You swallow some food, and then a sharp pain shoots up your ear. Ouch! That was weird. Let’s try another mouthful. Yep, still there. Why on earth would swallowing make your ear hurt?

Don’t worry—you’re not alone. This may sound strange, but ear pain when swallowing is actually quite common. Several factors can cause this pain.

In most cases, the cause of your ear hurting when you swallow isn’t too serious. However, it’s helpful to understand the root cause to alleviate the pain and determine whether you might need medical attention.

At WOW Healing Care, we love fielding questions like these! Primary care physician Dr. Edwards is here to address all your medical concerns, even the quirky ones. Our direct primary care model ensures unlimited access to doctor appointments and advice.

Common Causes of Ear Pain When Swallowing

There are several reasons why your ear might hurt when you swallow. Some causes are more common than others, and understanding these can help you determine if you need to see a healthcare provider.

1. Ear Infections (Otitis Media)

An ear infection is one of the most common reasons for ear pain when swallowing. This occurs when bacteria or viruses cause the middle ear to become inflamed and filled with fluid. Ear infections are more common in children but can affect adults as well. Symptoms often include:

• Ear pain, especially when swallowing or lying down
• Hearing loss
• Fluid drainage from the ear
• Fever
  

These can be uncomfortable, but they’re easily treatable! A trip to your GP should give you everything you need to clear it up.

2. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

The Eustachian tube is a small canal that connects your middle ear to the back of your throat. It helps to equalize pressure and drain fluid from the middle ear. However, sometimes allergies, sinus infections, colds, or changes in altitude or pressure can block the tube. When the tube is blocked or doesn’t function correctly, it can cause ear pain when swallowing.

You might be able to clear up some tube dysfunction with over-the-counter medications for allergies or colds. If it’s a sinus infection, you may need an antibiotic to resolve the issue. You can always email Dr. Edwards, and she’ll advise you on how to best proceed.

3. Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils in the back of your throat. A viral or bacterial infection is often caused by and can lead to throat pain that radiates to the ears, especially when swallowing. Other symptoms of tonsillitis include:

• Sore throat
• Red, swollen tonsils
• White or yellow coating on the tonsils
• Fever
• Bad breath
  

Out of the conditions that can cause ear pain when swallowing, tonsillitis is definitely on the more serious side. Depending on the type of tonsillitis, treatment will proceed differently, so definitely check with your doctor.

4. Sore Throat and Throat Infections (Pharyngitis)

Pharyngitis, or a sore throat, is another common cause of ear pain when swallowing. Inflammation of the throat can cause pain to radiate to the ears, particularly if both the throat and ears share the same nerve pathways. Pharyngitis can be caused by:

• Viral infections (e.g., the common cold, flu)
• Bacterial infections (e.g., strep throat)
• Irritants (e.g., smoking, pollution)
  

Treatment will vary depending on the type of infection..

5. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull and is located near your ear. TMJ disorders can cause pain in the jaw that extends to the ear, especially when chewing or swallowing. Symptoms of TMJ disorders include:

• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
• Headaches
• Ear pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  

TMJ can vary in intensity. For some types of TMJ, lifestyle changes can alleviate the symptoms. For more intense cases, TMJ may require injections or even surgery.

At-Home Tips for Ear Pain Relief

Now that we’ve discussed several potential causes of ear pain when swallowing, you may be wondering what you can do about it. There are several simple steps you can take to alleviate the discomfort:

1. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids to keep your throat and Eustachian tubes moist and reduce irritation when swallowing.

2. Use a Warm Compress

Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can help reduce pain and inflammation. Make sure the compress is warm, not hot, to avoid burns.

3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with ear infections, tonsillitis, or TMJ disorders.

4. Gargle with Salt Water

If your ear pain is related to a throat infection, gargling with warm salt water can help reduce throat inflammation and relieve pain.

5. Avoid Irritants

If your ear pain is related to allergies or sinus infections, avoiding irritants like smoke, pollen, and pollution can help reduce symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

When at-home treatments aren’t cutting it, it’s time to check in with your doctor. While ear pain when swallowing is usually a temporary issue it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reach out to your medical provider. Signs like these indicate it’s time to check in with your doctor:

• The pain persists for more than a few days
• You experience a high fever
• Fluid is draining from the ear
• You have difficulty hearing out of the affected ear
• You notice swelling or redness around the ear
  

At WOW Healing Care, our direct primary care (DPC) model allows you to have a personal relationship with your healthcare provider. You can easily address any concerns, including ear pain when swallowing without the hassle of long waits or rushed appointments.

Our DPC Subscription Offers Convenient Services!

The DPC model is designed with patients in mind! Here at WOW Healing Care, we believe in a solid and reliable relationship between doctor and patient. We’re here when you need us most, and you won’t have to jump through hoops to see us. Whether you’re struggling with ear pain or any other health concerns, we’re proud to offer:

• Personalized Care: Develop a strong relationship with your healthcare provider, who will take the time to understand your unique health needs. With a small patient pool, Dr. Edwards is able to spend as much time as you need working through your health concerns.
• Convenient Appointments: Say goodbye to long waits With our DPC model, you can schedule appointments at times that work best for you, same- or next-day, in-person or via telehealth.
• Comprehensive Health Services: From preventive care to managing chronic conditions, we offer a wide range of services to keep you healthy, all accessible under the same roof.
  

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at DrEdwards@wowhealingcare or at 760-425-4466. Not a subscriber? Give us a call, and we can chat more about all WOW Healing Care has to offer you!