Vasculitis & Ear Pain

Inflammation of the blood vessels, or vasculitis, decreases blood flow in the body. Ear pain can occur when blood vessels in the nose, throat and neck are affected by vasculitis. Ear pain can also be the result of an infection or other medical condition. It is important to seek medical attention when you experience ear pain or have symptoms of vasculitis. If an ear infection is left untreated, hearing loss may be permanent. Additionally, untreated vasculitis may result in death.

Vasculitis

• Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels, which are responsible for transporting blood throughout the body. Vasculitis causes the blood vessels to be more narrow, thereby decreasing blood flow through them. The shortage of blood can result in damage to body organs and in some cases, death. There are more than 10 different types of vasculitis. Common causes of vasculitis include infection, cancer and immune system diseases.

Symptoms

• General symptoms of vasculitis include fatigue, fever, weight loss, muscle pain, joint pain, lack of appetite, numbness and weakness. Depending on the type of vasculitis, other symptoms may also be present, such as red spots on the skin, skin lesions, rashes, impaired vision, headaches and difficulty breathing.

Wegener's Granulomatosis

• Wegener's granulomatosis is a type of vasculitis that affects blood vessels in the nose, throat, sinuses, lungs and kidneys. It is characterized by ear infections, shortness of breath, nasal stuffiness, nosebleeds, chronic sinusitis and ear pain.

Ear Pain

• Ear pain, often referred to as an earache, refers to any pain in one or both of the ears. The pain can be sharp, dull or cause a burning sensation. Fluid and pressure buildup are common causes of earaches, particularly in children, according to MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Ear pain can also be a symptom of an ear infection. Tooth infection, sinus infection, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), excessive ear wax and and arthritis of the jaw can also cause ear pain.

Warning

• Ear pain caused from an infection left untreated may result in hearing damage or loss. Discuss any ear pain you experience with your doctor. Additionally, vasculitis may result in death if left untreated.