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
Are My Symptoms Indicating an Impending Stroke?
I’m a young adult female, weighing 99 pounds and standing 5 feet 2 inches tall. I do not smoke, vape, or consume alcohol, and currently, I am undergoing tests for POTS and HEDS. For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing intermittent discomfort in the upper region of my head, particularly in the back and temples. These aren’t typical headaches, but rather sudden twinges of pain that occur sporadically throughout the day. Additionally, over this same period, I have been dealing with bouts of vertigo—probably about 4 to 5 days where it came and went. A few days back, I also encountered a tingling sensation in my arms, which I can’t tell if it was simply due to anxiety. Given that my aunt suffered a stroke in her thirties, the prospect of having a stroke terrifies me. I find that the emergency room here primarily prescribes pain medication if you mention head discomfort, which leaves me uncertain about what steps to take next. Could these symptoms signal an impending stroke? Furthermore, I've also been experiencing pain in my left leg, though I’m unsure if that’s connected to my other symptoms.
Identifying Skin Marks on My Child
My 5-year-old daughter, who has no history of allergies, has developed peculiar skin marks over the past four to five days. Each morning, I observe these blemishes, which mysteriously disappear by the next day, only to reappear in different locations. The majority of these spots are located on her lower back, buttocks, and the back of her thighs, although I've also seen some on her upper back and a single one on her cheek. As an additional note, she began exhibiting mild cold symptoms last night, including a cough, some mucus, and a slight increase in body temperature. To provide further context: she mentioned that the marks are somewhat itchy, but she hasn’t been scratching them excessively.
Impact of Tegretol Overdose at Age 7
As a woman now in her late thirties, I reflect back on a significant event from my childhood. At just seven years old, I accidentally ingested a large quantity of Tegretol, a medication prescribed to my brother for his epilepsy. Without realizing the danger, I swallowed a handful of those pills and fell asleep on the couch next to my mother. To my surprise, I regained consciousness a week later in a hospital bed. My mother recounted that I had suffered a seizure, at which point she found herself unable to awaken me, leading to a state of coma. Once I awoke, the emotional shift was profound; I transitioned from sadness to experiencing a tumultuous range of feelings. I am now curious about how such an overdose could have impacted my brain function. I attempted to search online for insights but came up empty-handed. Any information or shared experiences related to brain effects from similar situations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Young Plumber with Herniated Discs Seeks Guidance
Greetings, medical professionals. I am a 17-year-old plumber who has dedicated the past two years to this trade, beginning when I was just 15. About two years ago, I was involved in a car accident that led to the discovery of three herniated discs: one located in my upper back, while the other two are situated in the mid to lower back region. While it's possible that these injuries stemmed from the accident, I suspect they might not be entirely related. Interestingly, disc problems seem to be common in my family. I'm concerned about my prospects moving forward. What can I expect in terms of health as I age, especially regarding these injuries? Moreover, how can I prevent a situation where I may struggle with mobility in my 50s or 60s? For some time, my pain subsided, but recently, I've started to experience discomfort again in the mid to lower back area, reminiscent of what I felt initially. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!
Seeking Clarity on a Pediatric Surgical Experience
One of my earliest recollections involves surgical gauze wrapped around my genitals and being cautioned to exercise caution regarding my circumcision. This incident dates back to around 1972, when I was roughly three years old. My brother, who was eleven at the time, corroborates this memory and recalls that the bandage remained in place for "a few weeks." His recollection is a bit unclear, but he does remember seeing me running around without pants and with a gauze dressing. He believes the dressing wasn't overly bulky and doesn't recall any stent being used. However, I am aware that his memory may not be completely accurate based on other conversations we've had. He recalls being informed that I underwent surgery for an undescended testicle, yet was never made aware of a circumcision being involved. Later, a physician indirectly confirmed that I had undergone an early orchidopexy. This memory piques my curiosity, particularly since my parents have never brought it up with me. I have knowledge of having glanular/coronal hypospadias, and the details of my situation appear to align with images I’ve encountered depicting partial hypospadias corrections. This leads me to wonder if my circumcision might have actually been related to hypospadias surgery. Unfortunately, any tangible proof of these events was lost when I underwent gender confirmation surgery as a trans woman three decades ago. It's conceivable that the standard circumcision procedure typically performed at birth could have been postponed, given that I was born slightly premature and had significant Rh disease and hypoxia. But could it have been deferred until I reached the age of three? I have made attempts to obtain my medical records, but unfortunately, they have been destroyed over the years. While I understand that definitive answers may be elusive, I would greatly appreciate any insights or thoughts on this matter.