What Causes Jaw And Ear Pain?

Posted on Mon, 26 Dec 2016

Question: I have tenderness intellect jaw from just below ear to mid lower jaw on the left side with some swelling and aching that started 2 days ago. No known infection and no fever. I am 77 years old with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and type 2 diabetes.
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Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pain jaw and earache

Detailed Answer:
Hi
thanks for putting up the query
from the history you have given i think either you have parotid gland infection or ear infection with abscess formation
i would advise you to go for an ultrasound parotid region
also please tell if you have any discharge from ear
since there are few diseases more common with diabetics
so get a fresh blood sugar done as deranged blood sugar levels might be excalating the problem
please follow up with your reports
i would be delighted to help you always

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (1 hour later)

Thanks for the info. I have not experienced ear discharge or typical ear pain but some aching when the pain radiates. The tenderness is just below the ear/tmj. No problem opening mouth. I have been having some problems with the blood sugar rising excessively after breakfast and if I don't eat as soon as I should for next meal, I have experienced hypoglycemia episodes. I receive cortisone injections every 3 months for severe low back/SI pain caused by bulging lumbar disks and arthritis. My sugar usually rises for a few days after the injection. I use novolog pen when I go our 200. This time I have had more extended episodes. I am under a lot of stress due to my mother being in nursing home and funds going low. I will soon need to place her on Medicaid for her care. She is almost 98. I have cared for her to increasing degrees for nearly 20 years. She has severe memory loss.

The pain is more of an ache unless I apply pressure to the area around the jaw bone. It seems to be soft tissue pain, not in the bone. The warm compresses help briefly as long as I don't press too much. When it gets more painful, I seem to be getting a headache above the the ear and over the eye similar to a sinus infection/inflammation. I have slight soft tissue swelling adjacent to the jaw bone.

Sorry this is so long. I am a retired nuclear medicine and Ultrasound tech and tend to be rather thorough.

Thanks,

XXXX
YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Acute parotitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
thanks for putting up the question
don't worry elaborative explanation of the disease will help in the diagnosis
I can't understand the stress u are going through
as an ultrasound tech, u would definitely know its importance, please get an ultrasound parotid done to ruke out any abscess formation
from your history it seems rhat you have encountered parotitis..it is mostly viral..take a proper course of antibiotic like amoxyclav 625 twice daily
and ibuprofen twice daily
it will take 5-7 days to be absolutely fine
avoid citrus foods and take soft diet
continue with the antidiabetic management as it is
get well soon
regards
Dr. Priyanka

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (1 hour later)

Thanks. I will contact doctor tomorrow. Your info with be very helpful. We are getting our first serious cold ad windy day with some snow next couple days so hope I can get into town.

Have a good day,

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Parotitis

Detailed Answer:
Thanks and regards
i wish you a speedy recovery

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy