Exercising can bring about pain in your left ear for a number of different reasons, including teeth problems, acid reflux, cold weather or even arthritis. See your physician to determine the exact cause of the ear pain and to get recommendations for treatment.
Causes
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ear pain in adults is not usually caused by an ear infection; rather, it is usually referred pain which can come from the temporomandibular joint, your teeth, throat or some other location. Therefore, strenuous exercise can cause you to suffer from left ear pain that may be coming from another part of your body. For example, tooth infections or arthritis of your jaw can cause pain in your left ear.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology reports that inflammation in your middle ear can also cause ear pain; called otitis media, it is common in the winter and spring months for both adults and children. Exercising outdoors during these months can put you at increased risk because of the cold weather or seasonal allergies.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is another potential cause of left ear pain, as according to the University of Washington Medical Center, an earache is one of GERD's symptoms.
Treatment
Your physician may need to look into your ear canal and take a close look at your eardrum by using a pneumatic otoscope, and may also order diagnostic tests such as tympanometry, which measures the movement of your eardrum, or tympanocentesis, which pierces the eardrum to drain the fluid. Your physician can then test this fluid for infection. If you have a problem with GERD, your physician may need to do X-rays or even an endoscopy to view your esophagus and stomach. If a tooth infection is causing your ear pain, you may need to take antibiotics or have a root canal.
Prevention
If you suffer from arthritis in your jaw, avoid exercises that jar that area. Wear headgear that keeps your ears warm in cold weather. If you have problems with gastric reflux, avoid eating spicy foods before exercising, or just refrain from eating before exercising altogether.
Considerations
Increased blood flow in your body during exercise can cause your earache to become worse. If this happens, stop, sit down and relax. Use warm compresses on your ear or take a warm shower to see if this relieves the pain. However, if the pain and discomfort continue, seek immediate medical assistance, as you may have an ear infection; your physician may need to prescribe antibiotics or even pain killers.
Warning
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, earaches caused by otitis media can also cause dizziness and loss of balance. This can be potentially dangerous during exercise and lead to falls and other injuries. In addition, MayoClinic.com notes that an untreated ear infection can cause hearing loss and speech problems, or the infection could even spread to other areas such as the brain.
