Differential Diagnosis for a 3-year-old with Right Ear Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Otitis Media: This is the most common cause of ear pain in children, especially at the age of 3. The Eustachian tube is shorter and more horizontal in young children, making them more prone to middle ear infections.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear): This condition is common in children who spend a lot of time in the water. It's an infection of the outer ear canal and can cause significant pain.
- Earwax Impaction: Buildup of earwax can cause discomfort and pain in the ear.
- Middle Ear Effusion: Fluid accumulation in the middle ear without signs of acute infection can cause ear pain and discomfort.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Mastoiditis: A serious infection of the mastoid bone, which can be a complication of untreated otitis media. It requires prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications.
- Petrous Apicitis: A rare but serious infection of the petrous part of the temporal bone, which can be a complication of otitis media.
- Brain Abscess: Although extremely rare, a brain abscess can be a complication of otitis media or mastoiditis and is life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Rare diagnoses
- Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (Herpes Zoster Oticus): A viral infection that affects the geniculate ganglion and can cause ear pain, along with other symptoms like facial paralysis and vesicles in the ear.
- Eosinophilic Otitis Media: A type of otitis media characterized by the presence of eosinophils in the middle ear effusion, often associated with allergies or asthma.
- Relapsing Polychondritis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and pain in the ears, among other symptoms.