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What Does Pain In Ear While Swallowing Suggest?

Posted on Wed, 29 Apr 2015

Question: Hello.

My right ear hurts when I swallow. I also keep burping. Have a bad taste in my mouth .
I keep swallowing and it feels really uncomfortable and like something is in my right throat and ear

I don't know if its right throat too - but it feels more like the ear.
My ear is ringing too - but I have had that for many years.

The doctor looked and said he cant see an infection but some white stuff on the wax in the ear.
He said he doesn't think its from cotton bud use.
I have been used garlic oil but hasn't worked.

I have been asked to use waxol for 5 days by my doctor to soften the wax so he can clean it I think.
I keep worrying it could be something serious.
He told me not to worry but I have had hyperthyroid but no ear pain.
I have also large tonsils but never an issue.

Please help me to ease my anxiety.

And now I worry about this ear thing :(

Thankyou.

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Seems to be eusthacian tube dysfunction.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I had gone through your question and understand your concerns that you are having ear pain during swallowing.

Based on your clinical details, it appears to be tonsillitis or eusthacian tube dysfunction are the causes for pain in the ear during swallow.

Tongue and tonsill shares common nerve supply with ear. Any lesion in these structures causes ear pain.

Ringing in ears and blockage could be due to eusthacian tube dysfunction tube or impacted cerumen (wax).

I suggest you to do audiometry ( to see eusthacian tube dysfunction) after wax removal. You may also require permanent solution for tonsillar hypertrophy causing repeated episodes of tonsillitis (tonsillectomy). kindly discuss with your treating doctor.

Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (40 minutes later)

Symptoms.

ALL on the right side.

Chest tightness

Upper back discomfort tightness

Neck tightness

Right ear pressure/fullness sensation on swallowing

Right throat discomfort on swallowing

burping

dry mouth

cracks on the side of mouth

Very bad taste in mouth

Is this something you can also answer as well?
IT may or may not be linked to the diagnosis you have already made.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cervical spondylosis

Detailed Answer:

Hello again,

Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.

Your symptoms are suggestive of Eustachian tube dysfunction with cervical spondylosis.

I suggest you to follow these measures to overcome your health issues.

1. Wear soft neck collar, restrict forceful neck movements and take pain killers sos.

2. Cracked lips and drying of mouth indicates indicates dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. Take over the counter multivitamins daily one tab with plenty of fluids (water,juice and fruits).

3. Eustachian tube dysfunction - Start Valsalva exercises (watch you tube video) after wax removal.

4. Exercise- walking.

5. In case of persistence, requires MRI neck, blood tests and audiometry.

Hope, I have answered your query.

All the best.Take care.

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. Shanthi.E