Sharp Pain in Ear

Earache, also referred to as ear pain, or Otalgia, is a health condition often characterized by a sharp pain in either one or both the ears. At times, the pain can also be dull or burning, and temporary or constant. Otalgia is most often divided into two categories - primary otalgia and referred otalgia. Primary otalgia is basically the pain originating within the ear, for instance sharp pain in ear canal, while referred otalgia is pain originating outside the ear, for instance sharp pain in earlobe.

Ear Pain Causes
Otalgia doesn't have to necessarily be caused by any particular ear disease. There may be several causes for a person experiencing sharp pain in ear, which may or may not be directly related to the ear itself. Ear pain in children is most often caused by fluid build up, which blocks the the Eustachian tube and results in stuffiness, pain, and ear infection. Other than this, ear pain in children can also be attributed to ear canal irritation, cold, and water/soap residue after bathing. Although ear infections are common in childhood, ear pain in adults due to infection is quite unlikely. In fact, there are high chances that what the individual perceives as ear pain is actually the 'referred' pain, originating from some other part, such as the teeth or a throat infection. A person may also experience sharp pain in ear when swallowing. This ear pain when swallowing is actually the referred pain triggered by the irritation of the nerves connected to the ear, which are actively involved when swallowing. Overall, the causes of ear pain (otalgia) include impacted teeth, jaw arthritis, ear infections, sore throat, sinus infection, tooth infection, or even the sensory aura that precedes a migraine.

Ear Pain Diagnosis
The cause of ear pain can be established after taking into consideration the medical history of the patient. In case of sharp pain in ear, the foremost thing to be done is to eliminate the chances of cancer, especially in adults who indulge in alcohol and drug abuse. Ear pain diagnosis includes medical examination of ear, nose, mastoid, and throat. At times the medical practitioner is keen on observing the symptoms, and hence may delay administering any antibiotics for ear infection. Sharp pain in ear due to infection can be treated easily, but the pain may also be a symptom of some other complication, and hence has to be properly diagnosed.

Ear Pain Relief
Otalgia can be cured by treating the underlying conditions which cause this sharp pain. In fact, this is the ideal method in case of referred otalgia. The person may have to either take prescribed or over-the-counter medications to get relief from ear pain. In case of severe pain, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics, after taking the persons medical history into consideration. Over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, can be taken in the initial stages, when the pain is mild. If they don't show the desired effects, one should consult a doctor, who will prescribe the necessary medications. Other than these, there are several home remedies for ear ache as well. These home remedies range from putting a few drops of lukewarm oil, to the putting the juice of basil leaves in the ears. Hydrogen peroxide and peppermint leaves juice can also be used to treat ear pain. Eating chewing gum contracts the muscles and opens the Eustachian tube thus providing relief from the sharp pain in ear. Read more on ear pain relief.

For more information on ear pain, the following articles can be useful:

• Ear Pain - Home Remedies
• Earache Treatment at Home
• Ear Pain Remedies

Age old idiom 'prevention is better than cure' is apt when it comes to ear pain or otalgia. Though there are several ways to treat otalgia and the underlying conditions, it's better to prevent it in the very first place. This can be done by taking some simple measures like cleaning the ears of any residue after bathing, especially in case of children. Avoiding smoking, which is a prominent cause of this ear problem, controlling allergies etc, are the other measures that can be taken to prevent sharp pain in ear. As said earlier, sharp pain in ear can be very discomforting and if necessary steps are not taken at the earliest, there are chances that it may lead to more complicated situations.