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What Causes Sore Throat Followed By Ear Pain?
I had a sore throat for over a week now, lots of coughing, headaches, lost my voice for 4 days now, and now my ear is starting to hurt. Is this something that I should see a doctor for antibiotics. Or is this something that like a cold will just go away on it's own. I feel horrible and any colds I've had in the past never felt like this. The only time I had a fever was the very first day over a week ago.
Mon, 2 Jun 2014
Hi,
The brief clinical history that you provided is suggestive of an infection in the throat also possibly involving the voice box. The ear pain is likely to be a referred pain due to the throat infection (because they share the same nerve).
I recommend the following -
1. Steam inhalation twice or thrice daily
2. Warm salt water gargles twice daily
3. Rest your voice as much as possible for a 1 week. Speak softly if it is unavoidable (don't whisper)
4. Avoid clearing your throat too often
5. Drink plenty of fluids
6. Avoid smoking if you have the habit (also avoid passive smoking)
Anti-inflammatory medications could be helpful. Please see your doctor if the symptoms persist after 2-3 days, you may need a course of an antibiotoic.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr. Prasad
The brief clinical history that you provided is suggestive of an infection in the throat also possibly involving the voice box. The ear pain is likely to be a referred pain due to the throat infection (because they share the same nerve).
I recommend the following -
1. Steam inhalation twice or thrice daily
2. Warm salt water gargles twice daily
3. Rest your voice as much as possible for a 1 week. Speak softly if it is unavoidable (don't whisper)
4. Avoid clearing your throat too often
5. Drink plenty of fluids
6. Avoid smoking if you have the habit (also avoid passive smoking)
Anti-inflammatory medications could be helpful. Please see your doctor if the symptoms persist after 2-3 days, you may need a course of an antibiotoic.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr. Prasad
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