The outer edge of the ear is primarily made up of cartilage, and in some individuals, a sudden sensation of ear
cartilage pain may occur. The initial presentation may feel like a pinch or a sharp pain in the outer ear cartilage with not much explanation as to why it occurred in the first place. The external ear consists of tissue, blood vessel, and cartilage, with its main responsibility being a sound receptor for which sound is funneled through the ear canal to the eardrum. Show
Auricular chondritis: Ear cartilage inflammationAuricular chondritis is a condition where the cartilage of the ear is inflamed. Inflammation is the process in while immune cells of the body react to what they perceive as a foreign invader. When this occurs in the ear, it can cause it to look inflamed, swollen, red, and feel painful. The ear itself is primarily composed of a type of springy and supple elastic cartilage, giving us the typical ear shape. Cartilage itself does not have a blood supply running through it like other tissues in the body, and this results in extended healing times needed in order for cartilage to heal appropriately. The perichondrium, soft tissue adjacent to the ear cartilage, provides some of the blood supply. If this source of blood perfusion becomes compromised in any way, the cartilage can die off and shrink. Signs and symptoms of ear cartilage pain (auricular chondritis)The presentation of auricular chondritis may vary from case to case, with the following being some possible symptoms:
What causes ear cartilage pain?The causes for inflammation of the ear cartilage can be various. The following are a few probably causes:
Ear cartilage pain treatment optionsThe stage of inflammation or how long an infection has progressed will typically dictate the steps required for ear cartilage pain treatment. The following are some of the most common methods:
In severe cases where cartilage death has occurred, it will be necessary to remove the dead tissue and cartilage. Ear cartilage pain relief and prevention tipsWhile not all causes of auricular chondritis can be prevented—as in cases of unavoidable trauma or suffering from cartilage centric disease—there are some preemptive things one can do to reduce chances of occurrence:
Why does the outside of my ear hurt to touch?Outer ear pain can most commonly be caused by environmental conditions such as water exposure or extreme cold weather that can lead to frostbite of the outer ear. Other causes for ear tragus pain include irritation from obtrusive objects like cotton swabs or fingers.
Why does the cartilage in my outer ear hurt?Perichondritis is an infection of the tissue lining your ear cartilage. Symptoms include pain, redness and swelling. Perichondritis is a bacterial infection. Ear trauma, most commonly high ear cartilage piercing, is the usual cause.
How do you stop the outside of your ear from hurting?Place a cold pack or cold wet washcloth on the outer ear for 20 minutes to reduce pain. Chewing may help relieve the pain and pressure of an ear infection. (Gum can be a choking hazard for young children.) Resting in an upright position instead of lying down can reduce pressure in the middle ear.
Why does it hurt when I press on my ear?If your ear hurts when you pull on your earlobe or push on the tiny flap that closes it, you probably have this outer ear infection. You get it when water trapped in your ear canal begins to breed germs. Your ear might get red, swollen, or itch and leak pus. It isn't contagious.
|