Referred otalgia:evaluation of causes

Abstract

Otalgia is the sensation of pain in the car, while referred otalgia Is pam felt in the ear but originating from non-otological source Lar pain is a diagnostic problem when examination of the ear shows no pathology. A prospective study was conducted in EN.T - private clinics in Kirkuk city from October 2007 to December 2008. Age , sex and causes of referred ofalgia were noted, During the study period 210 patients were evaluated , out of 210 patients 122 male "58%" and 88 females "42%", Tonsillitis,pharyngitis and post tonsillectomy were the commonest cause"S1 4%" Three patients had malignancy of upper aerodigestive tract and referred otalgia was one of its main symptoms. Referred ear pain is more commonly caused by tonsillitis , pharyngitis

but it may be first symplom of head and neck malignancy,