Sharp Pain in Ear

Earache, also referred to as ear pain, or Otalgia, is a medical condition often characterized by a sharp pain in either one or both the ears. This pain can be dull or burning, or can be constant or temporary. 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, sharp pain in earlobe for instance.

Ear Pain Causes
Otalgia is not associated with any ear disease in particular. There exist several causes of sharp pain in the ear, some of which are not directly related to the ear itself. Ear pain in children is most often caused by fluid build up, which blocks 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 not really rare as such.

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 ear pain, 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 to rule out misdiagnoses. Sharp pain in the ear due to infection can be treated easily, but considering the fact that it can be a symptom of some other complication, one can't afford to turn blind eye to the same.

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 take prescribed or over-the-counter medication 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 medication, 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. Of the various home remedies, putting a few drops of lukewarm oil or juice of basil leaves in the affected ear are perhaps the most popular. 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.

Age-old idiom 'prevention is better than cure' is apt when it comes to sharp 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. Simple measures like cleaning the ears of any residue after bathing, especially in case of children, are of great help when it comes to prevention of ear pain. Avoiding smoking, which is a prominent cause of this ear problem, controlling allergies etc., are the other measures that can be taken to prevent ear pain.

Pain in ear, irrespective of whether it is sharp or mild, can be pretty discomforting. At the same time, one can't ignore the fact that it can be a symptom of some underlying condition which can worsen with time if necessary steps to deal with it are not taken at the earliest. Taking into consideration the seriousness of this issue, one should not take ear pain lightly, but should promptly consult a doctor and opt for a diagnosis of the condition before things get out of hand.