Hello everyone. I am a 19 year old college student and have been suffering with hot ears for about 8 months. I believe I have finally identified the cause of this malady and a possible cure.
Here is my theory: Red hot ear syndrome is the ear's response to some type of low grade chronic ear infection caused by a blocked or partially blocked Eustachian tube. (The Eustachian tube is the tube that links the pharynx with the middle ear). Everyone knows that when an infection is present, the body heats up to fight it off. Now, if the infection is localized to one area of the body, it is possible for only that area of the body to heat up. If the Eustachian tube gets blocked for an extended period of time for whatever reason, it is possible for bacteria from the mucus to migrate to the middle ear causing an ear infection. This ear infection can be treated, but unless something is done about the blocked Eustachian tube, the infections will just keep coming back.
Now, for the possible cure (it worked for me). I convinced my doctor that I was indeed suffering from an ear infection, for which he prescribed oral antibiotics which I took for 10 days. During this time, I also supplemented my body's attempt to fight of the ear infections with a hot pack (not too hot!) applied to the ears 3 times a day. Finally, I took Sudafed regularly over this time period to act as a decongestant for the Eustachian tube. Its been about two weeks and I have had not a single bout of red ear syndrome. At this point, I am not sure how to keep one's Eustachian tube from filling up again, but I have talked to my doctor and apparently there are types of medications that can be used to keep ones mucous membranes from being overactive.
This is very very encouraging for me and has convinced me that I am right with my theory as I used to get hot red ear syndrome at least once or twice a day every single day. The Eustachian tube theory also explains why young children seem to get this condition alot--young children's Eustachian tubes are not as developed and are more prone to blockage. Anyway, I hope this information helps you as it helped me. If you decide to give my idea a try, please post with your results. It is only a theory after all.
Comment
Hello everyone. I am a 19 year old college student and have been suffering with hot ears for about 8 months. I believe I have finally identified the cause of this malady and a possible cure.
Here is my theory: Red hot ear syndrome is the ear's response to some type of low grade chronic ear infection caused by a blocked or partially blocked Eustachian tube. (The Eustachian tube is the tube that links the pharynx with the middle ear). Everyone knows that when an infection is present, the body heats up to fight it off. Now, if the infection is localized to one area of the body, it is possible for only that area of the body to heat up. If the Eustachian tube gets blocked for an extended period of time for whatever reason, it is possible for bacteria from the mucus to migrate to the middle ear causing an ear infection. This ear infection can be treated, but unless something is done about the blocked Eustachian tube, the infections will just keep coming back.
Now, for the possible cure (it worked for me). I convinced my doctor that I was indeed suffering from an ear infection, for which he prescribed oral antibiotics which I took for 10 days. During this time, I also supplemented my body's attempt to fight of the ear infections with a hot pack (not too hot!) applied to the ears 3 times a day. Finally, I took Sudafed regularly over this time period to act as a decongestant for the Eustachian tube. Its been about two weeks and I have had not a single bout of red ear syndrome. At this point, I am not sure how to keep one's Eustachian tube from filling up again, but I have talked to my doctor and apparently there are types of medications that can be used to keep ones mucous membranes from being overactive.
This is very very encouraging for me and has convinced me that I am right with my theory as I used to get hot red ear syndrome at least once or twice a day every single day. The Eustachian tube theory also explains why young children seem to get this condition alot--young children's Eustachian tubes are not as developed and are more prone to blockage. Anyway, I hope this information helps you as it helped me. If you decide to give my idea a try, please post with your results. It is only a theory after all.
Good luck