What Causes Severe Itching In Ear Along With Throat Pain?

Posted on Sat, 27 Dec 2014

Question: I had a really bad itch in my left ear canal on Saturday. I was very aggressive in itching it with a Q-tip. Sunday I woke up and it felt like someone punched my in my throat. It's a deep pain in my throat both when I swallow and if I touch the exact area where you would check for a pulse. My ear has been fine, but the left side (nose, eye, temple area ) feels beat up. Not visually but just don't feel 100%. My throat is a pain that I have never felt before. Any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Referred pain.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. Since the entire head and neck area shares common nerve supply, referred sensations and pain is common.

2. It is possible that the itching in the ear was a referred sensation of an early sore throat. It is also possible that the aggressive use of a q-tip injured the delicate external ear canal skin and the throat pain is a referred sensation. It is also possible that both are separate issues.

3. Only a direct examination of the throat and ear will help identify the source of the pain.

4. The best way forward is to see an ENT Specialist. Alternately, you may continue with the painkiller for a couple of days (after meals) and see a specialist only if the pain worsens or persists.

If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar