A Rare Cause of Ear Redness and Warmth
Red ear syndrome (RES) is a very rare disorder.
It causes redness with moderate to severe burning on the outside of one or both ears.
Heat or cold stimulation or brushing your hair can also start the problem.
Panuwat Dangsungnoen / Getty Images
Treatment involves a choice of drugs, though results vary by person.
This article describes red ear syndrome, its symptoms, causes, and diagnosis.
It also explains treatment and ways to cope with this problem.
Panuwat Dangsungnoen / Getty Images
Symptoms of Red Ear Syndrome
Symptoms of red ear syndrome vary.
In unilateral red ear syndrome, the left ear is more likely to be involved.
The majority of people affected by red ear syndrome have daily episodes.
However, intermittent attacks that occur in clusters every month or two are possible.
Episodes typically last 30 to 60 minutes, though their duration can range from seconds to four hours.
RES can be classified into primary RES and secondary RES.
Treatment to Manage RES
The response to treatment for RES is variable.
General nondrug therapies can reduce symptoms.
Reactions to medications to help with symptoms vary by individual and cause of the RES.
Identifying and avoiding your known triggers can help you reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.
Talk to your healthcare provider aboutsupport groupsthat might be helpful as you learn how to live with this problem.
The diagnosis of RES can be made by different healthcare providers depending on your symptoms.
It was first described in 1994.
Due to the rarity of the disease, research is limited.
Red ear syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion.
This process is called making adifferential diagnosis.
An orthodontic assessment of your temporomandibular joints may be needed to rule out TMJ disorder.
Its main feature involves red and throbbing outer ears.
The problem can occur in one ear, both ears, or be alternating.
The severity of ear pain, the frequency of attacks, and the length of episodes vary by person.
Further research is needed so healthcare providers can understand the causes and best ways to treat this condition.
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