HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Sharp Pain Behind The Ears?

Posted on Thu, 14 Jun 2018

Question: Hi,

I have a sharp pain just behind my ear. It feels like there is a gland that is giving the pain. It is available in both side. I can't look at side for pain. Although, taking levocitirizin allows me to do so, but the pain can be felt if I put some pressure on the gland just under my ear. Do I have any infection? I frequently face this problem.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Acute lymphadenitis...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

I have examined the photo and understood your problem. I am of the opinion that the swelling below the ear is called lymph node, which has got inflamed indicating the presence of infection or inflammation in the surrounding area of the lymph node drainage. This condition is called acute lymphadenitis which would require a course of potent antibiotics.

Levocetrizine is for allergy and not for the gland enlargement.

Hope this answers your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (15 minutes later)

Hi,

Taking levocitirizine actually helping the pain. Basically I can move my head without any pain if I take levocitirizine. Could this be due to cold allergy? I took azythromycin for 3 days 500 mg, but it didn't fix the issue (3 days ago the course completed). The pain is still there. Hi,

I uploaded a new image '0000_222900.jpg'. The pain goes in the line I have put my 4 fingers. I have pain belong to all that area where the fingers belong. Just for the record, I frequently get this pain, at least once a month or more. lymphadenitis?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need more information on your end...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back,

I need little more information from you to identify the actual problem.

1. Do you have associated cold, nasal block or running nose with this pain?
2. When do you notice the pain? During night time/while chewing the food/opening the mouth?
3. Do you have any associated throat pain?
4. Do you have any hard/firm swelling below the ears?
5. In the second photo, you have shown the pain transmission; is the pain noticed on opening the mouth/touching the outer ear or below the ear?

Awaiting your reply...

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (7 hours later)

Hi,

1. I have rhinitis & asthmatic cough. I take 'Fluticasone' & Salmeterol Inhaler daily. Although, I don't have nasal block but I have running nose.
2. The pain is always there, when I put my hand and give a slight pressure, I can feel it. Sometimes, the pain appears strongly. It doesn't have any specific timing. Sometimes, I find it after waking up, but sometimes it's there when I go to sleep.
3. Throat pain isn't regular, although, I had two days ago.
4. There is slight swelling below the ears.
5. Pain isn't there if I open the mouth. I feel the pain, the time I put my fingers in all that area I have touched in my 2nd photo.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably Eustachian tube salpingitis...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

Thanks for the prompt reply.

It is now very clear, that, you are suffering from Nasal allergy. Nasal allergy is causing blockage of the Eustachian tube (the tube connecting nose and the ear). Thus the pain you perceive behind the ear is more likely to be of Eustachian tube salpingitis.

In the earlier post, you had mentioned that your ear pain gets better with Levocetrizine. The relief you get after taking Levocetrizine is because, the nasal allergy reduces, followed by opening of the blocked Eustachian tube.

The best treatment for Eustachian tube salpingitis is steam inhalation, drinking frequent sips of warm water. Continue with the nasal spray and Levocetrizine. Avoid frequent palpation of the affected area. This can further worsen your pain.

Apart from this I don't think so there is any major issues associated with this pain.

Hope this answers your query. Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

Hi, thanks for your reply. Do you think any short course of montelukast can help this?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Montelukast has to be used for minimum of 4-5 months...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

Montelukast has to be used for minimum of 4-5 months. There is no short course therapy of the former.

Montelukast is beneficial in reducing asthmatic episodes and allergy when used as an adjunct with antihistamine such as Levocetrizine.

Hope this clarifies your doubts

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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. Prasad