What Causes Persistent Ear And Throat Pain?

Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 28 Aug 2014 Answered on

Fri, 19 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had constant pain in my right ear and throat for about a month now. It does not hurt to swallow and throat doesn't seem to be inflamed or sensitive when I feel it on the outside.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
As below:

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. Get the following tests done:
a. A throat examination and a videolaryngoscopy.
b. An ear and nose examination.
c. A Pure tone Audiogram (PTA) and an Impedance Audiogram (Tympanogram).

2. If the ear examination and tests are normal, then this is a referred pain from the throat to the ear (common nerve supply).

3. Throat pain without infection, fever and inflammation can be due to a number of causes. Common causes include acid reflux, a post nasal drip of mucus, snoring and sleep breathing disorders, dryness, dehydration, glossitis, enlarged styloid process, hyoid burstis, referred pain from the pyriform fossa and so on.

4. Use a medicated gargle and a painkiller for a couple of days. If this persists, get yourself examined.

I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further 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