Otalgia-workup plan
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I am having earache since a few days, what investigations are required for the diagnosis?
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@bodhisatva requently, the workup suggests that otalgia may be a problem of dental origin.
A complete blood count may indicate an occult infection. Thyroid function and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) studies may reveal thyroiditis and temporal arteritis.
The perception of aural fullness may be described as ear pain and is observed in conditions associated with endolymphatic hydrops and Eustachian tube dysfunction. [3]
Ménière disease can be diagnosed by history, audiometrics, and a battery of laboratory tests.
In the absence of obvious fluid within the middle ear, aural fullness secondary to Eustachian tube dysfunction may manifest with a practically imperceptible bulging or retraction of the tympanic membrane. If autoinsufflation is not effective in relieving this pressure, consider a diagnostic myringotomy.
Imaging studies can include the following:
Dental radiography
Chest radiography
Computed tomography (CT) scanning
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Panorex imagery
Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning
Other tests include the following:Audiography
Vestibulocochlear testing
Nasal endoscopy
Upper aerodigestive tract endoscopy, laryngoscopy
Blood tests
When the history and physical examination findings are inconclusive, use of local anesthesia may help localize the problem.