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Suggest Treatment For Pain In The Ear
Question: My 4 year son is complaining about pain in left year...need suggestion plz.
Brief Answer:
Ear wax, foreign body, OME, AOM, ETD, Adenoids referred pain.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The most common cause for ear pain is ear wax build-up or trying to clean scratch the ears. Get his ears examined to rule this out. This will also help rule out ear canal infections, any foreign body and check the condition of the ear drum (in addition to comparing the right and left ear drums).
2. If the ear canal is clear, and the ear drum is dull, then this is an Otitis Media with Effusion (OME). If the ear drum is red and congested, it is an Acute Otitis Media (AOM).
3. These conditions usually follow a cold or are a result of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD). By the age of 4 years, most children have adenoid hypertrophy. Get an X-ray skull lateral view for adenoids done especially if he has mouth breathing or snoring at night.
4. Tests for hearing level and fluid build-up behind the ear drum are also available.
5. If all investigations are normal, this can also be referred pain from the throat , teeth and other structures in the upper body with common nerve supply.
6. Meanwhile you can give him paracetamol syrup after food for pain relief.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Ear wax, foreign body, OME, AOM, ETD, Adenoids referred pain.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The most common cause for ear pain is ear wax build-up or trying to clean scratch the ears. Get his ears examined to rule this out. This will also help rule out ear canal infections, any foreign body and check the condition of the ear drum (in addition to comparing the right and left ear drums).
2. If the ear canal is clear, and the ear drum is dull, then this is an Otitis Media with Effusion (OME). If the ear drum is red and congested, it is an Acute Otitis Media (AOM).
3. These conditions usually follow a cold or are a result of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD). By the age of 4 years, most children have adenoid hypertrophy. Get an X-ray skull lateral view for adenoids done especially if he has mouth breathing or snoring at night.
4. Tests for hearing level and fluid build-up behind the ear drum are also available.
5. If all investigations are normal, this can also be referred pain from the throat , teeth and other structures in the upper body with common nerve supply.
6. Meanwhile you can give him paracetamol syrup after food for pain relief.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
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. Prasad
Answered by
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