Pressure and Discomfort in Right Cheek and Ear Area
**Height:** 5 feet 6 inches **Weight:** 126 pounds **Gender:** Caucasian Male Several months ago, while attempting to clean my ear with a cotton swab, I inadvertently inserted it too deeply. Since that incident, I have experienced a persistent sensation of blockage in the same ear, akin to having water trapped within, accompanied by constant ringing known as tinnitus. Occasionally, when I yawn, I perceive a popping noise as well. Thankfully, the feeling of blockage has subsided for now. In an effort to alleviate my symptoms, I tried using ear drops; however, they resulted in an intense itching sensation throughout my body, as though insects were crawling on my skin. Once I ceased using the drops, this overwhelming itching largely diminished, yet I still experience localized itching around my ear and face from time to time. Recently, I have noticed an intensifying tightness or pressure in my cheek and the area surrounding the affected ear. The ringing in my ear has been unrelenting for the past several months. A previous consultation with a physician revealed that my ear appeared clear, but they were unable to get a proper view of my eardrum due to the peculiar shape of my ear canal. Nonetheless, my symptoms continue unabated despite this evaluation.
Answers (1)
6/16/2025, 10:10:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been dealing with persistent and uncomfortable symptoms related to your ear, including pressure, tinnitus, and localized itching. These sensations, especially after the cotton swab incident, can stem from several causes, such as ear canal irritation, eustachian tube dysfunction, or even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. Given your experience, it's understandable to be concerned.
Explanation
The blockage you initially felt may have been due to irritation or inflammation of the ear canal. The popping noise when yawning suggests that there might be some involvement of the eustachian tube, which helps equalize pressure in your ear. The continuous ringing (tinnitus) suggests that your auditory system is still reacting to the initial irritation. The itching sensation could also be a sign of localized dermatitis or irritation in response to the ear drops.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized and actionable steps to help manage your symptoms:
-
Avoid Further Irritation: Refrain from using cotton swabs or any cleaning tools in your ear to prevent additional trauma or irritation.
-
Hydration & Humidity: Stay well-hydrated and consider using a humidifier to maintain moisture in your environment. This can help soothe any dryness or irritation.
-
Warm Compress: Applying a warm, moistened cloth to the outside of your ear can relieve some of the pressure and discomfort you’re feeling.
-
Ear Protection: Avoid exposing your ear to cold air or water (like swimming) to minimize further discomfort.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, noting any changes in the pressure, hearing, or itching. This will help identify any triggers or patterns.
-
OTC Medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines (like cetirizine or loratadine) may help with the itching around your ear and facial area, if it is triggered by allergies or irritation.
If your symptoms continue to escalate or you develop new symptoms, such as severe pain, discharge from the ear, or significant changes in hearing, seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional.
Remember, these steps are meant to help ease your symptoms. Addressing underlying issues may require specialized care, so it’s essential to stay attentive to your body's signals.
Related Questions
Understanding Daily Dream Flashbacks
At 25 years old and residing in the United States, I often experience recurring dream flashbacks, typically 1 to 2 times each day. These moments appear out of the blue, triggering memories of dreams from either recent nights or even from years past, often without any connection to my current activities. It's perplexing because none of my friends seem to go through this phenomenon. Interestingly, I tend to forget these dreams entirely until they suddenly reemerge in my mind with striking clarity, often illuminating details I had long since overlooked. While I find these flashbacks intriguing and enjoyable, I am genuinely curious about their origin. The pattern of these flashbacks began approximately 3 to 4 years ago, coinciding with a particularly challenging time in my life marked by the loss of my dog, which was quite distressing for me. Additionally, I should mention that I experimented with hallucinogenic substances several years ago, around 6 to 7 years back, and I wonder if this might be tying into my experiences today, although I cannot say for sure. Since then, I have chosen to abstain from drugs, alcohol, and smoking, leading a largely healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Concerns Regarding Degenerative Disc Disease in a 27-Year-Old Male
Hello everyone, I’m a 27-year-old male, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 150 pounds. Recently, I sustained a concussion that brought along persistent pain and headaches. While the severity has diminished somewhat, I am still dealing with frequent tension headaches along with neck muscle issues and discomfort. My treatment has involved consultations with a neurologist, and I am currently prescribed 20 mg of propranolol twice a day, in addition to 50 mg of nortriptyline before bedtime. I just received the results of an x-ray which revealed that I have lost the normal curve in my cervical spine, a condition my DO suspected might be contributing to my discomfort. Furthermore, the doctor who analyzed my x-ray mentioned that I also exhibit mild degenerative disc disease at the C6-C7 level. This news unsettles me — could it be a contributing factor to my headaches? My instinct tells me it’s unlikely, but I still wanted to verify. While I understand that such degeneration is typical in older adults, hearing that I have it at my age raises concerns about my long-term quality of life. I’m also apprehensive about potential treatment options like spinal fusion or disc replacement and the risks associated with them. I have plans to consult again with the physician who ordered the x-ray, and I have a physical medicine appointment scheduled on the 20th. Despite these arrangements, I’m feeling anxious about my situation and would appreciate any insights or thoughts from others who might have faced similar issues. Thank you for your time and support.
Concerns About Eardrum Damage
I'm a 23-year-old male, measuring 179 cm in height and weighing 70 kg. Upon examination, I noticed significant differences between my left and right eardrums. The left eardrum appears abnormal; could this indicate a perforation? If that is the case, should I seek medical advice for potential antibiotic treatment, or is it possible for the body to heal on its own? I appreciate any advice or insights on this matter. Thank you.
Seeking Answers After Years of Uncertainty
Hello, I’ve battled various health issues intermittently throughout my life, and I’m desperately in search of guidance. I would like to know if my symptoms warrant further investigation or if they collectively indicate a specific condition. Each visit to a healthcare professional feels like they only address one part of a much larger issue. Perhaps everything is interconnected, or maybe it's a combination of several ailments. Regardless, I have yet to receive any substantial answers, which has led to both my time and financial resources feeling squandered. I am certain something is amiss because the sensations are ongoing, and it often seems like there’s no reprieve from this discomfort. Below are the symptoms I’ve been experiencing: - **Nosebleeds:** I've dealt with these throughout my life without a discernible cause, possibly linked to large blood vessels. - **Menstrual irregularities:** My periods fluctuate wildly; they can be alarmingly heavy to the extent of causing fainting, yet I can also go months without them. - **Breast-related issues:** I've had discharge and bleeding from both nipples, and at 17, a lump was discovered, but it was benign. More recently, another lump appeared when I was 21, but the biopsy was canceled because the doctors claimed they didn’t feel anything, despite having prepared me for the procedure. - **Bone and muscle pain:** I experience sharp, deep discomfort that makes me feel significantly older than my age. - **Persistent nausea:** Particularly in the mornings, there are times when eating becomes impossible. - **Dizziness and fainting:** These episodes have been a constant in my life. - **Migraines:** I suffer from these roughly once a month, sometimes lasting the entire month, primarily centered on my temples. - **Exhaustion:** Recently, I've found myself so fatigued that I can fall asleep while standing, which is unusual for me, though it might be due to heat exposure. - **Digestive troubles:** I experience severe stomach cramps, occasionally sudden in onset. - **Hair loss:** This has been particularly troubling in my teenage years; I even had to shave my head a couple of times. - **Old tendon injury:** A foot injury from several years ago never fully healed, and I now experience pain radiating into my leg. - **Occasional pleurisy-like symptoms:** Sharp chest or back pain occurs sporadically when taking deep breaths. - **Dermatological changes:** Recently, I have noticed piezogenic papules on my feet. - **Thyroid function:** Tests have shown that my thyroid levels are within the normal range. - **Family history:** Breast cancer is prevalent on both sides of my family. After numerous hospital visits over the years—complete with blood tests and scans—everything consistently returns as “normal.” Yet, I don’t feel normal at all. Medical professionals often attribute my issues to stress or dismiss them because of my youth. However, I feel as though I’ve been enduring this situation indefinitely, and I’m exhausted. Does any of this resonate with you? Is there anything specific I should consider asking to be tested for? I really want direction for my next consultation. Maybe I do have to endure this for the remainder of my life, but I would appreciate any insight you may offer. Thank you for taking the time to read my message.
Experiencing Unexplained Episodes of Paralysis: Seeking Answers
At 25 years old, I am an African American woman who does not engage in substance use. My health history has never been ideal; I faced significant health challenges throughout childhood, leading to diagnoses of autism, PTSD, fibromyalgia, and depression, alongside a gallbladder removal. However, following a head injury last year, my condition deteriorated dramatically. Now, I experience debilitating pain at a level of 10 out of 10. Although I’ve been treated with Cymbalta, which previously helped control my symptoms, it no longer suffices, and I’ve tried multiple other pain medications with no success. My physical strength is so compromised that I struggle to maintain an upright position. Additionally, my memory – both short and long-term – is declining, my body feels persistently cold and hungry, and I have developed incontinence issues. The most alarming symptom are the episodes of paralysis affecting my lower body; these occur 6 to 10 times a week without warning and can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. It’s important to clarify that when I mention "paralysis," I’m referring to a genuine inability to move. Medical personnel have attempted to prompt movement without success, and during these episodes, there is no sensation in my lower body. Notably, I lose the ability to urinate or defecate at those times, although I remain conscious and aware. Despite undergoing numerous MRIs of my brain and spine, all results have returned normal. Blood tests show variable results; typically, my platelet count is slightly elevated, leukocytes may also be elevated occasionally, and my CRP level is around 50. I experience bouts of anemia that seem unrelated to my paralysis episodes. While my doctors label these results as "normal," my records indicate some abnormalities, which I find confusing. Being obese, I anticipate some irregularities, yet my CRP doubling in a year strikes me as concerning. My healthcare providers seem to believe that making lifestyle adjustments will resolve these issues. I’ve adhered to their recommendations, but unfortunately, my condition has only worsened. I've transitioned from using a cane to relying on a walker, and I suspect that soon I may require a wheelchair. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has advice so I can take a proactive approach towards my health. Additionally, I’ve been experiencing some peculiar occurrences: - During a pain management program, my diet was restricted to 1200 calories with four hours of exercise each day, yet I inexplicably gained 15 pounds in one week. I did not indulge in hidden snacks, and my medical team was aware of my food intake. The diet included more carbohydrates, primarily from fruits and vegetables. It seemed healthier, so the weight gain remains perplexing, as it happened again during a similar dietary restriction for a medical evaluation. - Aside from these incidents, my weight remains fairly stable regardless of my food consumption. A significant weight increase occurred eight years ago, where I suddenly gained over 100 pounds in less than a year. My growth patterns have always exhibited sudden jumps, and during childhood, I was consistently in the 99.99th percentile for weight, starting from birth. My TSH levels vary, yet they fall within what I've been told is a normal range (1-4.5). - I also perceive a constant visual distortion akin to TV static, even with my eyes closed, and my color vision appears to be deteriorating. Specialists have flagged this as "potential color blindness" pending further evaluation. - Moreover, frequent fainting spells add to my concerns, and my medical team doesn’t seem particularly alarmed by these episodes. - Interestingly, my younger brother (20) has begun experiencing similar, albeit milder symptoms, including fatigue, memory lapses, and brain “zaps.” He also has been diagnosed with PTSD and fibromyalgia but continues to function normally. Unfortunately, I lack comprehensive health data about my family, as older relatives are reluctant to discuss their medical histories. I do recall my mother being bedridden for lengthy periods, but I cannot discern if this was due to a physical ailment or related to her narcissistic personality disorder. If anyone has insights or suggestions, I’d greatly appreciate it. Thank you!