Managing an earache and sore throat: Tips for relief and when to get help

Just having an earache or a sore throat can be bothersome and uncomfortable, but having both at the same time may be the sign of a larger problem. While some cases resolve on their own, others require medical treatment. Knowing when to seek care is crucial to your recovery.

Earache and sore throat: Common causes

Allergies, sinusitis and acid reflux are also common culprits behind simultaneous throat and ear pain. These conditions cause inflammation, congestion or irritation that can affect both areas. Seasonal allergies, for instance, may lead to postnasal drip which can lead to throat irritation and ear pressure.

Both an earache and sore throat can be isolated symptoms that resolve over time. Sometimes, they may be a result of overuse or overexposure. A sore throat may arise from overextending your voice, dry air or possibly food allergies. Similarly, sometimes we experience ear pain as a result of prolonged exposure to loud music or noise.

That said, most of us can tell the difference between throat or ear pain caused by overextending our voices and ear canals compared to pain caused by an infection.

Bacterial infection tends to be the most common cause of an earache and sore throat. Acute otitis media is the medical term for the most common earache. It occurs in the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that houses the small bones in our ear canal. These earaches often accompany sore throats, especially when caused by bacterial and viral infections. Fluid buildup in the middle ear can create pressure and pain that radiates to the throat. Swimmer’s ear is another infection resulting from bacterial buildup due to the presence of water in the outer ear canal.

Other common causes of ear and throat pain include:

• Sinusitis or tonsillitis
• Earwax buildup
• Ear injuries
• Tonsil stones

Strep throat and its symptoms

It is possible that experiencing a sore throat paired with an earache may indicate strep throat, a contagious bacterial infection. Though strep throat is most common in children, it can affect people at any age. If you or your child has signs or symptoms of strep throat, you should seek medical care for prompt testing and treatment. Symptoms of strep throat include:

• Severe throat pain
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Swollen tonsils

Additional strep throat symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting or stomach pain, especially in children. Although, strep throat can lead to complications like ear infections or even rheumatic fever, it is usually easily treated and does not cause long-term problems.

When to seek medical attention

While mild cases may improve with rest and home remedies, certain symptoms warrant a visit to urgent care. Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Swelling or difficulty swallowing
• Fever
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Severe persistent pain
• Fluid discharge from the ear

CareNow® offers quick, reliable diagnosis and treatment. We can identify whether your symptoms stem from a simple infection, strep throat or something else. Find a location here.

How to find pain relief

Fortunately, several treatments are easily available and may help you avoid a visit to the doctor. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation. These options are especially useful for managing mild to moderate symptoms.

Other home remedies may include warm compresses applied to the ear to help soothe pain and steam inhalation to help relieve nasal congestion and reduce throat irritation. Staying hydrated and using throat lozenges may also provide temporary relief.

Finally, avoiding any activity that could aggravate the affected areas will help with recovery. In short, try to avoid raising your voice and protect your ears from loud and prolonged noise. Elevating your head while sleeping helps reduce pressure in the ears and sinuses.

Why choose CareNow®

If you need convenient care after hours or on the weekend, consider visiting your local CareNow® urgent care clinic. With more than 220 locations throughout the country, our medical providers are ready to see you when you need it most.

CareNow® offers comprehensive and accessible healthcare through our extensive clinic network, convenient Web Check-In® service, and, making us a dependable option for your medical needs. Visit the CareNow locations webpage to find a clinic near you.