected and this is mostly as a result of water that stays in the ear after bathing or swimming. Some of the signs and symptoms are as follows: earache, itching and excessive dropping of ear wax.
To get your ear infection treated you can consult a ENT Specialist in Lahore.
2. Earwax Buildup
Earwax is a product secreted by the ear that shields it but if it builds up and solidifies then it results in pain, fullness and hearing problems. Ear wax if attempted to be removed by use of a cotton swab may lead to worsening of the condition by being pushed deeper into the ear.
3. TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders
The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull and a problem with this joint will come with pain that shoots to the ear. TMJ disorders may include teeth grinding or jaw clenching and arthritis and may cause a person to experience earaches, headaches or jaw pain.
4. Throat Infections
In some circumstances, such pain may be referred from another structure, for example the throat. Various infections such as tonsillitis for instance, pharyngitis or throat cancer may cause throat aches and in the process cause ear pain due to convergence of the nerves.
5. Dental Issues
Infections or inflammation of the teeth and gum, particularly an abscess in the gum, impacted wisdom teeth and severe tooth decay also produce earache as a referral pain. This pain can be sharp and it tends to intensify with chewing or touching the affected tooth.
When to See a Doctor
While some ear pain can be managed at home, certain situations require medical attention:While some ear pain can be managed at home, certain situations require medical attention:
- Severe Pain: Change in the degree of pain; worsening of the pain.
- Hearing Loss: Unilateral or bilateral sudden or significant hearing loss.
- Discharge: Ear discharge such as; fluid, pus or blood.
- Persistent Symptoms: Severe headache or abdominal or joint pain, that persists for over 3 to 5 days and coupled with fever or swelling of the affected area of the body.
- Injury: Any earache after head trauma or a blow on the ear.
Conclusion
Earache may result from earwax blockage, infection or injury of the eardrum or any other part of the ear. And understanding the cause and effect is the first step toward any remedy. In case of having persistent or severe ear pain it is advisable to seek medical advice from the ENT Specialist in Islamabad to avoid possible complications.
