Otalgia refers to pain or discomfort in the ear, which can arise from various causes and affect one or both ears. The pain may be sharp, dull, constant, or intermittent and can range in severity from mild to severe. Otalgia can be categorized into primary and secondary types based on its origin. Primary otalgia is directly related to problems within the ear itself. Common causes include ear infections, such as acute otitis media (middle ear infection) or otitis externa (outer ear infection or swimmer's ear). Other causes include earwax buildup, which can cause discomfort by impeding sound conduction and irritating the ear canal. Conditions like tympanic membrane perforation (a hole in the eardrum) and mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone behind the ear) can also lead to ear pain. Secondary otalgia, on the other hand, is pain referred to the ear from other areas of the head or neck. This can occur due to issues such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, where pain in the jaw joint is felt in the ear. Throat infections, such as pharyngitis or tonsillitis, can also cause referred pain to the ear. Dental problems, such as tooth infections or abscesses, may present as ear pain. Additionally, sinus infections and certain types of head and neck cancers can cause secondary ear pain. Symptoms associated with otalgia depend on the underlying cause. They may include pain, itching, or a sensation of fullness in the ear. Other symptoms may accompany otalgia, such as hearing loss, fever, discharge from the ear, or a sore throat.
Diagnosis of otalgia involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and sometimes diagnostic tests such as otoscopy to inspect the ear canal and tympanic membrane, or imaging studies if a more serious condition is suspected. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For infections, antibiotics or antifungal treatments may be prescribed. Pain relief can be managed with analgesics and, for earwax buildup, removal techniques or ear drops may be used. Addressing secondary causes involves treating the underlying condition contributing to the ear pain. If otalgia persists or is accompanied by severe symptoms, further medical evaluation is recommended to identify and treat the underlying cause effectively.
