Searching for information on red ear syndrome? Read the following article to get some idea about its possible causes and medical treatments.
An uncommon kind of head pain in which the ear becomes red and gives a burning sensation is known as red ear syndrome. In this syndrome, one or both the ears may turn red and hot to touch. The redness of the ears appears within a couple of seconds. In some cases, the red ear syndrome is symptomized by ears that are tender to touch. The episodes may be brought on by triggers like touching the ear, chewing, coughing, heat, sneezing, and neck movements. It may also sometime occur without a structural cause. It may or may not be associated with other disease conditions such as a migraine, temporomandibular joint disorder, irritation of the third cervical root, thalamic syndrome, etc.
Cause
The cause of red ear syndrome is thought to be a missense polymorphism. It involves coding of the enzyme, acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. This particular enzyme is responsible for the decomposition of acetaldehyde, which is a product of the alcohol metabolism. Reddening finds association with the reddening caused by dilation of capillaries. According to the studies, the reddening of the ear during drinking is due to the deficiency of ALDH2. Many medical professionals believe that the underlying factor of red ear syndrome is abnormal regulation of blood flow to the ear. This may be a result of sympathetic nerve dysfunction. This causes increase in the blood flow, which in turn leads to reddening of the ear.
Treatment
There is no solitary medical treatment that can provide you with a red ear syndrome cure. Usually, the treatments for headache related disorders are used. All these treatments are used only on a trial and error basis. However, even in such cases, the symptoms are not disabling. The sufferer can lead a normal life. A little care definitely improves the condition.
At home, you may ease your condition by trying a few simple and safe remedies. The most effective among them is to give your body and mind sufficient rest. This will assist in the natural subsidence of the symptoms. Secondly, whenever you experience the episodes, sit or lie down such as to relax your body. Thirdly, use a cold compress to bring down the pain and reduce redness. Fourthly, you may take non-prescription medicines for headache. Follow a healthy diet. This will ease the discomfort to some extent. This home remedy may appear a bit out of the way but is actually very effective. When your body has all the necessary nutrients in required amounts, your body functions smoothly. This, in turn, restores the healthy state of your body.
Even the doctors try to cure it on the basis of trial and error. Therefore, you should never try to take any risk in the case of a red ear syndrome. Although you can do many things to ease your condition at home, but seeking medical consultation is necessary. This will help you evaluate your case well. You will be able to keep yourself on the safer side.
