Shooting Pain in Ear

Ear pain is referred to as otalgia in medical terms. There are many conditions that may cause one to experience shooting pain in ear. Many times the causes are very minor and will fade away without medical treatment. However, occasionally, it may point towards a severe ear problem such as ruptured eardrum or tumors. Let us have a look at the various causes ofear pain.

Shooting Pain in Ear
Sharp pain in ear may be caused by a number of causes that probably exist. However, we shall discuss some of the most common causes that may lead to pain in ear.

Allergies
One of the most common causes of ear pain is an allergy. Seasonal allergies can cause the Eustachian tube within the ear to become inflamed and blocked. This causes mucous and fluids produced in the middle ear to accumulate. Thus, giving an opportunity for the bacteria to grow and cause a painful ear infection. Allergies such as allergic rhinitis, allergic sinusitis, pollen grain allergy, dander allergy, dust and mite allergy, chemical allergy, etc. may lead to inflammation of the nasal, ear and lung passages, thus, leading to pain.

Earwax
Cerumen or earwax is produced by the outer ear to keep the ear canal healthy. It helps prevent dust, microorganisms and other harmful substances from gaining entry within the ear. It also helps in maintaining the pH balance of the ear canal. When one's ear begins to produce excessive earwax or overlooks cleaning of the ear, it leads to a buildup of earwax. This causes the earwax to act as a plug and cause pain. One may even get a feeling of fullness or hear sounds within the ear. In extreme cases, it may result in hearing loss. If your earwax buildup is deep inside, you need to visit a doctor. He will help remove the earwax and get rid of the ear pain.

Outer Ear Infection
Shooting pain may be due to an infection of the outer ear or the otitis externa. This kind of ear pain after swimming is known as swimmer's ear. This condition causes outer ear pain and the ear becomes red and itchy. One may also suffer from scaly, flaky skin of the ear. This outer ear infection needs medical help and use of medications like ibuprofen and acetominophen. The use of antibiotic ear drops may help get rid of infections caused by Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Candida. In some cases, viral infections such as herpes zoster, or viral myringitis may lead to pain.

Middle Ear Infection
The infection of the middle ear is referred to as otitis media. This infection causes pulling and shooting pain along with decrease in hearing capacity. This pain increases in intensity during the night. This infection is a very common cause of ear pain in children. One needs medical help and use of antibiotics prescribed by the doctor, to get rid of the middle ear infection.

Tinnitus
Apart from pain in ear, if one experiences a ringing, noise or throbbing in ear, it may be a sign of tinnitus. This a ear problem that is associated with the circulatory system of the body. It generally occurs due to aging or injury to the head or ear.

Ruptured Eardrum
The tympanic membrane or eardrum is the most important part of the ear. One is able to hear and understand sounds due to the eardrum. The eardrum is ruptured by a loud sound or damaged due to insertion of cotton swabs or hair pins. Sometimes scuba driving or airplane ride may cause barotrauma, that leads to rupturing of the eardrum. Thus, one experiences hearing loss, fluid discharge from ear, ear pressure, facial pressure as well as sharp inner ear pain.

Cholesteatoma
Formation of skin cyst in the middle ear that causes pressure on the eardrum is called cholesteatoma. The skin cyst begins to erode into the ear bone causing ear infection. This ear infection may travel to the brain leading to brain abscess or meningitis, deafness and even facial paralysis. Therefore, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible to prevent these serious conditions.

Mastoidoitis
The infection of the mastoid process in the ear causes mastoidoitis. This condition occurs when otitis media is not treated. This condition causes shooting pain in the ear and head. The mastoid region becomes tender and swells. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection that causes this shooting pain in ear and head.

Ear Pain while Chewing
Shooting pain in ear while chewing can be caused by two reasons. Jaw and ear pain go hand in hand. Inflammation in the jawbone causes pressure while chewing. This pressure affects the surrounding tissues, leading to ear pain while swallowing or chewing. Other reason may be infection of the ear canal that makes the region tender. Chewing exerts pressure leading to sharp, intense pain in the ear.

Referred Pain
When pain in ear arises from a different part of the facial anatomy is called referred pain. This means migraines, inflamed sinuses, thermal laryngitis, sore throat and ear pain, peritonsillar abscess (Quincy), mumps, blocked Eustachian tube, etc. may lead to shooting pain in the ear. Many times, dental problems like a tooth ache, dental carries, dry socket, etc. may lead to discomfort in ear. Infections of the esophagus, thyroid gland or upper trachea may also cause these pain in ear.

These were some of the causes that may lead to shooting pain in the ear. You need to speak to a doctor regarding your ear ache. Never take chronic or acute ear pain lightly. Any leniency in this matter may lead to hearing loss. Hope you have got a fair idea about the different causes of shooting pain in ear from the above paragraphs.