Sore throat and ear pain are often connected to each other and may be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Other causes of these issues include allergies, drinking too much alcohol, infections of the teeth, or a uvula infection. Issues with the sinuses also can cause problems between the throat, nose, and ear. Severe problems can also be a sign of head or neck cancer.
The throat and ears are located closely beside each other, so many times a problem with one of these areas will cause problems in the other. A bacterial or viral infection that occurs in the throat or ear can cause sore throat and ear pain and the development of the same infection in the other area. Often, one side of the throat can be infected and cause the ear on the same side to become infected as well, while the other side the throat and the other ear remain untouched.
Symptoms of throat pain and ear pain often include a fever, trouble swallowing, excess phlegm, swollen lymph nodes, and a red, scratchy throat. A person may also lose his appetite when he has a sore throat. Some of these symptoms may require medical attention, especially if they last for more than just a few days. Home remedies can be used to treat mild symptoms, but severe problems may require the use of prescription antibiotics.
Sore throat and ear pain often occur for reasons other than a regular bacterial or viral infection. Tooth infections and uvula infections, for instance, can cause irritation in the ears and throat. Allergies and hay fever can cause stuffiness to occur in the nose and because of the close relationship between the ear, nose, and throat, fluids can be exchanged between the three and cause problems.
Drinking too much alcohol, eating food that is too hot or too cold, and using the vocal chords too much can cause a person to have a sore throat. This can then affect the tube that runs from the throat to the ear, causing it to swell. The swelling puts excess pressure on the inner part of the ear, resulting in an earache.
At times, cancer of the head or neck can be responsible for the development of a sore throat and ear pain. Many times, these symptoms are persistent and do not go away with the use of home remedies or antibiotics. Other symptoms may be present as well, including swollen glands, rash on the gums, trouble hearing, and trouble breathing.