What Causes Sharp Throat And Ear Pain?

Do you experience sharp throat and ear pain every now and again? Chances are you have a bacterial infection or a virus that tends to be more active in the colder seasons when everyone is indoors. Luckily, there are several ways to combat these ailments with the help of an ENT doctor. Read on to find out more about sharp throat and ear pain and the treatment options.

Sharp Nose and Ear Pain

Nose and ear pain can be fairly common, but may have a range of causes. In most cases, this type of discomfort is caused by a common cold or flu in seasons with a high number of viruses. This type of pain is very common in the winter because people spend time indoors.

Cold and viruses are the most common cause of nose and ear pain, and when one is infected, the other is also impacted, so an ear infection can be the root cause of nose or throat pain. When it is caused by a virus or infection, the pain and discomfort can resolve without treatment.

Tonsil Inflammation

The tonsils are two oval-shaped pads that sit at the back of the throat, they are part of the immune system and their job is to prevent bacteria and viruses from entering the body; it’s for this reason that tonsils become infected frequently and sometimes they need to be removed.

If you have pain in the back of your throat that doesn’t resolve with over-the-counter medication or rest, you need to visit an ear, nose and throat doctor. They will be able to evaluate your issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your throat issues.

Strep Throat

Strep throat is another common cause of throat pain, especially in the winter or after consuming an extremely cold drink. Strep throat is caused by bacteria and can affect people across all age groups; if you experience strep throat in the winter, you might need some antibiotics to cure it.

Strep throat is very uncomfortable; the pain can appear very suddenly in your throat and cause some problems swallowing; a fever might also accompany the throat pain. If you think you might have strep throat, it’s best to seek a professional solution to the condition as soon as you can.

Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis is a viral infection that is infectious; again, you have more chance of catching this virus in the winter when you are inside with other people, as it’s a virus it doesn’t have any current treatment; people with the condition need to get plenty of rest and eat healthy food.

The symptoms of mononucleosis include extreme fatigue, fever, sore throat, body aches and more. It’s important to have the condition diagnosed by a medical professional who can also give you some of the best advice on how to manage mononucleosis and return to full health.

Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a rare throat condition that can cause severe pain and discomfort; if you have this condition, you might experience pain in other regions of the body as well, such as the head, neck and ear. This condition is caused by a connecting nerve.

Because the condition affects a nerve, the pain can be excruciating; they tend to come in short and intense episodes that are usually triggered by attempts to swallow, cough or talk. The best way to resolve this condition is to visit an ENT doctor for medication or for a surgical option.

Earwax Impaction and Pain

If you experience some pain in the ears, the first thing you should check is the amount of earwax in the ear canal. A lot of people think earwax is unhygienic and use cotton swabs to remove it, but earwax plays a key role in cleaning ears and protecting them from infections. If you frequently have impacted earwax issues, talk with a specialist about how you can best prevent this in the future.

Middle Ear Infection

One of the most common causes of ear pain is an infection in the middle ear, sometimes called otitis media. This condition can be caused by a number of things, including a cold, allergies or a sinus infection that causes a build-up of fluid in the inner ear, creating some pressure and pain.

If you have a middle ear infection, it’s best to visit an ENT specialist; chances are you will be prescribed some antibiotics to relieve the condition, most often caused by bacteria. To learn more about hearing health, contact Mountain Ear, Nose and Throat Associates at Sylva: 828-586-7474, Franklin: 828-524-5599, Murphy: 828-835-1014, New Asheville: 828-458-8100.