Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of otalgia (ear pain). Family history Is there a frequent history of ear disease in your family? Social history Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). How long … Earache (Otalgia): Medical History
Respiratory System (J00-J99) Laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx). Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) – spread of inflammation to connective tissue between tonsil (tonsils) and constrictor pharyngis muscle with subsequent abscessation (collection of pus); predictors of peritonsillar abscess: male sex; age 21-40 years and smoker [unilateral sore throat/severe pain, trismus (lockjaw), potty voice, and deviation of uvula (uvula … Earache (Otalgia): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting the further diagnostic step: General physical examination Palpation (palpation) of facial/jaw bones. Verification of tragus tenderness [yes = V.a. otitis externa (ear canal inflammation), no = V.a. otitis media acuta (acute middle ear infection)] ENT medical examination Inspection (viewing) of both ears including otoscopy (ear examination): … Earache (Otalgia): Examination
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Small blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or blood sedimentation rate (ESR). Microbiological examination – in case of prolonged symptomatology.
Therapeutic target Symptomatic therapy Therapy recommendations Analgesia (systemic analgesics (painkillers) or anti-inflammatory drugs) until definitive therapy when the diagnosis is confirmed. See also under “Further therapy“.
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Audiometry (hearing test) – indicated only in prolonged complaints. X-ray of the mastoid – if mastoiditis (acute inflammation in the mastoid process (Processus mastoideus) of the temporal bone with bone fusion) is … Earache (Otalgia): Diagnostic Tests
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate otalgia (earache): Piercing Burning Tearing Dull In addition to otalgia, there may be other symptoms and complaints: Cephalgia (headache) Fever General feeling of illness Warning signs (red flags) Fetal otorrhea (“foul-smelling ear discharge”) > 10 days → think of: Mastoiditis (acute inflammation in the mastoid process of the … Earache (Otalgia): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
The therapy of earache depends on the cause. General measures On the occurrence of fever: Bed rest and physical rest (even if the fever is only slight). Fever below 38.5 °C does not necessarily need to be treated!(Exceptions: Children prone to febrile convulsions; old, weakened people; patients with a weakened immune system). In case of … Earache (Otalgia): Therapy
