Why Do I Have Swelling and Pain in My Ear Cartilage?

Ear Swelling and Pain May Be Caused by Acute Infections Such as External Otitis or Acute Otitis Media.

External otitis is often caused by local infections due to patients' poor ear-picking habits, which affect the subcutaneous tissue and result in ear swelling and pain. Treatment should include antibiotic therapy, with the route of administration chosen based on the situation. Antibiotic eardrops can be applied to the ear canal for treatment.

If the ear swelling and pain are caused by acute otitis media, antibiotic therapy is generally required, and sensitive antibiotics can be administered intravenously. If there is purulent discharge in the ear canal, it is best to perform bacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing to guide treatment. At the same time, ear canal cleaning can be performed, and topical antibiotic eardrops can be used for treatment.

Symptoms of Auricle Swelling and Pain - External Otitis

1. Acute diffuse external otitis

(1) Pain: Initially, there is a burning sensation in the ear, which gradually develops into a throbbing pain that intensifies with chewing or speaking, causing discomfort even when sitting or lying down.

(2) As the condition progresses, secretions begin to flow out of the external ear canal and gradually increase. Initially, the secretions are thin but gradually become thicker and purulent.

2. Chronic external otitis

Patients with chronic external otitis often experience itching and discomfort in their ears, accompanied by a small amount of secretions. If water enters the external ear canal during swimming or bathing, or if the ear canal is damaged by ear picking, it can lead to acute infection with symptoms similar to acute diffuse external otitis.

Acute otitis media is characterized by sudden ear pain, often accompanied by symptoms of upper respiratory infection such as colds and coughs. Most patients experience severe pain before perforation, which is relieved after perforation when pus drains from the ear. Symptoms such as tinnitus, ear fullness, and mild hearing loss may also be present. Fever, typically around 38°C, may occur, and children may have high fevers accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.