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What Causes Sharp Pain In Ear While Swallowing?

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Posted on Fri, 23 Jan 2015
Question: I started having sharp pain in my right ear when blowing my nose or swallowing. Took decongestants seemed to get better. On Saturdaybi started having pain under ear and along jawline. Sometimes I have sharp pain in ear and shoulder.ear isn't tender to touch but the area outside my ear on my face, along jaw and under ear is. Low grade temp. Have been on 500mg amox once day since Sunday.
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Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Otitis media

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns.

You have been experiencing severe right ear pain that is worsened by swallowing and blowing your nose. This does sound like you have an ear infection. When you have a cold and you blow your nose too hard the ear can actually get infected from the pressure blown back into the ear. I recommend that you reduce the force you use to blow your nose to prevent the added pressure to your ear. You have already tried a decongestant to relieve the pressure but it still is present. The decongestant may take several days to fully relieve that pressure. In addition to oral decongestants you can try nasal decongestant for a few days. this may also help reduce the pain.

I see that you have been taking amoxicillin once daily. This is a totally inadequate dose. You need to be taking 500mg three times a day to treat otitis media properly. If you are using an old prescription then I recommend that you seek medical attention and have them check you ear and start on the proper dose or use another antibiotic.

To help the pain I also recommend taking a regular dose of aspirin, Tylenol or ibuprofen.

In summary
1. Continue decongestants
2. Add a nasal decongestant
3. Seek medical attention for proper dose of amoxicillin or other antibiotic
4. Add regular dosing of aspirin, Tylenol or ibuprofen

I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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What Causes Sharp Pain In Ear While Swallowing?

Brief Answer: Otitis media Detailed Answer: Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns. You have been experiencing severe right ear pain that is worsened by swallowing and blowing your nose. This does sound like you have an ear infection. When you have a cold and you blow your nose too hard the ear can actually get infected from the pressure blown back into the ear. I recommend that you reduce the force you use to blow your nose to prevent the added pressure to your ear. You have already tried a decongestant to relieve the pressure but it still is present. The decongestant may take several days to fully relieve that pressure. In addition to oral decongestants you can try nasal decongestant for a few days. this may also help reduce the pain. I see that you have been taking amoxicillin once daily. This is a totally inadequate dose. You need to be taking 500mg three times a day to treat otitis media properly. If you are using an old prescription then I recommend that you seek medical attention and have them check you ear and start on the proper dose or use another antibiotic. To help the pain I also recommend taking a regular dose of aspirin, Tylenol or ibuprofen. In summary 1. Continue decongestants 2. Add a nasal decongestant 3. Seek medical attention for proper dose of amoxicillin or other antibiotic 4. Add regular dosing of aspirin, Tylenol or ibuprofen I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions.