Ashford Clinic Blog
Why Do My Throat and Ears Hurt?
Experiencing shart pains in the throat and/or ears can be incredibly unpleasant, and very concerning if it persists. While the most common cause of a sore throat is the common cold, there can be other underlying causes. In most cases, a sore throat will subside in a few days. If it doesn't, it's probably time to consult your doctor or even see your ENT.
What symptoms are associated with sharp ear and throat pain?
- Mild to severe pain in the back of your throat
- A dry or scratchy feeling in your throat
- Pain when swallowing or talking
- Swollen glands in your neck or jaw
- Muffled hearing
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Fluid drainage from the ear
You may also find that your symptoms are accompanied by a headache, fever, or a general feeling of being unwell.
Potential Causes
Aside from the common cold, other causes of ear and throat pain can include...
- Tonsillitis
- Allergies
- Acid Reflux
- Mononucleosis (Mono)
- Strep Throat
- Tooth Infection or Abscess
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)
- Chronic Sinusitis
All of these issues and conditions require specific treatments to address their root causes. It is important to seek treatment from your doctor or ENT to determine the root cause of your symptoms.
Environmental Irritants
Inhalation of certain substances can cause these symptoms as well, some of these irritants can include...
- Smoke
- Chlorine
- Wood dust
- Oven cleaner
- Industrial cleaning products
- Cement
If you are regularly around these irritants, it would be wise to take steps to use protection or to minimize your exposure to them in any way possible.
As stated earlier, most throat and ear pain will pass within a few days, but if it lingers, gets worse, or is accompanied by fever and other symptoms, you should seek medical treatment ASAP. If you are in the Athens/North GA area, give Ashford Clinic a call!
