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Earache

Earache - Causes, symptoms, examination and treatment (2022)

Ear pain is pain from the ear that often comes from inflammation in / around the ear or due to other disorders around the head and neck. In children, common causes are ear infections and foreign bodies in the ear, while for adults it can often be earwax or swollen lymph nodes that cause it to radiate to the ears. There may also be signs of disease in the ear, head or neck area that cause pain in the form of earache.

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Causes and symptoms

Inflammation of the ear is an inflammation of the middle ear and most often affects children. It often starts with a cold where the infection spreads through a tube that connects the throat and the ear. The inflammation settles in the middle ear which is the part of the ear behind the eardrum. When fluid builds up with inflammation behind the eardrum, it presses on and it causes pain and potentially impaired hearing. This can cause the eardrum to rupture and fluid to be seen in the patient's ear.

Ear wax can block the ear canal, cause an inflammatory reaction and lead to earache.
Swollen lymph nodes can, as mentioned, be caused by a type of infection in the body and cause it to radiate to the ears, which causes earache.
Foreign body in the ear is a common cause in children. If you do not get it removed yourself, you should see a doctor.
Inflammation of the ear canal can also be the cause. This is usually due to eczema or infection, and you often have itching and sometimes pain.

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Assessment and treatment

Ear pain is a frequent cause of doctor visits.

At Dr.Dropin we can examine and diagnose inflammation and infections in the ear. Inflammation of the ear in the middle ear usually goes away on its own, but if it persists, antibiotics may be appropriate.

Our doctors have equipment to look into the ears and throat, as well as take samples if necessary. We also have equipment for rinsing your ear if it is clogged with wax.

If we can not help you there and then we can refer you to an ear-nose-throat specialist. Reference is included in the price.

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Author: GP Anne Marte Ladim
Last updated: 08.07.2022