The earache is one of the most annoying conditions that we experience, especially when you know its origin or discomfort when moved to other parts of the face and is accompanied by various symptoms. In any case, the stitches in the ear should be treated by an otolaryngologist, who will be able to determine the most frequent causes that produce it, such as an infection, a plugging, or sinusitis, among others. In this FastlyHealarticle, we explain the causes of ear pricks and the main symptoms of each condition.
Ear infection, one of the most common causes
Otitis is the inflammation in the ear generally produced by an infection; it is usually the most common cause of stitches and pain in the area. This condition is characterized by:
- Stitches in the ear and pain in the area.
- The sensation of ear plugging.
- Inflammation in the ear, redness in the area.
- Decreased hearing.
- We are ringing in the ear.
- In some cases, fever and dizziness may occur.
- In addition, other symptoms may appear, such as discharge of fluid from the ear that may contain pus, bleeding in the area, and imbalance.
Otitis is divided into two types depending on the area of the ear that it affects; these are:
External otitis
It is an infection in the outermost part of the ear, generally caused by contaminated water that has penetrated the area, the use of cotton to remove wax or the introduction of foreign objects into the ears. It is joint inflammation in those who swim frequently.
Otitis media
This condition occurs when the Eustachian tube, responsible for draining the fluid produced in the middle ear, is blocked, causing the accumulation of fluid and thus infection. More common in babies and young children, this condition can occur due to colds, allergies, excess mucus and saliva, enlarged adenoids, or a reaction to tobacco smoke.
Otitis must be diagnosed by a specialist, so when the first symptoms appear, it is advisable to visit an ENT doctor to carry out a timely review and apply the appropriate treatment that ends the discomfort.
Plugging in the ear causes discomfort.
Wax or cerumen is produced by the glands of the external auditory canal with the function of preventing bacteria and foreign organisms from entering the ear, causing infections. In general, it is not convenient to remove it with the use of swabs or swabs, as we could make it enter the middle ear, causing problems; what we can do is wash the outside of our ears during the bath so that the wax that stays in this area is eliminated.
Despite this, in some cases, the wax remains accumulated in the middle ear, producing a plugging that can cause stitches in the ears, pain, a feeling of plugging, and noises in the area. Wax plugs can generally be treated at home, using special drops sold in pharmacies, in addition to other products that help soften earwax, such as baby oil or warm water. To use these remedies and unclog the ear, you must:
- Choose between baby oil or warm water and place the liquid in a syringe without a needle to apply it to the area.
- The person should keep the head up while the person applying the liquid slightly pulls the ear up to allow the fluid to pass through.
- The liquid is applied to the area, and the head is tilted towards the affected ear to allow the water and wax residues to drain away. This process must be repeated several times to remove the entire plug.
- Afterward, the ear is thoroughly dried.
If it is not possible to remove the tamponade or other symptoms such as fever or severe pain, it is essential to visit a doctor.
Sinusitis, a cause of stitches in the ear
Inflammation of the nasal cavities due to the accumulation of mucus, a condition better known as sinusitis, can also be one of the causes why we feel stitches in the ear since the ear canals are connected to this area could be affected by this condition.
If you suspect this pathology but are not entirely clear, in our article sinusitis: causes, symptoms, and treatment, we explain in detail everything related to this condition.
Injuries to the eardrum
Injuries to the ear caused by the introduction of an object in the area, a loud noise, or a big blow can cause the eardrum to rupture, causing, among other symptoms, stitches in the ear. This symptom can be added to hearing loss, buzzing, or bleeding in the area; if these signs occur, it is essential to visit a doctor.
Other causes of stitches in the ear
Other reasons why you may experience prickling and discomfort in the area are:
- Dental conditions such as cavities that affect the nerve or bruxism can cause pain in the ear and stitches.
- Throat infections can also cause discomfort to spread to this area.
- Changes in pressure or altitude can cause discomfort to our ears, which resent this change in the environment. This is especially experienced when traveling by plane, climbing great heights, or diving.
Remember that in the presence of stitches in the ear and other symptoms such as fever, dizziness, suppuration, or severe pain, it is essential to visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Stitches in the ear: causes , we recommend that you enter our category of Ear, nose and throat .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.