Swelling behind the ear can appearwithout realizing and sometimes it goes away on its own. However, this condition still needs to be watched out for, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms or complaints that point to certain diseases.
Generally, swelling behind the ear will go away on its own within 2-3 weeks. However, in some conditions, swelling behind the ear can persist or get worse, requiring treatment from a doctor.
Causes and How to Overcome Swelling behind the Ears
There are various causes of swelling behind the ear. Although generally caused by infection, this complaint can also occur due to other diseases. Here are some diseases that can cause swelling behind the ear:
1. Sore throat
Swelling behind the ear can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. A common infection that causes swelling behind the ear is strep throat.
If the cause is sore throat, other symptoms that can appear are pain when swallowing, swollen tonsils, fever, headache, and aches in muscles and joints.
To overcome this, you need to get enough rest, drink lots of water, and eat foods that are easy to swallow. If possible, use a humidifier or humidifier in the room.
If the sore throat and swelling behind the ear doesn't go away after a few days, see a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers.
2. Acne
Pimples that appear behind the ear can cause swelling in the area behind the ear. In addition, it can also cause the appearance of lumps and pain in the ear.
To treat swelling behind the ear caused by acne, you can compress it with a warm compress, or apply an acne medication that contains vitamin A or benzoyl peroxide.
3. Abscess
An abscess can also be a cause of swelling behind the ear. An abscess appears as the body's response to fighting infection.
When a bacterial infection occurs, the body will send white blood cells to the infected area and cause the formation of pus which then develops into an abscess. An abscess can cause swelling that is painful and warm to the touch.
To fix this, compress the abscess with a warm compress for 30 minutes, 4 times a day. If the swelling behind the ear does not go away or is accompanied by fever and other complaints, consult a doctor immediately.
4. Swollen lymph nodes
Swelling behind the ear can also be caused by swollen lymph nodes. In addition to behind the ear, swelling due to this condition can also occur under the jaw. Swollen lymph nodes behind the ear commonly occur when you have a cold or there is an infection in the area.
To treat swelling behind the ear due to swollen lymph nodes, you need to consult a doctor. Doctors can prescribe antibiotics to treat infections that trigger swollen lymph nodes.
5. Otitis media
A middle ear infection (otitis media) can also cause swelling behind the ear. Other symptoms that can appear in this condition are ear pain, difficulty sleeping, fever, discharge from the ear, hearing loss, and decreased appetite.
If you feel these symptoms, immediately consult a doctor. Doctors can prescribe antibiotics or other treatments to treat otitis media, so that there are no serious complications.
5. Lipoma
Lipomas can also cause lumps or swelling behind the ear. Lipoma lumps are generally harmless. However, if you feel uncomfortable, consult a doctor. The doctor will provide treatment, according to the location of the lipoma and the complaints you feel.
Swelling behind the ear usually does not require special treatment and will go away on its own. However, if the swelling is painful or causes discomfort, you should consult a doctor.
Likewise, if swelling behind the ear is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, night sweats, sore throat, headache, shortness of breath, discharge from the ear, or hearing loss, consult a doctor immediately.