What is Otalgia?
Understanding Otalgia: Types, Causes, and Symptoms
Otalgia is latin for “pain in the ear.” Ear pain can be divided in two different types: Primary Otalgia and Referred Otalgia. When an individual experiences pain that is caused by the ear this is known as primary otalgia. Primary otalgia can be caused by inflammation of the mastoid bone, external ear, middle ear, or inner ear. If the pain is externally sourced then this is referred otalgia. Although there can be numerous causes, referred otalgia is mainly seen to be caused by TMJ, dental disease and arthritis in the neck.
What are the symptoms of Otalgia?
The symptoms of otalgia include:
- Discharge in the ear
- Progressive pain of the ear
- Fevers
- Hearing loss
How is Otalgia treated?
The most common cause of otalgia is related to inflammation that arises from some sort of bacterial infection. Thus, the most often prescribed treatment for otalgia are antibiotics. Due to the wide variety of causes of otalgia, there are treatments spanning from conventional methods to surgical procedures. With this, it is imperative that you speak to your otologist to see which approach would be best for you.
