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What Causes Sharp Pain In Ear While Chewing Food?

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Posted on Fri, 20 Feb 2015
Question: painful pop just inside ear sometimes when chewing, feels like something passing over a nerve, very sharp pain.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
seems to be Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Detailed Answer:


Hi,



I have gone through your question and understand your concerns that you are having popping of ears. I would like to ask you few more details.



Is there any cold or nasal obstruction ?
Is your popping sound associated with throat pain ?


Kindly get back to me with the details so that I am better able to help you.


Based on your clinical details, it appears to be Eustachian tube (tube connecting middle ear and nose) dysfunction secondary to throat infection.


I suggest the following measures, to overcome your popping ears.


1. Take anti allergic medication like tab. levocet+ d (citrizine +phynylehrine) one at bed time.

2. nasal decongestant drops (xylometazoline 3 drops/3 times).

3. Do valsalva exercises (watch youtube video).

4. chew chewing gum.

5. protect ear from water (plug it with dry cotton during bath).

6. Avoid freezer products (curd/ice creams).


In case of persistence, needs to be evaluated with ent surgeon to rule out other causes.


Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.


Wishing you good health.



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (20 hours later)
no cold, nasal obstruction, or throat pain, feels almost like a nerve being pushed against by jaw muscles occasionally when I chew. Very painful!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
neuralgia/temparo-mandibular joint problem-needs evaluation.

Detailed Answer:


Hello again,

Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.


Painful swallow could be due to glassopharyngial neuralgia or some infection, it can be elicited by ent examination. Temparo-mandibular joint stiffness or arthritis also can cause Eustachian tube dysfunction. It can be evaluated with audiometry and x-ray temparo - mandibular joint.

Kindly go ahead for the investigations.


All the best. Take care.






Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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Answered by
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Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 2038 Questions

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What Causes Sharp Pain In Ear While Chewing Food?

Brief Answer: seems to be Eustachian tube dysfunction. Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns that you are having popping of ears. I would like to ask you few more details. Is there any cold or nasal obstruction ? Is your popping sound associated with throat pain ? Kindly get back to me with the details so that I am better able to help you. Based on your clinical details, it appears to be Eustachian tube (tube connecting middle ear and nose) dysfunction secondary to throat infection. I suggest the following measures, to overcome your popping ears. 1. Take anti allergic medication like tab. levocet+ d (citrizine +phynylehrine) one at bed time. 2. nasal decongestant drops (xylometazoline 3 drops/3 times). 3. Do valsalva exercises (watch youtube video). 4. chew chewing gum. 5. protect ear from water (plug it with dry cotton during bath). 6. Avoid freezer products (curd/ice creams). In case of persistence, needs to be evaluated with ent surgeon to rule out other causes. Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions. Wishing you good health.