What causes ear pain and blockage when I chew?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I understand that you have been dealing with ear pain and a blocked feeling for the past ten days, and the pain gets worse while chewing. You have also been taking Augmentin 625 (Amoxicillin 500 mg and Clavulanic acid 125 mg) twice daily, Zerodol-SP (Aceclofenac 100 mg, Paracetamol 325 mg, Serratiopeptidase 15 mg), and Levocetirizine, but the pain and blockage are still not improving. That can be frustrating, and you did the right thing by seeking help.

Based on your symptoms of persistent ear pain and a blocked feeling, there are a few common possible causes that doctors usually consider.

First, it could be a middle ear infection (otitis media). This means there is an infection behind the eardrum. Often, the Eustachian tube (a small tube that connects the ear to the nose and helps balance air pressure) becomes blocked due to a cold, sinus problem, or allergy. When this tube is blocked, fluid builds up behind the eardrum, leading to pressure, pain, and a feeling of ear blockage.

Another possibility is earwax buildup or an external ear infection. If earwax gets stuck deep inside the ear canal or if the outer ear becomes infected, it can cause pain, fullness, and reduced hearing.

In some cases, the pain may not be from the ear at all but from the jaw joint, called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint is located just in front of the ear, and when it becomes irritated or overworked (for example, due to teeth grinding or excessive chewing), the pain can radiate to the ear, especially while chewing or opening the mouth.

Sinus infection or nasal allergies are another common cause. Sinus congestion can block the Eustachian tube, which again creates pressure inside the ear and results in pain and heaviness.

You have been prescribed Augmentin 625 (Amoxicillin-Clavulanate), which is an antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial ear infections. However, antibiotics take time to work, and they are only effective if the cause is truly bacterial. If your symptoms are due to fluid pressure, TMJ problems, earwax, allergies, or a viral infection, antibiotics will not provide much relief, which explains why your pain may still be continuing.

Since your symptoms have lasted for more than 10 days without improvement, it is important to consult an ENT specialist (ear, nose, and throat doctor). They may perform:

1. Otoscopy (looking inside the ear) to check for infection, fluid, or wax.
2. A nasal and throat examination to see if sinus or allergy issues are involved.
3. Sometimes, nasal endoscopy is used to assess the Eustachian tube opening.
4. TMJ assessment to determine if the ear looks normal internally.

In the meantime, you can try some temporary home care, such as applying a warm compress over the painful ear, taking pain-relief medicine as prescribed, avoiding hard foods and excessive jaw movement, and doing gentle steam inhalation if you feel congested.

However, proper evaluation is still essential so the correct treatment can be started, whether that involves earwax removal, nasal sprays, or TMJ therapy.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.