What causes intermittent ear pain?

Generally, episodic ear pain may be caused by factors such as pressure changes, stress, tympanitis, otitis media, or herpes zoster. Treatment can include general measures and medications under the guidance of a doctor. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Pressure Changes

When flying, diving, or engaging in activities at high altitudes, rapid changes in external air pressure can cause an imbalance between the pressure inside and outside the middle ear, leading to intermittent ear pain. This discomfort can usually be relieved in daily life through actions such as swallowing or chewing.

2. Stress

Long-term mental tension, anxiety, fatigue, or lack of rest may lead to nervous system dysfunction, including increased sensitivity of the nerves in the ear, thus causing ear pain. It is important to relax, ensure adequate sleep, and engage in appropriate outdoor activities regularly.

3. Tympanitis

Poor lifestyle habits or bacterial infections may lead to tympanitis. This condition may cause congestion and swelling of the eardrum, resulting in the aforementioned symptoms, possibly accompanied by hearing loss or tinnitus. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as ofloxacin ear drops, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, and dexamethasone sodium phosphate eye drops for treatment.

4. Otitis Media

Otitis media can be triggered by upper respiratory tract infections or water entering the ear canal. Inflammation increases pressure within the middle ear, causing congestion and swelling of the eardrum, which leads to paroxysmal ear pain. Symptoms may include fever and headache. Under a doctor's recommendation, medications such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium dispersible tablets, ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution, and acetaminophen drops may be used for treatment.

5. Herpes Zoster

Herpes zoster is typically caused by viral infection. The virus may affect nerves in the ear, causing neuralgic ear pain and rashes, leading to intermittent pain in the ear area. It may also be accompanied by neurological symptoms such as facial paralysis or loss of taste. Treatment should follow medical guidance and may include acyclovir tablets, mecobalamin capsules, and calamine lotion.

In daily life, it is important to maintain physical and mental relaxation, avoid excessive fatigue, pay attention to personal hygiene to prevent infections, and thereby promote ear health and reduce the occurrence of discomfort such as ear pain.