Yesterday Sunday I went to one of Dennis Kung Fu camps in St Albans. It was a beautiful day with a chilled breeze.
We practised a two-man-pattern that I've never even seen before and it was great fun.
Just as it was getting dark I was just about the only one left in the field practising my patterns. (A pattern is a combination of movements you perform on your own to remember and learn your kung fu principles.) After a few runs I notice a strange thing. One of my ears got really hot. My forehead was normal and the other ear was really cold as normal. It was just like when you're about to get a fever except it was only the ear.
Strange but interesting since I've never experienced this. And no, there is no simple geometric explanation for it. It's got to be internal; or?
Comments
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My 8 yr old son experiences this. He is highly allergic to mulitple things, so we have always thought it was related to an unknown allergen.
I have been experiencing this annoying and embarrassing problem for probably 10 years now. I am 34 years old. I also do financial advising, and I tutor a couple of high school students in mathematics. I also teach tennis. I never get red ear while I am teaching tennis. I almost always get red ear while I am tutoring. It seems like it is directly related to the time of day for me. I do my tutoring in the evening after I teach tennis. I also get red ear if I am doing an evening appointment for my financial business. However, I almost never get it during daytime appointments. Furthermore, I seem to get it in the evening after teaching tennis even if I just go home. I get it every night. It usually lasts two hours.
I do think stress is a factor here. What I think happens is that the muscles in the upper back and neck and back of the head get very tense during the day. In the evening hours when I realize my day is winding down I think I actually begin to relax and the blood flow begins to increase. I even wonder if the increased blood flow is the body's natural mechanism to get things back in order. Perhaps it ultimately gets those muscles to relax. I do suffer from some mild but constant anxiety. I constantly feel tension in my neck and shoulders, but I also feel like a physiological hurricane is going on inside my chest cavity. It's like somebody has turned on a switch in me and it just won't go off. I have taken some things for this and I do think it helped the red ear syndrome. I believe that once it quieted my body down it took care of the red ear. I don't like taking psychological medicines, though, so I never stuck with it. One thing I took that was natural was L-5 Hydroxy Tryptophan, which I bought at The Vitamin Store. It did help me in terms of the anxiety, and I believe it helped me for the red ear too. Again, though I didn't want to have to rely on something to control my body. At any rate, I'm not sure if The Vitamin Store still sells it. I believe there was some reason they quit selling it.
One other thing that definitely helped me was getting massage therapy in the neck, head, and upper back areas. Again, this confirms to me that this is a problem caused by too much tension in the head and neck muscles.
Does anybody else feel like maybe their inability to relax is causing this to happen. A lot of people on this website have indicated they are doing mathematical type work. I wonder if people with that type of talent tend to put more stress on themselves just because of their analytical thinking. I always feel like I'm overly self-aware and self-critical, and this of course, leads to stress.
I'm 31, work with computers and find stress and inability to relax build up until it can become anxiety. When I get home I relax and my left ear takes off. Burning right now in fact. Very nice to know other people get this too. thought it might have something to do with bad circulation as mentioned in a previous post.
Does anyone else experience an increase in their heart rate while the ear is red and hot?
I get them as well
Hi, I believe this is caused by stress which causes tension. I am experiencing tightness in my neck and shoulder muscles since yesterday when I first noticed my ears (mostly right one) getting v red and hot. I have also been carrying my heavy shoulder bag which I think puts more strain on the neck/shoulder area (as well as grocery bags occasionally).
I am also an anxious person by nature, a perfectionist etc... so tend to put a lot of psychological pressure on myself. My assessment is rest (physical) and a change of scene should help.
I feel a bit of tingling and itchiness in random places (around ears, scalp, arms etc.), nothing serious, but it is all related. STRESS, I promise.
Tried the tongue trick, did not work.
I've been through stress symptoms before (many years ago) and I had been experiencing similar symptoms--which I recognise. The ear thing is new (or perhaps I had not noticed it).
No medication, (had TMJ and wore splints in the past), chiropractic work--nothing as is effective as exercise. Makes you feel fit, healthy (physically and mentally) and less stressed. Tried everything in the past and this is the best!! Also got tested (several years ago for all sorts, nothing).
My advice, Rest, exercise, sleep, good food, no caffeine, a glass of wine and a happy outlook. Start by a nice peaceful walk, on the beach (if you are near one), or somewhere close to nature--and take deep breaths.
I will try it again (have been slacking off as my life has been a bit hectic) and report results. Good Luck and don't worry. And if you are worried, have some tests to rule certain things out and to put your mind at ease.
Hey, My 4 yr old son gets red hot ears also. It makes him so uncomforable and grumpy. I thought it was also related to an unknown allergen and I still believe it is. I stop giving him dairy for a week. Soy milk is good too :) And for days he didn't have any red ears. Until he ate some Butter. Then it happend. Red Hot Ears! But for the last to days he's only had Soy products and BOTH days red ears. So I don't know.. I thought I was onto something... But.. perhaps things in certain combinations cause the reaction!!??! I just don't know, but I don't think it happens just for fun. I think the body must be trying to tell us something! something is going on!!!
Cheyenne
I have had this problem with my left ear off and on for 16 years and today by finding this site I found that others have had it too!! I used to think it was the last throes of menopause, sort of "hot flashes of the ear" but I am way past that. Now I know I'm not alone with this thing and it probably won't kill me.
I get the same thing!!!
My 3 1/2 year old son has allergies. He also gets a red left ear. Especially after he has played a lot and is tired. He has never complained about it. I ask him if his ear is hot and he says it isn't. Though when I feel them, one is cold and the red one is hot. Very odd. This has never happened to me, but my wife has experienced one hot ear.
Hi, I just came back from the washroom, and when I looked in the mirror I was surprised how bright red my left ear was! I mean very very bright red. So I quickly came back to my computer to look up "red ear" because I thought it may be a symptom of something serious. By the way, I'm an economist, I'm at work, my eyes feel very sensitive and tired, and my teeth are held together with elastics (recovering from a broken jaw). So there must be something to all those observations!!! Thanks for the thread, it was a very interesting read.
I am overjoyed that i,m not crazy I have put up with this condition for about 2 years.It happens every night between 11pm and 1am and some nights the right ear or the left ear or both but always one or the other. It last about 1hour and does not come back till the next night.I have spoken with doctors,neuroligist,medical professors and they all looked at me like I was crazy but i,m not. There are so many of you going through the same torture I am and I truly feel for you. It is time that the medical field listens and does something about it because I can not put up with this every night for the rest of my life.good luck to all and make the people who can do something about it listen!!!!!!!!!!
Mark, so your ears get hot, so what? I'm not trying to argue anything against you, but I'm just curious. When I got one hot ear it was hot but there was no pain and it didn't prevent me from anything such as vision or hearing.
For years I've been looking for information on this! Our son has had these for about 7-8 yrs at least. He is 10.5 yo. Both ears. Incredibly uncomfortable. Wore ice packs on his ears all the time.
Removed corn syrup and its kin nearly two years ago, and they're nearly all gone. Rarely gets them now. Has been getting them more frequently in the past month or so vs. the past couple years. Otherwise, they've been an rareity.
P.S. His pediatrician said it was likely some sort of histamine release. Still, we don't know for certain the exact cause. Though the corn syrup thing seemingly has a connection.
I have noticed my left ear get real hot from time to time. It did so today I decided to Google "hot ear" and found this page. The only trends I have noticed for me is it occurs more often when drinking red wine or eating simple sugars such as candy. Since some people mentioned allergies, I will say yes I am allergic to a number of common allergens.
I don't see it as a socially crippling problem as they guy says on the support group web page. Just a minor annoyance.
Finally got around to doing some research on this ear thing that has recently come to affect me almost every day. I have always had head aches and migraines, and I also have TMJ. It seems anxiety and tension are also factors. Don't think it is a huge issue, and it's not a ton of suffering, but it is a relief to find out other people deal with this, and I think from now on I'll try the tongue thing, because it worked.
I cant believe how many people have searched the "red ear thing" It just started with me in the last week. It tends to be after dinner(with ion 30 minutes or so) and I almost always have a beer with dinner. I can say I havent slept much or enough lately and I hope it goes away when and of I get caught up on my sleep. Right now my right ear is on fire. I may try dinner without beer tomorrow or for a few nights to see if it changes anything.... I am leaning toward dehydration or lack of sleep(stress) because I wont let my end of the day beer be the problem. ; )
This is very interesting!! My granddaughter is currently experiencing burning red ears, sometimes one then spreading to the other. The GP can't give us an explanation, wondering whether stress and anxiety could contribute
It happens to me at all different times but I did notice it does happen when I am anxious or getting a little upset.
Mine started a couple of weeks after I received a flu shot. Any correlation? Don't know. Docs don't know either. Oh well.
i got this problem after diner. im 14 years old and i dont drink so dont think thats the explanation... i also think it has something to do with stress because my week at school has been stressful (im enrolling in high school)... anyways i'll ask my doc and get back to you!!!
shelby
My grandson's ears get real red too. He also gets small blackouts usually if he's hot or gets up fast. I thought maybe it had to do with the lyme disease that he has had all his life.
This is incredible ! My son whos is 4 yrs old as been complaining (every two or three days) that is right ear is very hot. It concernse me that I cannot do anything about this, so i was searching for this subject in the search engines hoping a Dr. or something would give my wife & I & of course our son some guidence on this annoying problem he has, & hay presto I found this forum GREAT. My search was "4 year old has hot ear" Now is there any Dr. who thinks he/she knows what this problem is ? For an adult its OK, but for a child how can one explain to him that its nothing, i get upset when I know there is nothing I can do about it. Anyway, any help would be great. Thanks all.
Ice packs on my ear really helps when it's bad.
Lyme hits kids and it's hard to diagnose. Many kids live with conditions that they think are normal but it's Lyme.
Hope something has been found out by now and he's doing better.
I started having regular episodes about three months ago, when I started grad schooleither one or both of my ears turn bright red and hot. Id say 75% of the time it is one ear or the other, thus 25% of the time both are involved. Occasionally, maybe once a week, it happens early afternoon in class, but the majority of the time it happens between the hours of 5-9 p.m., when my concentration level is at its peak.
The above is the norm without alcohol though. When I drink now, since I started school, my ears flush within two minutes, and stay that way for a good hour or so. Sometimes my entire face turns slightly red and warms, but my ear(s) turn bright red and hot without question.
I am a 24-year-old female who smokes ½-1 pack a day. My blood pressure has been iffy at times (hypertension runs in the family) but for the most part it stays within range. My extremities (e.g. big toe; fingers) go numb/tingle here and there, especially if exposed to the cold, and sometimes turn red; however the red/hot ear(s) happens regardless of the temperature.
Stress? Alcohol? Obvious factors but who can give either of them up?!?!
Great site; nice to know others deal with this pain-in-the-butt as well.
I too have had a problem with this for years, but for some reason I chalked it up to having high blood pressure (which I now have under control with weight loss and I am no longer on medication), but I still have the hot red ear problem. Mine also ususally happens in the afternoon, but usually only one ear. It's very embarrassing and quite uncomfortable. My face also turns red/pink when I drink which is also embarrassing. I too am glad I am not the only one with this problem. If anyone at all finds out what the heck is going on, please post it for us!
Kaisier has no answer. I too get a hot ear, not everyday, but pretty close. I am just sitting at work and all of a sudden my ear gets hot. It will last sometimes for 1/2 hr. I wonder if it's because of high blood pressure (which I have but am taking medicine). I sure wish someone had an answer.
Strange...isn't it?
You may be asking yourself,'what is?'
Well...Theory, Suggestion, as well as just another thought to add to the chain.
My thoughts in theory are scattered, so goes the process of brainstorming. Consideration has been taken from all comments, and so from observation we know it is not mental or having to do with overall performance. I'm thinking membranes, more specifically- meninges. The Connective tissues (more or less) gridlocks, localizing pressure from the conjunction of nerves, most likely located around the cerebellum area.
Susggestion: It may sound silly, but just give it a try... Relax, breath in and out, let go of all bias, stay opened minded. Put 1 hand across the back of your neck at the base of the skull and the other hand across your eyes, leaving them there, close your eyes, remember to breath and repeat 'i forgive' multiple times, at least more than 3(no questions, just do. Doesn't matter if you have forgiving to do or not).
Reverse hand positions, the hand that was across the eyes now across the neck, and the so forth. repeat the 'i forgive'.
Now place the palms of your hands over your eyes and repeat 'i forgive'.
An extra for jaw probs- loosely close your hands, palms facing you, fingers over eyes & thumbs along jaw line(meaty part joining @ lips), do the forgives.
This also helps with headaches.
I would also suggest Magnesium, to relax your muscles, and Mixed Vegetable Supps to get nourishment through to the capalaries. Remember to talk to a Reflexologist(also recommecond Chiropractor who is into reflexology as well as Senses)(Not recommending Medical Doctors because, most likely than not, it will be more pills, made of who knows what along with the Mold and micro-chemicals they don't tell you about, down the throat(know wonder your body doesn't like you, just kidding)).
I hope this helps. It did with me. :)
OH My, this works!! Thanks so much. I need to look into your other suggestions...
My right ear sometimes get read and hot...i always think something bad is going to happen..and usually it does...I was just looking and seeing if i was the only one this was happening 2..Whenever i tell ppl they look at my alittle weird...lol....
With me, hot red ears are always related to drinking champagne. Tonight I have had two Mimosas. My ears are so hot I had to remove my robe to cool off.
Okay people....this is really weird, but yes! I have the red hot ear too! I did notice that liquor makes it red, but not always, usually when I have had a rough day, much stress, and in the relaxing mode it comes on. It's kinda funny, I always say, someone is talking about me again...and laugh it off. I told my boyfriend I was gonna get on the net and find out what made it happen, and found this website, I was glad to see I was not alone in this weirdness. But let me tell u, I really have a temperature problem, my nose is so cold sometimes I cannot stand it, and my boyfriend says that I have a hot butt too...ha ha really, he sez I radiate heat. So...I suppose my temp gauge is broken or something...in the meantime, I will assume it's just one of those unexplainable things...MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL YOU RED HOT PEOPLE!
I too am glad that I'm not alone. Anyone have any official words on this? I think it happens when I'm stressed...
I think it's a mix of blood pressure spikes even possible circulation issue and stress.Panic attacks can also cause "red ear(s)" take a ice cube and cool em down (no joke) or take a cool shower and try to relax it works for me anyway.
I also notice if I take a sleeping pill and get alot of rest the next day I usually don't get red/hot ears.And stay away from drinking and smokes you should know better and those bad habits will cause blood pressure issues.
Ya, I just wash my face in cold water, coz not only does my left/right ears get hot my cheeks and lower forehead start to get warm and red too. This is an increase in blood pressure to the head just soak your head in something cold
Weird, I thought this was a personal problem - comforting to know others have it too, but has anyone actually had a diagnosis? I can feel the bottom of my left ear start to burn, it covers my whole ear, then my cheeks and even my eyes feel hot on the inside! I thought it might be hot flashes, but went thru menopause years ago. Blood pressure reads fine, I get so hot I have to fan myself or rinse my face in cold water (when I'm home). Alcohol does bring it on, but I only have a drink maybe every other week. Wow, what is this all about,anyway?
I recently started taking adderall for adhd. I had never experienced this red ear phenomenon until I started the medication. My Dr. told me that he believes it occurs for some when the central nervous system is stimulated (i.e., medication, stress, anxiety etc.,) It is essentially a form of blushing which is also a result of your CNS being stimulated.
Wow! I can't believe this site!! My mom and my fiance tell me to stop calling it the Red Ear because it sounds like I have some disease lol. But it is true! I definitely seem to get a burning feeling in either my left or right ear. I have been on adderall for about 7 years and this has been happening for the past 3 years. It seems to help if I drink lots of water and but a cold pack on my ear. I definitely get ALOT of sleep so that isn't it. I do get stressed out alot though. So maybe it is from stress and dehydration. It sucks whenever I want to drink because "the red ear" almost always starts right after I drink a beer or have some wine. ugh!!! It wouldn't be so bad if it didn't burn. Think you for starting this site now I don't feel like a weirdo! Oh sometimes I feel my feet burn as well. Has anyone experienced this too?
I notice i get "hot ear" when gettin when getting wild. I also have noticed I have a lack of consitration, sensitive eyes, and blinking alot. I normally get hot ear in the winter when i have been in the cold for a while. I tryed the chinese tongue trick...didn't work out for me. It would probaly help just to have a cold glass of water and put ice packs on your ears. Try not to wear anything in your ears or put head phones on your ears
I honestly can't believe this. I just googled "my ear gets red and hot," hilariously, hoping to find some information on this strange, strange thing that has happened to me for at least the least 15 years (I'm 27).
The only explanation I have, after many "experiments," is that my ear (right ear) becoming blood-red and extremely hot is directly related to my blood-sugar levels. I can always tell when my blood-sugar is low because it starts burning, as it is right now. What is helping it stop, as usual? Well, some sugar! I ate a bowl of Fruity Pebbles. Not healthy, sure, but it causes a near-instant (if slow) cooling of the ear. Usually, within an hour, things are back to normal.
At any rate, it's very annoying, and when it happens when I'm out in public, I get constant comments about it. We "Hot Red Ears" (haha) just pine away for an ice-pack most days. It's absolutely insane, and I can't believe I found this site...haha.
Good luck cooling off, guys.
I am in awe.. seriously.. Everyone thinks I am crazy >< I usually only get 'Red ear" in the winter. I never notice in the summer if I go get it, I live in Texas so go figure. I'm sitting here with a cold wash cloth trying to cool off. (lol) I looked up a few things on it I also thought it was high blood pressure.. but I read in an article that it has nothing to do with blood pressure, so I don't know what to think. I have been having it at least 4 years, and OMG it is SO annoying. So great to see there are others.. crazy but great. Oh and I am 25 :) I put this site on favorites so I will be back to let everyone know if I find something else! THANKS!
I have always had it. Mostly left ear but sometimes both. Usually happens after eating and before bedtime. I haven't associated it to any particular food though.
I actually have it right now. The tongue thing seemed to work somewhat.
I get it sometimes too. I am in the medical field, cardiology and I have done some research and spoke to many physicians and collegues. All the threads have some validity to them. Alcohol, Blood Sugar Levels, Cold weather, Sleeplessness and Stress can all cause this phenomenon. It is not abnormal, it is just the body's response to a dilation of the blood vessels. Ice can help the burning and throbbing, sometimes the tounge thing will work, but most of all it is harmless and it will go away. I get it and it drives me crazy. I am glad to see there is support and information out there. More accounts of this will help re-enforce that it is a normal human thing.
hahahahaa wow ive never heard of anyone else having this... ive had it since i was born, my mom has too
one ear will get blazing hot and red and the other will be completely normal.. not always the same ear though it switches randomly all of the time
e-mail me with info on this if ya could, im curious
heyy question... does anyone else here get lightheaded and start to/ totally black out sometimes when they stand up quick??? moreso when your hot...
anyway i have this AND red ears..
the lightheaded thing happens b/c i have this thing where my blood vessels in my neck dont contract quick enough when i sit up soo blood doesnt get to the brain quick enough lol... but my mom has that too and she has the red ear thing sooo
anyone else?
Another thing I notice recently - it only happens in the late afternoon or mostly evening. My blood pressure is higher in evening than morning, but not really 'high' by medical standards. I also get pain in my left eye, it's my left ear that gets hot. Ice packs help, but seem to only delay the process. Wish it would just GO AWAY!!!!
i think its all to do with stress, i get both ears going very red when stressed and just done a night shift. face sometimes goes red also
JG-I`ve had this since I was in my teens, I`m now 32 and still get it fairly regularly. The symtoms are as generally described with all these cases.With me, I have found that giving up drinking has helped alot as this used to trigger the RES every time. I have also found that more sleep and relaxation help to prevent RES occurrences, however, it does not stop them completely. For me, there are still conditions that trigger it sutch as moving from cold to hot places/buildings, direct sunshine or cooking in a hot kitchen which I often do. Here in UK, central heating does not help the situation too! I have taken some tips though from what differnt people have said and try doing things like taking a walk, loosening my neck and shoulders, using deep breathing or relaxation techniques to help with aleviating the physical and emotional discomfort. Only, there does not seem to be any specific thing that takes it away.It nearly always seems to run it`s own course and may last for an hour or two depending on where I am and the conditions around me. Usually, if I am able to relax in a cooler place and take my mind off it, I have noted that the RES will dissapear quicker, however, I as a particulaly self conscious person, I find it near on impossible to relax or ignor this whilst in the presence of others at work or socially, so in that sense I would agree that this is a pretty lousy condition to have especially if you are affected by comments from other people. In my case, this does nothing for my confidence or lack of it! If you are unaffected by what people notice or say, well great for you, however, you still have RES and I can`t imagine it could be ignored as it is quite uncomfortable. Over the years I have read books and literature concerning health and nutrition and one of the books concerned eating according to your blood type, you may be thinking,what is this guy going on about but just hear me out, the book is called Eat Right for your type and is written by DR Peter J.D Adamo for those interested. It surrounds his study into world categories of blood types, which at the time I had no idea about, my blood type being O type, in short, certain blood types evolved through the consumption of available food scources which if you compare this to the modern world, bears no resemblance to where we all live and what we eat, in my case as a type O, my system and digestion is designed primarily for the consumtion of meat either red ot white and has an intolerance for wheat or gluetin foods ie bread, pasta ect. I can`t say that having read this book that I have totally 100% followed it but there is one thing I am certain of, reduction of wheat type products in my diet has reduced the occurance and intensity of RES along with other problems like stiff joints and over frequent bowle movements(or just shitting all the time to be blunt!) What would interest me would be to know exactly how many of us who suffer RES are type O blood group and how many are not?
Also, I have tried rubbing various types of creams and lotions onto my ear (usually the right one, occasionally both)and have found that a cream called sudocream, which is zinc based and designed to alleviate bed sores, rashes or eczma helps with the burning but is best done at home as it is quite a thick cream and makes your ear look quite white over the redness but not natural. Again I cannot say whether or not it reduces the length of the res attack but will try experimenting with this more and prehaps try measuring the time compared with an attack without cream applied. I have also tried aloe vera which has a similar effect but it has to be a good quality and more expensive type on the market as many are not complete 100% aloe or close. My feeling on finding a solution to this is that there must be some type of drug or product either on the market or within the medical world that can or is able to cause the blood vessels to constrict or reduce in capacity. I am sure there are these type drugs used in surgery? Only, we outside the medical world will not have the knowlege of it or them! To me, if such a drug does exist, surely it can be formed or mixed into a topical lotion that can be rubbed onto the ear to reduce the redness. Otherwise, if this is not the case,we, the sufferers of this will have to consider finding a solution either through self testing or collectively looking at information on the condition.
Excuse me going on about this everyone but I kind of feel that, whats the point of having ideas or knowlegde if we can do anything with it!! It`s great to know there are others out there with this as I would otherwise think it only me!
hello, i havent read all the comments above, im 15 and my ear burns, it has done for years, its really funny because my nan has always told me its that someone is thinking about me. it doesnt really bother me any more i generally ignore it, on one site it says that your ear burning means that your having a brainwave! hehe a very clever ear i think...the best cure i think is to ignore it, or you could always go Van Gogh and cut it off...but i wouldnt surgest it..i think that would be even more painful!
I have hot-red ears and the only link I've found is sex...for what it's worth
Van Gogh must have had RES! haha
I just wanted to add that I also have suffered from this problem for most of my life.
It is a daily struggle.
I have a question. What are your eating habits? Eat junk food?? I have noticed since I started working out and eating healthy. I no longer have it at all. It has been a month at least since I have had it, every since I have changed my lifestyle.
I also get this red ear phenomenon. I too have a blood type of O. I have high blood pressure and stress. This recently started to me only about 8 months ago off and on. I am 24 years of age. Sometimes it is only my right ear that gets hot, other times both ears. I eat well and keep the junk food to a minimum. I no longer drink. I don't partake in street drugs. I do however smoke cigarettes. I am a christian (coming from a spiritual standpoint). Just curious to what other similarities exist among our red group. Maybe it is more than just a dilation of blood vessels. Look forward to any responses.
Seems we are finding some common bonds here - I also am type O, negative. My blood pressure fluctuates, low in morning, higher in evening. Changed lifestyle about a month ago, cutting sweets altogether, and eating much healthier - having a glass of wine once in a while. The left ear burns with drinking wine, face flushing added. When I am in kitchen cooking, everything facial is red ! My husband calls me 'rosy cheeks'. Also a Christian, don't think that has anything to do with this problem. Rob, you state you have stress - relax and let God handle the stress, he's going to be up all night anyway. If you can control it, do what you know is right and get it done. If you can't control it, let it go, and let God take care of it AND YOU!!! Don't think age has any bearing on this condition - I am 63. God bless everyone. ps. ice packs do help, the tongue thing does not.J
I have been getting hot, red ears all my life and so has my brother. I get this mostly in the winter. I use an ice cube or anything cold to cool it off (even pressing my ear against a window when no ice was available). I liked to think that getting a hot, red ear was an evolutionary thing that evolved so that the wax in your ear would melt rather than gather and clog your ear. Unlikely, but it makes me feel better.
I CANNOT sleep with polyester pillow cases or types of pillows that make your ear hot, or it may set it off. I use a 100% down pillow with a 100% cotton cover.
Hmmmm...mine started (both sides, sometimes just the left, sometimes just the right) just this summer right after I'd moved into a new apartment and was undergoing a lot of stress. I live in Brooklyn, NY and work in Manhattan and Jersey, so I'm on the subway a lot - always fun to have this happen there. And I have very short hair, so aside from hiding under a ski cap, not much to be done. Anyway, I stumbled upon something the other day while doing a "red ears" search where someone mentioned that they'd contracted a case of contact dermetitis on their ears from a down pillow (improperly sterilized feathers?). Funny thing is - I'd bought 2 new down pillows just about the time this started. Well I chucked them yesterday in favor of 2 hypoallergenics, so we'll see if that has any effect. I'd been travelling in December and not sleeping on them and it did seem to be happening less frequently...I don't know. I'll try to report back in a month or so and let you all know if it helped.
Good luck to everyone here. I know what a royal pain this is...
Very interesting and somewhat comforting to know that I'm not the only one that experiences this. I'm 40 years of age, non-smoker, occasional drinker, O+ blood and have had this sporadically for all my life (one or both ears). I had migranes as a child but grew out of them for the most part, but still get maybe 1 a year. I just started looking around on the Internet after my wife noticed that my son (4 years old) is having the same thing and strangely, it will happen to both of us at the same time. We're both in good physical condition otherwise, but obviously it is something hereditary, and brought on by some environmental conditions - my son doesn't drink alcohol (not till he's 21!!). I'll try to pay more attention as to food or drink and see if there's any common causes between us and report back.
Thanks for everyone's comments!
This red ear stuff is driving me nuts. I have it in both ears and lately it is happening almost daily. The redness or heat also will go down the back of my neck. No history of migranes. BP is normal to low. Don't know blood type. Had surgery on a ruptured disc in my neck over 10 yrs. ago. I am beginning to think that these two may be connected somehow. When I was young I remember some instances of the red ear, mostly related to being outside in the winter. (Hot to cold or vice versa) I like some of the rest of you am so glad to know that I am not the only one with this problem. I am seriously considering seeing a neurosurgen about the neck thing. Any comments will be appreciated.
Hmmm... very strange to see so many people with this. My left ear gets red and burns whenever I'm tired, or stressed. Both ears get red when I drink. I've also noticed a decrease in sensation in the left side of my face during the episode, haven't seen that mentioned here. For the record, I'm O-, I have ADHD, I do take Adderall, and I have had this (my mother says) almost since birth. She claims it was a tell tale sign that it was nap time! :)
I also have been experiencing this red ear syndrome. Left, Right and sometimes both. Always at night. Blood type is A-
I take norvasc 5mg for blood pressure last 4 years, but this ear thing has only started in the last month or so.
I do see a chiropractor and was thinking that maybe this had something to do with my neck adjustment that he did last month.
I will ask him the end of this month when I see him.
If it wasn't for the burning it wouldn't be too bad.
I don't know about any of you, but my right ear hurts when it becomes red and hot, and is very sensitive to touch. It hurts to sleep on it. I believe it may be related to drinking. Best of luck..
Dear BH,
It could be an autoimmune sickness. Please consult an ENT. Good luck and take care.
Fairly certain is has nothing to do with drinking. I personally do not drink alcohol. It may be neurological and related to stress. It seems that my ears, one or two, become most irriated when my emotions get the best of me. As brutus mentioned above with the ruptured disk in his neck, I too have disc problems. I have a par's defect (slipped disk + fractured verterbae) in my lumbar (lower back). Curious to see if anyone else has something similar. Also, does anyone with this red ear condition have any types of other conditions such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, etc. I personally do not have any of the mentioned but maybe the red ear syndrome (RES) is an early tell sign of something. Look forward to the comments.
P.S. Thank you for the direct comments J!
Hi again Rob, yes, I too have disc problems. Both cervical and lumbar.I've been going to a chiropractor for many, many years now - keeps me away from the surgeon! No diabetes, HIV or cancer that I've ever been diagnosed with. Like Scott, I suffered with migraines. I still get severe headaches that wake me up early in the morning, sometimes with a very painful earache from sleeping on the ear. hmmmmmmmm
Am 56 years old and have had red ear experiences as long as I can remember. Have Hepatitis C, bulging cervical disc, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, thyroid dysfunctions, etc., etc.. I have a friend who also has red ear problems and she has thyroid dysfunction, also. I Dont't drink or smoke (used to). Am sitting here now with 2 bright red, painfully hot ears and am glad I found ya'll... Doesn't help my ears but I'm glad to hear I'm not all by my lonesome!!
Male, 36. Have had episodes of one or both ears suddenly turn bright red and feeling hot for as long as I can remember. Tonight the left ear got hot and red, but this time the left side of my face also felt warm (which I don't remember happening before). I was concerned so I googled and found this site. I was stressed tonighted and I'm a generally anxious person. Had eaten about 3 minutes prior with lots of tabasco, and took two aspirin before also. It's been 1hr 45min and it's starting to cool down a bit, but I still feel it. My girlfriend could actually see the difference in color between my left and right ears.
I'm 51, and this happened to me today at midday for the first time in my life! It was my left ear, and it was really uncomfortable. After reading this very helpful thread, I suspect the culprit is alcohol. Last night, for the first time in ages, I had some wine and champagne in celebration of Valentine's Day.
Im also getting this crap every now and then. Im trying to figure out where its coming from and so far Im thinking that might be coming from people having a little worry or something that's in your mind almost all the time during the day, every day.
What do you think?
Wow, what a find. My quick dash to google to see if "burning ear" has found me this treasure trove of companion sufferers! I don't remember having this before, although it's possible, but last night my left ear turned crimson, then purple, and was so hot! It stayed the same for two hours, and everyone with me was amazed by it. I laughed it off, and eventually it went away. It was freezing outside, and I was in a warm building - also I'd eaten chocolate for valentines when I've been dairy free for 12+ months. No alcohol that day. Hadn't slept well for a couple of nights. Hmmm this does seem to be a mystery!I keep checking my ear to see if it's happening again! Considering the large amount of possible causes, we need someone to give us a correct diagnosis. Is there a doctor in the house?
My son, who is 6, gets a red, hot right ear at least every week. We use something called a "Chillow." It's an insert for a pillow that has a special gel inside it. You fill this little flat, flexible "pillow" with water and stopper it. The gel holds the water and it has never leaked. You put it under a pillow case and lay on it. It's very cool and it eases his ear discomfort very effectively. I bought mine on ebay but originally saw it in one of those catalogs you find on airplanes. Thought this might help someone.
Has anyone talked to any kind of medical person re this condition? I would really like to find out what is causing this. I still feel that mine has something to do with the surgery that I had on my neck. My neck at times bothers me and feels like it has fever or heat like feelings. I am really enjoying the info from all of you. This makes me feel better. Thought for awhile that I was dreaming all of this up.
I also get the burn. Mine is only in the right ear. It's going on about twice a day (for about a week now). I have a headache that I can't get rid of too. In the past, when the ear quits frying each day, the migraines start up. I look at it as a warning sign to keep the Imitrex handy. I guess the next few weeks won't be fun. The tongue trick doesn't help me much. I do notice lack of sleep and stress are sometimes a trigger. Or maybe I can't sleep and am stressed out because the side of my head is in flames.
Has anyone found a MEDICAL explanation for this. My ears started doing it last week and its scaring me. Red hot every evening like my body is trying to purge something. Thank you to anyone who replies. I will post anything I find out too.
I'm 43 and have been experiencing this for about 6 years. First notice was at the end of my pregnancy. At that time there was facial redness/swelling (on left) as well.... Now it's just periodic red ear w/the burning and heat. I have made the correlation to wine drinking (though not when pregnant), and tonight it came on immediately after a stressful episode (related to something I've been mentally obsessing about for some time!). I also clench/grind in my sleep and have had TMJ related issues. My blood pressure is extremely low and my diet is very healthy (mostly home cooked/organic foods.....though I do love my sugar!).
So far it appears to be stress related and probably exascerbated by alchohol.
Joanna writes <<So far it appears to be stress related and probably exascerbated by alchohol. >> I agree insofar as wine brings on my red ear. Been thinking about the stress factor. I am not under any stress, but I wonder if it can be brought on my suppressing an emotion. I have a tendancy to hold back anger, being very mild mannered the majority of time. Hmmmmmm, any comments group?
Very nice site!
Well after so many years of feeling alone in this subject ( before finding this site) I noticed that my brother's ear was really red the other day and talked to him about it ( he's 17 I'm 25) and OMG he has it too! He says his only happens when he has been out in the cold and comes in to a warm place. I still think it has something to do with diet though somehow. I haven't had an episode since I started my diet over a month ago. And I used to get it very frequently. Then again I used to get heartburn -alot- and I don't get that anymore either. Odd.
Hi guys. Wow. Thanks everyone for the tips. I get my red, hot, burning right ear at about 3:00 in the afternoon every day. This happens no matter what I have in my diet; and I also have very normal (if not a little on the low side) blood pressure and get lots of good sleep. I get the ear thing during times when I have absolutely no stress whatsover, and the hotness of it is actually painful to me. One time at work it was hurting me so terribly, that I went in to the kitchen at work and stuck my right ear in the freezer. Today, when I tried the tongue deal, I got some pleasant "chills" if you will, in my head (kind of like the chills you get in your body at times), which I could feel were cooling off my entire head, and consequently, my right ear! Cool! (no pun intended). At any rate, I will be checking out the site mentioned above, and thank you again all of you for your helpful input!
As I had previously mentioned, I do not drink alcohol and yet I still get the RES. I was wondering if anyone, with RES, also has acid reflux problems like myself? Also, was curious if it may be a sign of dehydration. Weather may also play apart because I did not start getting these red ears until last August when the weather turned cool. Now that it is starting to heat up here down south, my episodes have subsided greatly.
Yes Rob, I have acid reflux too, taking Nexium for it. Sometimes so bad I have to sleep sitting up, can't lay down. However, today the red ear came on when I was bending over to get something out of the freezer. This is crazy.
My nephew is 10 & visits regularly, often has this problem, both his ears get red hot.(He doesn't drink alcohol) I did however, see a program on tv one night that discussed Red Ear, ADD, & ADHD associated with food allergies. Possibly Dateline? Not really sure.
I'm 14 years old and one of my ears is constantly getting red and really hot can u help me?
Very helpful. I'm 23 and not sure how long exactly this has happened for - but its been at least several years. Generally happens to both ears late at night. They get really hot and really red.
Personally, it doesn't bother me too much. I've always thought it makes me unique and if nothing else, brings up a topic of conversation. My girlfriend thinks it's "cute"...so, there's that.
Points of interest which seem to be relevant and maybe helpful. I have ADHD and take adderal. I'm a financial analyst and work long hours - often with little sleep. My blood type is 'O', but I can't remember if its negative or positive (sorry). I drink on the weekends - but have never noticed a correlation. I don't drink coffee and generally stay away from chocolate and caffeine/sugary things. Migraines run in my family, but I've only had two or three in my life.
Since no one has a better answer, i'm going to just keep my original assumption that it happens to those destined for greatness, like us.
Ok, I will list the following symptoms and what I have found, btw I'm 27 and in pretty good health, but was diagnosed with ADD in high school and took Ritalin for about a year:
1. Hot, red ears
2. Hot, red face and neck
3. Occasional upper chest gets red and hot.
4. Very mild edema swelling in my shins.
5. Occasional throat trouble (almost like it's closing up, but never any breathing trouble).
Bear with me, this is long, but has a point...
So here it goes, I've been to the doc for a couple of problems in the last 3 years. I had horrible stomach pain, still do, several days a week. Usually accompanied by a hurried rush to the toilet for a #2 :). However nothing was ever found, despite colonoscopy and endoscopy, scan, and ultrasound. I was told to de-stress, as the gastro physician tagged my profession with over stressing me and causing irritable bowel syndrome. Fine right...well, it hasn't gone away, but I gave up on it (after spending a lot of $$$ on tests).
A year later I was training for a mini-marathon and had horrible shin pains. Unbearable. Thinking that I might have stress fractures or shin splints I saw my doctor again. They took MRIs and X-rays, even a scan. Well, nothing. All they could see is that "yes" there was swelling. My instructions were to quit running. Fine, I did, but the swelling is still here (more than 1 year later). Now it's not bad swelling, but enough that if I put my finger on either of my shins with some light pressure, I can leave a small divot.
These two problems surfaced in the last three years, and you know what else did, the hot red ear, face, neck, and chest thing. I started to become very aware of it (the hot feeling, and red display).
Yes, drinking triggered it on many occasions, but not all drinking. It was specific beers that were causing me trouble, I have not had trouble with wines. I started to notice that wheat beers were the worst. Not only would I turn red and get hot, but my throat would kind of toughen up and get uncomfortable, thus I would always stop drinking. Funny again though, it doesn't always happen with the beer, but it does most of the time.
Well, just last week I had a bad episode (which led me to this site and others). What were the circumstances? I had a handful of pretzel sticks, and wheat was one of the key ingredients. But looking online it doesn't seem like wheat is a common allergy, so I'm skeptical that it's that simple, but I feel I'm getting closer to figuring this out.
I started putting the pieces together. I read that food allergies or intolerances can cause significant stomach trouble (pain, excessive trips to the stall, etc.). I also read that food allergies can cause fluid retention and edema. This could explain my shins, and the fact that in the last three years I have managed to put on 30 lbs. with relatively no change in activity level (I still go to the gym, just lower impact on the shins), and even less change in my diet (it's perhaps even better than it was 3 years ago).
On top of all of this, a final piece. The last two years my company has provided me with a complete blood screening. Both years my allergen indicator (Eosinophil) was very high...at 5.0 (1.0-3.0 is normal). Funny, even the nurse said, wow, you must be miserable with allergies. I don't get allergies, so I said no, not at all. No hay fever, no nothing. She was somewhat perplexed. The first year I just figured the test was off, but my most recent test indicates the same thing. So given this circumstance I really think that this all may be caused by a food allergen.
I will be contacting an allergist next week, but would like it of some others could respond to this before then. If anyone can pinpoint similar trouble, please let me know. You can send comments to my email if you do not wish to respond here.
I forgot to mention that I have migraines as well.
Hi John, since your post was quite long, this is the part to which I am responding,<<I read that food allergies or intolerances can cause significant stomach trouble (pain, excessive trips to the stall, etc.). I also read that food allergies can cause fluid retention and edema>>.
I agree. I have an intolerance for dairy products and they affect me this way. Even with the Lactaid I have excessive gas and swelling in the summer. So, yes there's a lot to be said for food allergens and I hope you will give us an update after your visit and results. I believe you may be in for a long time of testing, eliminating one type of food after another. I suspect wheat, gluten etc. I know how bloated I feel after eating spaghetti, bread products or similar. [my favorite!!!]
Don't know what effect all of this has on red ear, but maybe we're honing in on something here. Keep us informed, OK? God bless, J
Hi John !
I don´t mean to scare you but I think you have to check with your doctor for carcinoid (a slow growing cancer). If your symptoms are abdominal discomfort, diarreah and flushing you have to check for hormones produced by a carcinoid tumor. Theese tests include a 24-hour urine collection called 5-HIAA and bloodtest for Chromogranin A+B. I have just the red ears and occasionally the flushing of the upper body but my doctor thinks I have a carcinoid tumor, I will get my testresults next week. Theese tumors can arise in the lungs,stomach and gastro intestinal tract. They are often very small and hard to find with ultrasound, CT and MRI. 10 % of the people with carcinoid tumors never find the original tumor but just the metastases.
I´m telling you this because if you get a correct diagnosis fast you have better chances to fight the tumor succesfully.
Hi Pierre,
What were the results of your May 06 bloodtest? Please let us know.
Thanks!
Since I get migraines after I go through a few weeks of RES each day. I decided to try my Imitrex before they started up. And it worked. I haven't had a hot ear since I took it (almost 2 weeks now). I also have ADD and allergies. I do drink some alcohol but I can't see that it makes it happen any more offen. I can see where stress does.
I have had asthma and lots of allergies for 50 some yrs. All is under control with inhalers and past allergy shots were also helpful. Do believe allergies may be related to our red ears but also have something new to add. I have been doctoring for a week now for fluid in the ears and some sinus infection. I have had a steriod shot and am taking the generic brand of augmentin. Since all of this I have not had any episode with my red ears. My everyday life has been the same except for this illness. I really appreciate all of the comments on this annoying problem with the ears.
Guess I spoke to soon. Its the 8th day of taking the medicine that I thought was helping my ear and now the red ear is back Only one is red this time. Guess since the steriod shot should be wearing off by now that that is what helped my ears. Who knows....I am about to give up on any solution.
I could fry eggs on my ears they are so hot today! So in my internet search for an answer I came across this posting list-- how odd that there is no explanation for this! For me, sometimes it's one ear, usually my right, but most often it's both. I can't remember now for how long this has been going on, but I'm 35 years old, and I can't remember not having it happen. It's generally on a daily basis, starting in the afternoon around 3-4pm, but it also sometimes kicks in when I drink, and also sometimes when I've had little sleep. Are we space aliens or something? Please let me know if anyone figures this out!
I wonder if we are discussing different syndromes here. RES, as normally discussed by neurologists, is that painful condition usually in one ear - rarely in both. The ear may appear red and have a painful ( but not always burning) sensation which can spread from the area around the ear - and can be excruciating. Just having an ear that turns bright red and may feel hot is not regarded as RES.
The problem with this is syndrome is that it is exactly that - a syndrome not an actual treatable condition.
The sad fact is that having spent much time and money with four different neurologists in Dublin and London(inc the top neurological clinic) none of them could state the cause of this condition. I got different reasons - relapsing polychondritis being one of them. Other suggestions :- it is related to migraine (especially for younger sufferers), or it is associated with upper cervical disorders( (as in cervical spinal area,not cervix) or with temporomandibular joint dysfunction or with trigeminal nerve disorders -the list goes on.
Neurologists are happy to take your money with no guarantee that they have any idea how to cure this.
It is my wife who has suffered from this for some years - she's just had three weeks nonstop most of each day with an extremely painful ear that has spread and is causing her the greatest agony and distress. The doctors have put her on anti-depressants and various calcium blockers (mainly because both medicines in different ways lower the "firing" of the nerves which cause pain) -but they ain't working, and are unlikely to unless a cause ifs found.
She is desperate -and if anyone else out there suffers like she does and has come across an effective remedy please tell me.
Medically there seems to be no answer.
So, we'll try anything.
I think Nick you have made a significant observation. Are we all talking about the same thing ? Some people who are talking about the RES seem to be comfortable enough to bother about the social embarassment. While for many like my mother it is the pure agony which over-rides any other characteristic of RES. She had breast cancer 8 years earlier. Her treatment(chemo +radio) seemed to have worked. Now we are getting this RES for a couple of months and the frequency is rapidly going up. Now she seems to be getting this pain 3-4 times a day. The prognosis is seemingly scary. Is there any relationship between cancer and RES ? regards jasmeet, new delhi, india
When one or both of my ears gets red, they are beet red and feels like it goes further down my neck, but not as red. I can't really say that this is painful to me, just very irrating. I am now trying to not take anything for everyday aches and pains but tylenol. I have taken a lot of advil, motrin etc. for the common aches and pains. Since I do have allergies this may be a factor with me. My daughter told me that asthmatics are not suppose to take anything but tylenol,so I will try this for a couple of weeks.
check this out:
http://www.nwherald.com/StyleSection/gott/360916469578005.php
Excerpt: ""until scientists discover a cure for stress-related vascular instability. No one knows the cause of this phenomenon, which is fairly common in people who are particularly sensitive to the effects of psychological discomfort. "" Yes, I have seen that this is how it affects me. I am in a situation where I get the slightest bit heated, my ear turns red, then my face, sometimes even my nose. I can't explain when I'm questioned, just embarrassed. I don't enjoy the frustration. But, looks like we have to live with it, huh?
I am a 34 year old Chinese male living in Hong Kong. One of my ears usually turns red hot. So hot that even ice cannot cool it down. Sometimes left ear, sometimes right ear. Seldom both. My siblings do not have the same problem. Not any member of my family. I don't do much exercise, I don't drink regularly, I don't smoke, I am single and a little bit chubby. I know red ears can be caused by stress or alcohol but they are not the only reasons, definitely. It NEVER happens in the morning. Only in the afternoon or evening. Sometimes in the summer (about 30 degrees in Hong Kong, but I am usually in an air-conditioned place), but usually more serious in autumn and winter (about 10 to degrees). When I am outdoor, it occurs less frequently. When I am indoor, in a room with lots of people, then it occurs quite readily. I have lived in Britain for about two years, and I remember I didn't have this red ear symptom during that period. I have asked doctors but they said it's no big deal. I have this strange thing for as long as I can remember. I tried to see if it is related to the air, humidity and temperature of the environment. Well, temperature doesn't seem to play an important role. Maybe humidity. But now I believe that CO2 may be the culprit (a crowded, less ventilated place is the worst for me, even if it's cold). Anyway, it is so great to discover this homepage and now I know that I am not alone - I have never ever seen anyone who has the same symptom. I will try the tongue trick next time when my ear turns red. But then, even if it does not work, I do not mind. To my friends, it's my trademark! No more embarrassment after all these years. Even my barber gets used to it when I am having a haircut! Thank you for reading.
Mr.Crazy, I have the exactly same symptoms. The only difference is that both of my ears turn red hot.
I live in Bangalore, India.
Did you consult a doctor for this issue?
Hi,
I have the same problem too and there is a thumping feeling in my ears when it occurs and i feel the muscle around my ears contracting.
This usually occurs in my right ear and it will spread to my left ear. It is causing me a lot of distress as I just joined a new company and my colleagues think i'm weird and I am very much about to lose my job over something I cannot control.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Hi Fellow Red Ear Partners,
This is crazy. I never realized how many people suffer from this red ear thing. Mine is usually in my left ear and stress does trigger. Alcohol..big time!! I have no clue what this is or how to fix. I have read all the different postings and its seems we all have the stress and drinking in common, but if you notice some people are on meds, some aren't. some have High Blood pressure, most don't. I am in nursing school and have been trying to figure out why my ears get red.. still have no clue. All I know is when I do start drinking I have all my friends pointing out that once again my ear is red. Very annoying. I guess its not harmful, but since noone knows exactly what it is and caused from that leaves room for the possibilty that it may cause harm in the future?? Let me if anyone finds out anything?? Thanks
Red Hot in FL
I am 48 years old do not drink alcohol and have low blood pressure. The only meds I take are estrogen. Have been getting red hot ear most of my adult life. Sometimes it's one, sometimes both. My nephew also gets it. He has ADHD which some people mentioned having. Like the rest of you I wish we could find the common thread.
The same for me too now I don't feel so weird because it happens to somebody else everybody always points out I could be in the middle of the bar hey look her ear and chest is red again completely understand what you mean it is very annoying and frustrating as well because you don't know how to make it go away
I can't believe I found this site!! I am so excited! My two year old son has been experiencing this weird "red, hot, ear" for about three months. All of a sudden, one ear (usually his left) will get really hot, red (almost purple), and he says,"it's hot." I've been wondering what the heck is going on. It is sooooo comforting to read all of the posts. If anyone finds out new info, please share it. I am going to mention this to his doc. Thanks for sharing.
glad to find this topic on the internet must have been looking in the wrong place all this time.my 5 yr old boy gets this every night from about t-time (5-6).this coincides with him becoming very irritable and aggressive. he never gets this in the day.reading all these posts is comforting but does anyone know the cause and cure yet?
tony - my nephew was recently diagnosed with aspberger's syndrome, which some people have mentioned as a possible cause. he is in his teens, and went most of his life undiagnosed. mostly they thought he had behavioral problems, as he is actually quite bright, and most of the time was so sweet. but every evening, he would get irritable and aggressive, just like you say. i'm not trying to scare you, but it may be worth looking into.
My left ear will get extremely red and hot, its such a bother sometimes. When I told my doctor and my mother about this they simply laughed and made jokes as if it was funny. I don't find it funny I find it extremely annoying.. but I'm so glad I found this site.. any clues to what might help this stop?
I was doing some research about this red ear syndrome and cant find one common cause but i believe mine is caused by temporomandibular joint dysfunction
I am happy I am not alone now. It happens only either in the afternoon at 5pm or at night 8pm. Sometime one year sometime both. It started when I moved to a new province in Canada.
I think it is sugar, and excess of all grains (gluten free or not) as they turn to sugar rapidly no matter how healthy the package says they are.
Spoke with my Internist....many of the alcohol related episodes are most likely a histamine reaction...much like an allergic reaction to shellfish. Other triggers could cause the "hot" feeling, not just alcohol. We also discussed that too much insulin and glucose intolerance could be a trigger. (this is a follow up to a post I made above)
tony...your 5 year old getting "irritable & agressive" could be from the over production of insulin as I just mentioned above, and it appears someone else right before me was on to it as well...if his blood sugar becomes low, he would have those types of reactions. This happens to non-diabetics, so I would guess that may be where you want to investigate a new diet for your 5 year old. But I'm not a doc, so you should find out for yourself.
Update on my red ear problem. I have not had an episode since the first of March. I am only taking tylenol for any aches or pains that I have, other than my regular medicines that I have been taking for the fast heart beat and my COPD. One other thing that I have added to my regimen is over the counter Estroven for hot flashes etc. The time that I started the Estroven and quit taking any pain pill was about the same. Kinda makes me think that the Estroven is what really helped me as I take it twice a day and only take the tylenol when needed. Am so glad that I found this site. Thanks for all the info.
i am 7 years old and experiencing this from few weeks ago. could any one tell me the reason and how to solve it.
kiarash
wow, i posted a post way back in january and since then there has been loads of posts, at the moment i am currently revising for GCSEs and hav found that my ear is burning a lot more so i think it might have somthing to do with stress, i also get it when i am worried, or really really embarashed but then my whole face goes red anway so its not so noticable. im pretty healthy and dont drink reguarly or smoke and im not allergic to anything, dunno my blood group..hummm
hello to everyone!
o yer my sisters all suffer from bad migranes, fortunatly i dont, but none of there ears burn
WOW! I can't believe all the posts! I'm 39 and have had red ears for about 5 years. Mostly occurs in the late afternoon/early evening, and will ALWAYS occur after a glass of RED WINE. My doctor had no clue what to do about it. I tried the tingue trick and it worked briefly.
I am 61 years old and never had this ever happen to me until approx 1 year ago, right out of the blue, it can be just one ear at times, either left or right, or can be 2 at a time....its embarressing because people stare at you...I can't hide it as my hair is short...no one seems to have an answer as to why and what causes it.
I may be on to something. I've never been a big water drinker, always stuck with diet sode, coffee, or red wine. For the past week I cut all three out, and began drinking 5 20oz bottles of water a day, plus a Claritan at Noon. For the past week, I've only had a few red ear occurances and they were mild compared to past episodes. I'm starting to think that dehydration + allergies trigger red ear. Just a thought, you may want to try it.
Has Anyone got any valuable input from a Dr. on this red ear situation?? My son is 4 and for the last 2 years he's been a victim of red hot ears. One or the other or both! His Dr. , who is a great Dr. , doesn't seem to know what anything about it. But my son is in agony at least once a day for 30 min to a few hours.. He stands with his red ear up against the fridge or window trying to find relief. I just don't know what to do or what the heck is going on!!! what should i do?
Cheyenne
My son is 8 and gets the hot, red ear thing. We noticed it starting last October. He was really sick for six weeks with a fever that wouldn't go away. He was at Childrens's Hospital in Boston and the Infectious Disease unit at the hospital and no one could figure it out. He's fine now but the only leftover is the hot ears. I didn't know if this sickness unleashed something that is still floating around in him. He also gets it at night which would be when his resistence is at its lowest. I have to give him a cold cloth to cool it down. He is very healthy with no other problems and doesn't drink much tonic and drinks lots of water. Glad to know there are others out there.
I've spoken to 4 doctors on the subject, and all seem to think that it's triggered by stress/embarrasement/anxiety and is nothing to be alarmed about. I told them that it IS a big deal, especially when in public and people stare!!