Why does cleaning earwax cause a feeling of nausea?
Sep 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
In general, the sensation of nausea while removing earwax may be caused by conditions such as cerumen impaction, inner ear infection, external otitis, middle ear infection, or mastoiditis. In addition, this symptom could also result from increased intracranial pressure, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or external auditory canal eczema. If nausea occurs frequently, prompt medical evaluation and relevant examinations are recommended.
Under normal circumstances, the sensation of nausea or vomiting during ear cleaning may be caused by conditions such as cerumen impaction, inner ear infection (labyrinthitis), external otitis, middle ear infection (otitis media), or mastoiditis. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Cerumen Impaction
If a patient's ceruminous glands in the external auditory canal are excessively active, it can lead to cerumen impaction, resulting in a large accumulation of earwax within the ear. This may cause the aforementioned symptoms, and in severe cases, may trigger discomfort such as itching and pain. Patients should visit a hospital where medical professionals can use specialized instruments to remove the impacted cerumen. If necessary, doctors may also prescribe sodium bicarbonate ear drops for ear irrigation to alleviate symptoms.
2. Inner Ear Infection (Labyrinthitis)
Inner ear infection is typically caused by bacterial or viral infections affecting the ear. When cleaning the ear, the inflamed area may be stimulated, leading to dizziness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, or even a feeling of wanting to vomit. It is recommended that patients follow medical advice and take medications such as Cefradine Capsules or Cephalexin Capsules for treatment.
3. External Otitis
External otitis may occur when contaminated water enters the ear canal during swimming or bathing, causing local infection. Symptoms include ear pain, ear fullness, and itching, and the aforementioned nausea sensation may also appear. Patients can take medications such as Roxithromycin Dispersible Tablets or Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets as directed by a physician.
4. Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
Otitis media may result from bacterial infection due to low immunity. The main symptoms include ear pain, hearing loss, and pus discharge, and the sensation of nausea may also occur. Treatment requires taking antibiotics such as Amoxicillin Capsules or Cefixime Dispersible Tablets as prescribed. If a tympanic membrane perforation has developed, immediate surgical intervention such as myringotomy or tympanostomy tube placement is required.
5. Mastoiditis
Mastoiditis refers to inflammation of the mucous membranes inside the mastoid process and is commonly seen in patients with chronic sinusitis. During ear cleaning, the inflamed mastoid area may be stimulated, causing symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. In such cases, prompt medical attention and treatment are necessary.
In addition, the sensation of nausea during ear cleaning could also be caused by other conditions such as increased intracranial pressure, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), or external auditory canal eczema. If frequent nausea occurs, individuals should seek timely medical evaluation, undergo appropriate diagnostic tests, identify the underlying cause, and receive proper treatment.
