EARACHE

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Symptom Definition

• Pain or discomfort in or around the ear

General Information

• Ear pain can be primary or referred.
• Primary ear pain originates from the ear itself. Examples include otitis media and otitis externa.
  • Otitis media is an infection of the middle portion of the ear behind the tympanic membrane. It is very common in children but less common in adults.
  • Otitis externa is also called Swimmer's Ear and it is an infection of the external ear canal. Swimmers and people who frequently use Q-tips are more likely to get it. Otitis externa is more common than otitis media in adults.
• Referred ear pain means that the pain originates from a disease process outside of the ear. Because of the manner in which the nerves run in the head, the pain may be perceived as being in the ear. Examples of referred ear pain include dental abscess, TMJ Syndrome, and tonsillitis.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• If ear discomfort follows lots of swimming, see SWIMMER'S EAR

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

See Other Topics:

• Ear, Swimmer's

View Anatomic Index of Topics