Earache Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Pain in the ear can occur because of conditions within the ear, the ear canal, or affecting the visible portion of the ear (the pinna). Acute middle ear infection, medically called acute otitis media, is inflammation of the middle ear and is the most frequent diagnosis in sick children in the U.S. The eustachian tube is shorter in children than adults which allows easy entry of bacteria and viruses into the middle ear, resulting in acute otitis media.
Infection of the ear canal (otitis externa) is also called swimmer's ear. Otitis externa is typically caused by bacterial infection.
Earache can also be caused by pain and inflammation of the outer portion of the ear (the pinna).
A child with a draining ear should not fly (or swim).
Also spelled "ear ache"
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REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Causes of Earache
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Ear Infection (Otitis Media) Middle ear infection or inflammation (otitis media) is inflammation fo the middle ear. There are two types of otitis media, acute...learn more »In This ArticleEar Infection (Otitis Media) Article- Otitis media (ear infection or inflammation) facts
- What is otitis media?
- What are the symptoms of acute middle ear infection?
- "Are ear infections contagious?
- How common is acute otitis media?
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- What microorganisms cause otitis media?
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- What are the risk factors for acute middle ear infection or inflammation?
- How is otitis media diagnosed?
- How is acute middle ear infection or inflammation treated?
- Are there any home remedies for acute ear infection (otitis media)?
- What causes chronic middle ear infection or inflammation?
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- What happens to the eardrum if a hole develops in the eardrum?
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Ear Wax Ear was is a natural substance secreted by special glands in the skin on the outer part of the ear canal. It repels water, and...learn more »In This ArticleEar Wax Article- What is ear wax?
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Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Ramsay Hunt syndrome is an infection of a facial nerve that causes a red painful rash with blisters and facial paralysis. The...learn more »In This ArticleRamsay Hunt Syndrome Article- What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome? What causes it?
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Relapsing Polychondritis Relapsing polychondritis is an uncommon, chronic disorder of the cartilage that is characterized by recurrent episodes of...learn more »In This ArticleRelapsing Polychondritis Article- Relapsing polychondritis facts
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Swimmer's Ear Swimmer's ear (external otitis) is an infection of the skin that covers the outer ear canal. Causes of swimmer's ear include...learn more »In This ArticleSwimmer's Ear Article- Swimmer's ear facts
- What is "swimmer's ear" infection or acute external otitis?
- What are symptoms of swimmer's ear?
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Other Causes of Earache
- Barotitis
- Trauma Injury
Examples of Medications for Earache
- amoxicillin, Amoxil, Dispermox (Discontinued), Trimox, Moxatag, Larotid
- OTC Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
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