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What Causes Severe Ear Ache?

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Posted on Mon, 3 Nov 2014
Question: I have a severe ear ache in my left ear. the pain is not constant but travels from what appears to be the inner ear through a nerve to the top of my head and stops. the area on the top of the head is very sensitive but again not constant.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Require few more details.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.

Before answering the query, I require a few answers.

1. Do you have cold, sinsus problems or ear infection.

2. Is it a radiating pain?

3. Any ear block feeling? How is hearing on that side?

4. Is headache dull type or throbbing type?

5. Are you taking any medications?

It appears to be eustachian tube block due to cold or congestion.
Antihistamine like cetrizine should reduce congestion and improve symptoms.

However, if present since long time, will require more details. Need to rule out trigeminal neuralgia. It present as excruciating pain on one side of face.

Do respond with answers.

Take care.

Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (11 minutes later)
Answers to your questions:
1. maybe a slight sinus problem
2. No, is seems to go in a straight line to the top of my head
3. No blocked feeling but have poor hearing in that ear but that has been going on a long time, years.
4. Ear is throbbing, headache is sharp but not constant
5. yes, Niacin 750mg and Atenolol 25mg
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Appears to be furuncle of external ear.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for replying.

After going through your queries, I can comment as follows:

1. Throbbing pain in ear due to furuncle in the ear.

2. As the furuncle presses and stretches on the skin, it causes severe pain.

3. The pain in the ear will be throbbing due to inflammatory furuncle. Pulling ear lobe could be painful.

4. This pain radiating to upper part along with mild sinus is leading to headache.

5. Antihistamine like cetrizine to reduce sinus congestion along with NSAIDS painkillers for throbbing pain like paracetamol or celecoxib should be adequate.

6. Furuncle will rupture in 2-3 days. It will heal slowly, but once rupture occurs, pain should be very less.
If any fever starts, then infection of furuncle can be thought of and antibiotic may be necessary. At present, nothing to worry.

Hope it helps.

Any further queries, happy to help again.

Take care.
Dr. Prakash HM
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda

Geriatrics Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2138 Questions

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What Causes Severe Ear Ache?

Brief Answer: Require few more details. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for asking. I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query. Before answering the query, I require a few answers. 1. Do you have cold, sinsus problems or ear infection. 2. Is it a radiating pain? 3. Any ear block feeling? How is hearing on that side? 4. Is headache dull type or throbbing type? 5. Are you taking any medications? It appears to be eustachian tube block due to cold or congestion. Antihistamine like cetrizine should reduce congestion and improve symptoms. However, if present since long time, will require more details. Need to rule out trigeminal neuralgia. It present as excruciating pain on one side of face. Do respond with answers. Take care. Dr. Prakash HM