What Causes Intermittent Pain In Ears?

Posted on Thu, 16 Jun 2016

Question: I have never had an earache but yesterday I experienced some jabbing pain behind my earlobe and today the pain is every few minutes. If I press on the earlobe it stops the pain but it comes back within minutes. What can I do to relieve the pain?

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Otitis externa

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Do you have fever? do you cold or cough or asthma? Do you see any discharge from the ear?
The description appears to be Otitis externa, or the inflammation of the external ear. The second reason is blocked eustachian tube unlikely to be one sided.
The reasons for the problems could be folliculitis (hair follicle) inside the ear canal.
I suggest you to continue mild dose of Motrin/Advil every 6 hours which can relieve the pain for two days. You can also take external ear ibuprofen drops if available over the counter. You can take this every 4 hours.
If the pain is not getting better you should get a course of antibiotic prescribed by the doctor.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (18 hours later)

Thank you for asking and as long as I'm taking the Advil I am not in any pain. I am scheduled to see my doctor so I'm sure everything will be addressed at that time.

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Update

Detailed Answer:
Ok, let me know if you need any more information.
If you do not have any more queries you may close our discussion and rate it.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D