Ear Pain When Swallowing On One Side
If you find it painful to swallow and you have a sore throat, your earache could be a symptom of a throat infection, such as tonsillitis or quinsy (an abscess on one side of the back of your throat, which can sometimes make it very difficult to swallow even fluids).
How do I get rid of ear pain when I swallow?
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction – Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) occurs when the joint connecting the jaw bone to the skull becomes damaged. A person can experience pain when chewing, talking, or swallowing. Pain can also occur in the ears.
Why do I have a weird pain in my ear when I swallow?
Causes of Ear Pain when Swallowing – There are several potential causes of ear pain when swallowing, ranging from minor issues to more severe conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
- Ear Infections. One of the most common causes of ear pain when swallowing is an ear infection, which can cause inflammation and swelling in the middle ear. This can lead to pressure and pain, especially when swallowing or yawning. If left untreated, an ear infection can cause more severe complications, such as hearing loss.
- Sinus Infections, Sinus infections can also cause ear pain when swallowing, as the sinus and Eustachian tubes are connected. Inflammation in the sinuses can cause pressure and ear pain, especially when swallowing or blowing your nose.
- Throat Infections, Throat infections, such as tonsillitis or pharyngitis, can also cause ear pain when swallowing. This is because the throat and the Eustachian tube are connected, and inflammation in the throat can lead to pressure and pain in the ears.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder. TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. This condition can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, and ears, especially when chewing or swallowing.
- Allergies. Allergies can cause inflammation and swelling in the sinuses and Eustachian tubes, leading to pressure and ear pain.
- Foreign Objects, If a foreign object becomes lodged in the ear, it can cause pain and discomfort, especially when swallowing.
- Structural Problems. Structural problems, such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils, can cause blockages in the Eustachian tube, leading to pressure and pain in the ears when swallowing.
- Injuries. Trauma to the ear, such as a blow to the head or ear, can cause ear pain when swallowing.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction, Dysfunction of the Eustachian tube can lead to ear pain when swallowing. This can be caused by various factors, including allergies, sinus infections, and changes in altitude.
- Tonsillitis – Inflammation of the tonsils can cause ear pain when swallowing, primarily if the tonsils are located close to the Eustachian tube.
Why does one ear and half my throat hurt?
Frequently Asked Questions –
What causes throat and ear pain on one side? Infections like the common cold, strep throat, mono, sinus infections, tooth infections, allergies, TMJ, and acid reflux can all cause pain in the throat and ear. Usually, you’ll have throat and ear pain on both sides. However, some causes are more likely than others to lead to one-sided ear and throat pain. For example, if one of your tonsils is more irritated than the other, you might feel discomfort mostly on that side. It’s also possible to get an ear infection in one ear but not the other. Conditions like TMJ can cause pain on both sides or just one side. What are home remedies for throat and ear pain when swallowing? Eat soft, cold foods that are easy to chew and swallow, drink plenty of cool fluids, and take OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen for about 30 to 60 minutes before eating and drinking. What can help ease a sore throat and ear pain? OTC pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) can help relieve your symptoms. Cough drops can soothe the back of the throat, as can cold foods and fluids. You can also apply heating pads or ice packs on your neck or near your affected ear. Keeping your upper body elevated if you have acid reflux can help prevent acid from coming up the esophagus into the back of your throat. This position can also encourage the auditory tube to drain if it is clogged with mucus or debris.
When I swallow or yawn my ear hurts?
When you swallow or yawn, the tubes open briefly to let air in to make the pressure in the middle ears equal to the pressure outside of the ears. Sometimes fluid or negative pressure gets stuck in the middle ear. The pressure outside the ear gets too high. This blockage causes ear pain and sometimes trouble hearing.
How long should I wait with ear pain?
Article: Ear Infection: How Long Does It Last? When Should You See a Doctor? Ear infections, also known as acute otitis media, are infections of the middle ear. Most ear infections originate in the air-filled spot behind the eardrum where tiny vibrating bones of the ear are located.
- Children are more likely to get an ear infection than adults.
- Some ear infections clear up on their own, while others require a doctor’s analysis.
- The length of an ear infection may vary.
- However, if discomfort from your middle ear infection persists, you should see a doctor.
- Antibiotics are usually prescribed to cure this irritating issue.
Overview of Ear Infections Infections of the ear can be either bacterial or viral. They are painful because of the inflammation and buildup of fluids in the sensitive middle ear. It is possible to develop an ear infection in both ears, which can cause hearing issues and other complications.
There are two general types of ear infections: acute and chronic. An acute ear infection is a singular, isolated infection that is painful but does not return after treatment or clearing up. Chronic ear infections recur often and never completely go away. They can cause serious hearing issues and damage to the ear.
Causes of an Ear Infection Ear infections occur when the eustachian tubes, which connect your middle ear to your upper throat, become inflamed or blocked. This infection causes fluid to build up in the middle ear. Illnesses such as colds and the flu can cause ear infections.
- Allergies are also a common cause.
- Sinus infections and an abundance of mucus can cause the eustachian tubes to swell.
- Ear infections happen whenever your health is compromised and a virus or bacterium finds a way into your middle ear.
- How Long Do They Last? The amount of time an ear infection affects someone varies from person to person and with their age and health level.
The average person experiences a middle ear infection for about 3 days, with symptoms sometimes lasting for a week. As mentioned earlier, ear infections will occasionally go away on their own in a couple of days. When Should You See A Doctor? You should if ear infection symptoms last longer than a day or two.
- Common symptoms of ear infections include ear pain, frequent fluid drainage of the ear, hearing problems, and headaches.
- You should not hesitate to contact your doctor soon after experiencing symptoms if they are intense.
- It is essential to have a medical professional diagnose and administer treatment if necessary.
How Doctors Diagnose Ear Infections There are a variety of ways that a doctor identifies and diagnoses ear infections. Doctors will get a full look at the outside and inside of your ear with an otoscope, a magnifying lens. A doctor may or may not diagnose you with an ear infection after taking a detailed look.
- Your doctor can also test how well your ear is working and gathering sound.
- Treatments Treatment of ear infections depends on the person.
- You can purchase over-the-counter drugs such as Advil, Tylenol, and ear drops.
- If your doctor finds that you have an ear infection, he can prescribe drugs designed to fight the infection.
These are usually strong antibiotics. is here to take care of you and your family’s health. Our experienced medical professionals know how to get rid of an ear infection. for more information or contact us at, : Article: Ear Infection: How Long Does It Last? When Should You See a Doctor?
What makes ear pain go away?
Home Care – The following steps may help an earache:
Place a cold pack or cold wet washcloth on the outer ear for 20 minutes to reduce pain.Chewing may help relieve the pain and pressure of an ear infection. (Gum can be a choking hazard for young children.)Resting in an upright position instead of lying down can reduce pressure in the middle ear.Over-the-counter ear drops can be used to relieve pain, as long as the eardrum has not ruptured.Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can provide relief for children and adults with an earache. (DO NOT give aspirin to children.)
For ear pain caused by a change of altitude, such as on an airplane:
Swallow or chew gum as the plane descends.Allow infants to suck on a bottle or breastfeed.
The following steps can help prevent earaches:
Avoid smoking near children. Secondhand smoke is a major cause of ear infections in children.Prevent outer ear infections by not putting objects in the ear.Dry the ears well after bathing or swimming.Take steps to control allergies. Try to avoid allergy triggers.Try a steroid nasal spray to help reduce ear infections. (However, over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants do not prevent ear infections.)
Does drinking water help ear pain?
There are several things you can do to help relieve your symptoms related to a middle ear infection. Increasing your water intake is one important step you can take to assist your body with clearing the infection.
