Seeking Insight on Intermittent Ear Pain – Desperate for Advice
Hello! I’m a 29-year-old woman in good health, without any known medical issues or medications to consider. I did have ear infections throughout my childhood, which occurred about three to four times a year; I mention this as it might be relevant. Lately, I have been suffering from intense pain in my ears, predominantly in the left one, which appears sporadically. Typically, I first notice it each morning, but on occasion, it jolts me awake during the night, particularly when I’m lying on the affected ear. Sometimes using headphones appears to trigger the discomfort, although there are rare instances when it arises unexpectedly. The pain most often strikes my left ear, and upon waking, I brace myself for the agony I know is coming. Initially, it presents as a dull throb, but it escalates swiftly into what feels like a deep, sharp stabbing sensation. It radiates across the side of my neck and head, making everything feel stiff. It even feels as though the skin or perhaps the lymph nodes near my ear have hardened significantly. The intensity of the discomfort is so overwhelming that turning my head causes tears to stream down my face—not because I cannot move, but due to the agony. I often sit in agony for about an hour, crying until the pain gradually subsides, which usually takes several hours. This is undoubtedly the worst pain I have ever encountered, and over-the-counter pain relievers do nothing to alleviate it. Once the pain finally diminishes, my ear and the corresponding side of my neck feel peculiar for the remainder of the day, leaving me utterly drained. These episodes may occur twice monthly, sometimes more or less frequently. Today, following a particularly rough start, I find myself feeling incredibly hopeless. I consulted with an ENT specialist who suggested that I might be grinding my teeth at night, dismissing it as something that would likely resolve on its own. He couldn’t identify any visible issues during the examination, as the pain often doesn’t manifest during medical visits. Given that this symptom has persisted for years, I can’t help but believe it’s not normal to endure such suffering. Therefore, I’m turning to this community for any insights, tips, or experiences you could share. I greatly appreciate any advice and hope I haven’t overlooked anything in my description.
Answers (1)
9/8/2025, 12:40:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing intense and distressing ear pain, which significantly impacts your daily life. Your symptoms—particularly the severe pain, the stabbing sensation, and the discomfort radiating to your neck—are understandably concerning, especially given their frequency and intensity.
Explanation
Your history of childhood ear infections might contribute to your current issues, but the nature of your pain suggests that it could be related to several potential causes, including:
-
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: This occurs when the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of your throat doesn't function properly. It can cause pressure and pain.
-
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw at night can lead to pain in the jaw joint, which can radiate to the ear.
-
Nerve Involvement: Conditions affecting the nerves around your ear or neck can lead to sharp, sudden pain.
-
Tension or Muscle Strain: Sometimes, the muscles around the jaw and neck can become tense and lead to additional pain.
Next Steps
Here’s a prioritized list of actions you can take to help alleviate your symptoms:
-
Track Your Pain: Keep a diary of when your pain occurs, its intensity, and any triggers you notice (like using headphones or certain positions while sleeping). This information can be valuable for healthcare providers.
-
Manage Stress: Consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises, which can help alleviate muscle tension that may contribute to TMJ disorders.
-
Assess Nighttime Habits: If you suspect teeth grinding, you might benefit from a night guard. These are available at pharmacies or can sometimes be custom-made by a dentist.
-
Apply Heat or Cold: When you experience pain, try placing a warm compress on the affected ear or using cold packs to see which relief method helps more.
-
Pain Management: Since over-the-counter medications have not helped, consider exploring other pain relief options, such as topical pain relievers or discussing other prescription options with a healthcare provider.
-
Revisit Healthcare Providers: If symptoms persist despite home care, follow up with your ENT or seek another opinion from a different healthcare professional specializing in pain management or TMJ disorders, emphasizing the severity and quality of your pain.
-
Physical Therapy: If your pain is related to tension or TMJ, a physical therapist can provide specialized exercises to help relieve tension in your jaw and neck.
Your feelings of hopelessness are valid given the severity of your experience, and it's important to seek support. Consider talking to friends or family about your struggles, or exploring support groups where you can connect with others facing similar challenges.
Remember, persistent pain like this is not something you should endure without support. You're taking an important step in seeking advice, and I hope these suggestions help lead you towards relief.
Related Questions
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.
Understanding Tuberculosis Exposure Risk
A 26-year-old male, who neither drinks alcohol nor smokes, seeks to understand the implications of exposure to tuberculosis (TB). As an anesthesia technician, I became concerned after I encountered a TB-positive patient about a month ago. I had to enter the patient’s room several times to perform blood gas tests. On my first entry, I mistakenly wore my N95 mask incorrectly due to the hectic nature of attending to multiple rooms. From my research, it appears that TB is quite transmissible; direct exposure can pose a serious risk of infection. Transmission usually requires prolonged contact with an infected individual, particularly in a close or face-to-face setting. In this case, the patient was lying face down and appeared to be sleeping when I entered. I have already undergone testing for TB, but I am eager to deepen my understanding of the risks involved in these situations.