Earache
Alternative names:
otalgia; pain in the ear
Definition:
Pain in the ear that may be sharp, dull, burning, transient, or constant.
Considerations:
Ear pain is caused by a build-up of fluid and pressure in the portion of the ear behind the eardrum (called the middle ear).
The middle ear is drained by a short narrow tube (the Eustachian tube) into the nasal passages. A cold or allergy can cause the Eustachian tube to become swollen shut, especially in small children where the tube is smaller. When the Eustachian tube closes, the normal flow of fluid from the middle ear is prevented, and the fluid begins to accumulate which can cause stuffiness, pain, and hearing loss.
Ear pain is not necessarily due to a disease of the ear. Infections and other problems of the nose, mouth, throat, and jaw joint can cause pain in the ear.
When dealing with young children:
Increased irritability or pulling at the ears is often a sign of ear pain in infants. Ear infection symptoms may include fever, ear pain, fussiness, increased crying, irritability, or pulling at the ears. Ear infections are very common in infancy and childhood and are often associated with colds.
Most children will have a temporary and minor hearing loss during and right after an ear infection, but there is rarely any permanent hearing loss as long as the problem is properly managed by a health care provider.
Common causes:
Note: This list is not all inclusive and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The list of all possible causes can be extensive and include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the list will vary based on the age and gender of the individual as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom, such as location, quality, timing, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for this symptom occurring alone or in combination with other problems.
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