The presence of a shooting pain in the ear can be caused both by an inflammatory process directly in the ear, and by the development of pathology of other organs and systems. What to do if it shoots in the ear depends on the cause of the condition.
In rare cases, this symptom is the only one. Usually, any disease is characterized by a complex of various symptoms that need to be collected and correctly interpreted. The necessary therapeutic measures should be prescribed based on the collected complaints, the results of an objective examination.
Inflammation of the outer and middle ear
In most cases, the presence of a shooting pain in the ear is due to an inflammatory process in its outer or middle section. Moreover, this symptom is a mandatory sign of otitis media. In this case, the nature and intensity of pain can be very different. They are caused, first of all, by the localization of the process, as well as by the nature of the inflammation.
The most pronounced pain syndrome is observed with purulent inflammation of the middle ear.
The nature of the pain is aching, pressing, bursting or shooting. It is constant, with pressure on the tragus, a lumbago in the ear can be noted.
Less pronounced symptoms are characteristic of the development of inflammation of the auditory tube. This process occurs against the background of angina, laryngitis, ARVI. Most often, patients describe discomfort in the ear as noise in the ears, but some may also have shooting pain.
Therapeutic tactics
The approaches to the treatment of different forms of otitis media differ. They are largely determined by the condition of the eardrum. Therapeutic tactics for catarrhal otitis media involves the use of ear drops containing antiseptic and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as corticosteroids. The most popular remedies used in this case are ear drops.
- Otipax;
- Otinum;
- Sofradex.
Moreover, if it shoots in the ear, drops should be prescribed by an otolaryngologist. Self-medication in this case is extremely dangerous, since it can lead to the development of severe complications, up to and including hearing loss.
The presence of purulent otitis media suggests the prescription of antibiotics, both in the form of ear drops and for oral administration.
Perforation of the tympanic membrane is a natural outcome of the purulent course of otitis media. The presence of this symptom is an absolute contraindication for prescribing drugs with an ototoxic effect.
The otolaryngologist always takes this fact into account when prescribing ear drops. In addition, the use of vasoconstrictor nasal drops is an important factor in the successful treatment of any inflammatory process in the middle ear or auditory tube.
Shooting pain in the ear is also characteristic of otitis externa, especially its local course.
In this case, the inflammatory process is limited and is most often presented in the form of a boil located in the area of the external auditory canal or auricle. In addition, patients may complain of boring and twitching pain.
As for the appointment of treatment, in this case, in addition to antiseptic, anti-inflammatory drugs for external action, ointments and ear drops containing an antibiotic are used. An important part of the treatment is to clean the ear after the boil is opened. For this, gauze wipes with hypertonic solution or Levomekol gel are used.
Diseases not associated with ear pathology
In addition to ear inflammation, shooting pain is also characteristic of pathologies such as
- diseases of the teeth and gums;
- neuralgia of the facial nerve;
- acute purulent inflammation of the parotid region.
The presence of pathological processes in the oral cavity may be accompanied by pain radiating to the nearest ear.
At the same time, there is a direct relationship between the intensity of pain in the ear with an increase in pain in the tooth. Beating on such a tooth can even lead to a lumbago in the ear. Sanitation of the oral cavity leads to regression of this symptom in the very near future.
Neuralgia of the facial nerve is manifested not only by the development of pain in the ear, but also by a violation of the sensitivity of the affected area of the face. In addition, there are additional signs indicating the involvement of nerve fibers in the process. A neurologist is involved in the treatment of this pathology.
Therapeutic measures consist in the appointment of drugs that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Corticosteroids are used in a short course. Also shown are drugs that improve metabolic processes in the nervous tissue, helping to improve blood flow in the affected tissues.
Diuretics can be used to reduce the swelling of the nervous tissue. Physiotherapeutic procedures, acupuncture, and therapeutic massage are very effective.
Any purulent processes localized in the parotid region also contribute to the development of shooting pain in the ear. The salivary gland or lymph node can be infected.
If the prescribed antibacterial treatment does not lead to an improvement in the situation, surgical intervention is indicated to ensure the outflow of pus.
If you experience pain in the ear, you should not urgently apply to the use of ear drops. They can be effective and safe only with a certain course of otitis media, which can only be clarified by a specialist with special instruments. To establish a diagnosis, it is necessary to identify all additional symptoms.
If it shoots in the ear, treatment should depend on the cause of the pathology. In cases where the pathology of the ear has not been identified, consultations of related specialists, a neurologist, a dentist, a surgeon will be needed.
