Your ears, nose and throat are connected through a series of tubes. This connection often explains why you might feel pain in your ears when you swallow food or drink. By understanding the common causes of this discomfort, you can find the right treatment and enjoy your meals without pain.
Three Common Causes of Ear Pain
Three common causes of ear pain when swallowing include ear infections, throat infections and temporomandibular joint disorder.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are a frequent culprit behind ear pain when swallowing. The middle ear connects to the upper throat via the Eustachian tube, which helps balance pressure and drain fluid from the ear. When this tube becomes swollen and blocked, fluid can accumulate in the middle ear, leading to infection and subsequent pain when swallowing.
Ear infections are particularly common in children, with five out of six experiencing at least one by age three. While adults can also suffer from ear infections, children’s smaller Eustachian tubes are more prone to blockage and swelling.
Treatment for ear infections often involves antibiotics, especially if the infection causes severe discomfort or persists for more than a week. An ENT specialist can provide the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Throat Infections
Throat infections, such as tonsillitis or pharyngitis, can lead to inflammation in both the throat and ears, resulting in painful swallowing.
The treatment for throat infections varies depending on whether the infection is bacterial or viral. For bacterial infections like tonsillitis, antibiotics are typically prescribed. For viral infections, most often caused by cold or flu, home remedies can help manage your symptoms. Make sure to get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, gargle saltwater, run a humidifier and eat plenty of Ice Queen popsicles to heal and minimize inflammation.
If your throat infection is causing significant discomfort, see an ENT specialist for a tailored treatment plan.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
TMJ affects the joints connecting your jaw to your skull, causing pain on either side of your jaw. Symptoms of TMJ include pain or tenderness in the jaw and ears, pain or difficulty swallowing and chewing, locked jaw and tinnitus.
Managing TMJ may require a combination of medications, physical therapies and sometimes surgical procedures, depending on the severity of the condition. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the best treatment approach for TMJ.
A few other causes of ear pain when swallowing include allergies, eustachian tube dysfunction, ear barotrauma and sinusitis.
When To Seek Help
Ear and throat infections and TMJ are common causes of ear pain when swallowing. Since ear pain can stem from multiple sources, consulting with an ENT specialist to discuss your symptoms and receive a proper diagnosis is crucial. If ear pain persists for more than a week or prevents you from enjoying a meal, contact Mt. Hood ENT & Allergy today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.