What causes pain in the ear gate (ear area), and what medication should be taken?
Sep 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Song Haitao
Introduction
In general, ear pain may be caused by trauma, external otitis, otitis media, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, localized neuralgia, or other reasons. Different causes require different medications as prescribed by a doctor. Additionally, it could also result from auricular perichondritis. If you experience discomfort, please seek timely medical attention for targeted treatment to avoid delaying the condition.
Under normal circumstances, ear pain may be caused by trauma, external otitis, otitis media, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or localized neuralgia. Different causes require different medications as directed by a physician. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Trauma
The human ear is relatively fragile. If subjected to external impact or collision with hard objects, it may lead to soft tissue contusion of the ear, resulting in the aforementioned symptoms. In such cases, patients are advised to apply a warm towel to the affected area to promote local blood circulation and alleviate symptoms.
2. External Otitis
This refers to diffuse inflammation of the skin in the external auditory canal, usually caused by bacterial infection. Clinical manifestations primarily include swelling and pain of the external auditory canal. Patients are advised to use medications such as hydrocortisone cream or clotrimazole cream as directed by a physician.
3. Otitis Media
This is an inflammation occurring in the middle ear, clinically characterized by ear pain, ear discharge, hearing loss, tinnitus, and other symptoms, mostly due to bacterial infection. Patients are advised to take medications such as cefixime capsules or cefdinir dispersible tablets as prescribed.
4. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Long-term chewing of hard foods on one side may also cause the above symptoms. Patients are advised to take medications such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules as directed by a physician.
5. Localized Neuralgia
If patients have previously experienced conditions such as staying up late, stress, or excessive internal heat ("shanghuo"), they may also develop ear pain. Patients are advised to take medications such as acyclovir tablets or cefixime capsules as prescribed.
In addition, auricular perichondritis could also be a possible cause. If discomfort occurs, patients should promptly visit a hospital for targeted treatment to avoid delaying the condition.
