cheek and ear pain - #18479
I am really starting to freak out about this cheek and ear pain I’ve been having lately. It feels like it started a few weeks ago but yesterday was especially bad. One side of my face, like my cheek and ear, felt super sore and it almost felt like my ear was blocked or like there was pressure in there or somthing. I thought maybe it was just allergies or sinus related because I’ve had some sinus issues in the past but now I’m not so sure. The pain kind of comes and goes; like sometimes it hurts to chew, and other times it’s just this nagging dull ache. But yesterday it got intense, like sharp stabbing pains that would not let up! I went to urgent care because my mom was worried and they said it might be a combo of an ear infection and some dental issue but they couldn’t definitively say what’s causing the cheek and ear pain. They just gave me antibiotics and told me to follow up with my dentist. Do you guys think that’s the right move? Shouldn’t they have done more tests to figure out this cheek and ear pain? I’m feeling overwhelmed because I just want to know what’s going on. Anyone else experienced this? What should I do next?
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Doctors' responses
Experiencing cheek and ear pain can be quite concerning, especially when it feels persistent or intensifies. The symptoms you’re describing — pain, pressure, and sometimes being triggered by chewing — can point towards a few different causes. It’s common for sinus issues to cause facial pain, and it is reasonable to consider your prior sinus problems as a potential source. However, given the urgent care team’s assessment, it’s also important to consider dental issues or infections, which can indeed refer pain to the cheek and ear area. TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are another possibility to consider, given that the pain can increase during chewing.
Antibiotics are often prescribed when there’s a concern for an infectious process, like an ear infection. It’s crucial to complete the course as prescribed. But you’re right to think about seeing a specialist — a follow-up with your dentist can be an important next step. They can check for dental abscesses, cavities, or TMJ disorders which might be contributing to your symptoms. An ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist might also be helpful if the dental exam doesn’t clarify the cause, especially if the pain or pressure persists after antibiotic treatment.
Tests that could further evaluate your symptoms may include imaging studies like an X-ray or MRI focused on your jaw and sinuses, particularly if dental issues are suspected. These can help visualize any abscesses, TMJ abnormalities, or even sinus blockages. Meanwhile, managing symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can temporarily help alleviate discomfort, although this shouldn’t delay definitive follow-up.
If at any point your symptoms include high fever, severe headache, abrupt hearing loss, or any other new alarming symptoms, seeking immediate medical attention would be essential. While it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, systematically ruling out possible causes with your healthcare providers is a prudent approach to finding relief.
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