ear, nose, and throat disorders
Earache
Pathophysiology of Earache
Ear pain may come from a process within the ear itself or may be referred to the ear from a nearby nonotologic disorder. may result from a pressure gradient between the middle ear and outside air, from local inflammation, or both. A middle ear pressure gradient usually involves eustachian tube obstruction, which inhibits equilibration between middle ear pressure and atmospheric pressure and also allows fluid to accumulate in the middle ear. Otitis Media (Acute) causes painful inflammation of the tympanic membrane as well as pain from increased middle ear pressure (causing bulging of the tympanic membrane). Referred paincan result from disorders in areas innervated by cranial nerves responsible for sensation in the external and middle ear (5th, 9th, and 10th). Specific areas include the nose, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, teeth, gingiva, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), mandible, parotid glands, tongue, palatine tonsils, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and esophagus. Disorders in these areas sometimes also obstruct the eustachian tube, causing pain from a middle ear pressure gradient. 