Ear pain, also called otalgia; It can be the harbinger of many diseases related to the ear and other organs. Ear pain caused by a problem in the ear is called primary otalgia. If there is no ear-related reason among the causes of ear pain, this situation is called secondary otalgia.
What is Ear Pain Under the Scope of Primary Otalgia?
Primary otalgia; It covers all the problems in the outer ear, inner ear and middle ear. The causes of ear pain related to the outer ear are basically divided into two as mechanical and infectious causes.
While mechanical causes include traumas and problems arising from foreign bodies; Infectious causes include infections caused by bacteria and fungi.
Besides these;
- Trauma,
- Blood collection called hematoma,
- Inflammation of cartilage,
- Ear such as burns and frostbite Problems in the auricle also cause ear pain.
- Inflammation,
- Zona,
- Accumulated earwax,
- Tumors ,
- Eardrum rupture in the middle ear and eardrum,
- Middle ear inflammation,
- Fluid accumulation in the middle ear ,
- Inflammation of the air spaces behind the ear,
- Problems such as obstruction of the Eustachian tube are also the main causes of primary otalgia.
Which Ear Pain Involves Secondary Otalgia?
Secondary otalgia; It covers ear pains that are reflected to 5 different nerves around the ear.
The causes of these pains include;
- Jaw joint diseases,
- Oral and throat infections,
- Dental diseases,
- Pharyngitis,
- Intraoral wounds,
- Adenoid,
- Tumor,
- Lung cancer,
- There are many possibilities such as problems in the esophagus,
- stomach hernia,
- lung infections.
The Most Common Causes of Ear Pain
"Causes of ear pain It is possible to give many different answers to the question, as seen in the examples above. However, middle ear and outer ear infections are among the most common causes of ear pain. Following this, sinus, tooth and throat infections are accompanied by allergies, pressure trauma, ear wax, Damages to the eardrum, jawbone problems, dental abscess and eczema are the most common diagnoses among patients who come with earache complaints.
Basic Diseases and Treatment Methods for Ear Pain
Otitis (middle ear inflammation), external otitis (external ear infection) and sinusitis, which are diseases associated with earache, can be cured with effective treatment methods of the otolaryngology unit. It is of great importance to establish the correct diagnosis of these diseases and to apply the right treatment before starting the treatment. .
What is Otitis (Middle Ear Inflammation)?
It is possible to come across otitis media caused by infections in the middle ear in every age range. Especially in children aged 0-3, whose development has just begun and continues, the probability of otitis media is quite high. covered under three different headings.
These titles are;
- Acute otitis media,
- Recurrent otitis media,
- It is listed as chronic otitis media with effusion.
as acute otitis media The middle ear infection, which is discussed, covers the temporary infections that occur quickly in the middle ear. Recurrent otitis media consists of recurrent inflammations, and chronic otitis media with effusion consists of infections defined as painless fluid accumulation that persists in a way that is resistant to treatment. encounters with. Having otitis media in children at an early age causes the inflammation to recur more frequently in later ages. While middle ear infections are less common in children who are breastfed for more than 6 months; Being in a smoking environment increases the risk of otitis media. Depending on the climatic conditions in the winter season or otitis media, which is more common than z months; It is more common in children attending kindergarten and nursery.
Otitis symptoms; It manifests as symptoms of a cold in children. These symptoms include runny nose, nasal congestion, mild fever, sore throat, earache and cough. In newborns, besides these symptoms, crying spells, moodiness and playing with the ears are seen. The methods used in the treatment of otitis are listed as follows:
- Use of Antibiotics
- Use of Decongestant Drugs
- Vaccin
- Ear Tube
External Otitis: External otitis, also known as swimmer's ear; It occurs with the formation of infections in the external ear canal. The thinness of the skin in the external ear canal, the insertion of the cotton part at the end of objects such as ear sticks into the ear, as well as the dark and moist environment are effective in the formation of these infections.
Ear pain and tinnitus are the most obvious external otitis symptoms. In addition, external otitis symptoms that start with itching in the moist ear include ear sensitivity, fullness, temporary hearing loss, redness, swelling and pain caused by jaw movements.
Treatment methods include;
- Ear drops,
- Ear tampon applications,
- Systemic antibiotic use is available.
Does Sinusitis Affect Pain?
Another of the most common causes of ear pain is known as sinusitis. stuffy nose Bacteria and virus formation in the sinuses after surgery causes infection. Thus, sinusitis may occur in the person.
What to Do for Earache?
People with complaints such as earache, ear fullness and swelling should go to the ear nose and throat unit and be examined in the first place; Then, if necessary, the patient should be referred to the relevant departments and the treatment process should be started as soon as possible. Ear pain, which can be counted as a symptom of many diseases when not taken seriously; It can even cause life-threatening diseases.
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