[54F] Experiencing left ear pain, sensitivity on head, and a neck lump

Patient Description

A 54-year-old female has been experiencing a dull, intermittent pain in the left ear and sensitivity to touch on the left side of the head for the past three days, without any known trigger or recent injury. Additionally, she reports a soft lump behind the left ear that is painful to touch. She has also been coughing with phlegm for two weeks but has no fever, chills, or recent illnesses. She notes a swooshing sound in her ear but no changes in hearing or discharge. The patient has a medical history of diabetes, depression, anxiety, and panic disorder, diagnosed 16 and 22 years ago, respectively. She is currently taking Zoloft and Metformin once daily and suspects she may have weather-related allergies causing sneezing but has no known medication allergies.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are a few possibilities:

  • Ear Infection or Otitis Media: Even though you mentioned there's no infection, the pain in your ear and the lump behind it could suggest an infection in the middle ear. The "swooshing" sound you're hearing could be due to fluid buildup. However, ear infections are usually accompanied by other symptoms like fever, which you're not experiencing.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics if it's a bacterial infection, or pain relief and monitoring if it's a viral infection.

  • Mastoiditis: This is an infection of the mastoid bone, located behind the ear. It can cause pain, swelling, and a lump behind the ear. It's usually a complication of a middle ear infection.

    • Treatment usually involves antibiotics and sometimes surgery to drain the mastoid bone.

  • Lymphadenopathy: This refers to enlarged lymph nodes, which can be caused by a variety of conditions, including infections, immune disorders, or cancers. The lump behind your ear could be an enlarged lymph node.

    • Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

  • Temporal Arteritis: This is an inflammation of the arteries in the temples. It can cause pain and tenderness in the scalp, which might explain why your head hurts to touch. However, this condition is usually accompanied by other symptoms like vision problems and jaw pain.

    • Treatment typically involves corticosteroids.

Please remember that these are just possibilities based on the symptoms you've described. It's important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

What you can do

While waiting for your appointment, here are some things you can do:

  1. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help with the pain. Remember to follow the instructions on the package.
  2. Warm compresses might help with the pain and swelling behind your ear.
  3. Rest and hydration are always important when you're not feeling well.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe pain or swelling
  • Fever or chills
  • Dizziness, balance problems, or difficulty walking
  • Changes in your vision or hearing
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Remember, I'm an AI and not a doctor. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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8 mo ago

People Also Ask

What could cause a lump behind the ear that is painful to touch?

A painful lump behind the ear could be due to several conditions, such as an ear infection, mastoiditis, or lymphadenopathy, which is the enlargement of lymph nodes. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

Is it normal to hear a swooshing sound in the ear without any changes in hearing?

A swooshing sound in the ear, known as tinnitus, can occur without changes in hearing. It might be due to fluid buildup in the ear, an ear infection, or other conditions. It's advisable to have it evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Can diabetes affect ear health or contribute to ear infections?

Diabetes can affect ear health by increasing the risk of infections due to a compromised immune system. It can also lead to nerve damage, which might affect hearing. Managing blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health, including ear health.

What are some common treatments for ear pain and sensitivity on one side of the head?

Common treatments for ear pain and sensitivity include over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, warm compresses, and in some cases, antibiotics if an infection is present. It's important to follow a healthcare provider's advice for treatment.

1 Comments

Leo#3962

8 mo ago

This sounds like you have an ear infection. The swooshing sound might be fluid as your assessment says and alos the tender lump is probably a lymph node reacting to the infection. If you were a family member I'd say go to the ER or urgent care right now so that you can get evaluated for need of antibiotics. Not treating an ear infection can lead to permanent hearing loss!

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