What to do when you have an earache and sore throat

It starts as a little tickle in your throat or a dull ache in your ear, but before you know it, the discomfort worsens. If you’ve ever dealt with an earache and sore throat at the same time, you know how frustrating it can be. While some cases clear up on their own, others need medical attention—and knowing when to seek care can make all the difference.

Common causes of an earache and sore throat

Both an earache and sore throat can be isolated symptoms that resolve over time – they may be a result of overuse or overexposure. But most of us can tell the difference between throat or ear pain caused by overextending our voices and ears and the kind caused by an infection.

While these causes may seem mild, they can sometimes escalate. Knowing when to seek help is key. Furthermore, the winter months are a prime time for these symptoms. In Florida’s warm climate, seasonal changes might not be the usual suspect, but throat and ear pain can come from a range of causes. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Infections: Viral and bacterial infections are the top reasons for combined ear and throat pain. For example, a middle ear infection (acute otitis media) can cause fluid buildup that creates pressure in your ear, which can lead to throat irritation.
• Allergies and sinus issues: Allergies or sinus infections can lead to postnasal drip, causing throat irritation and ear pressure.
• Tonsil stones or tonsillitis: These conditions can lead to pain that’s hard to ignore, often spreading from your throat to your ears.
• Environmental irritants: Overexposure to loud sounds, dry air, or even using your voice too much can lead to throat and ear discomfort.
• Swimmer's ear: Known clinically as acute otitis externa, swimmer's ear is a bacterial infection in the ear due to presence of water in the outer ear canal.

Something else to keep in mind: Though the climate isn't as varied here in Florida as it may be in other places, winter illnesses can be a source of earaches and throat pain. Florida hosts many visitors who may carry these germs, especially during the winter months. As always, remember to wash your hands and limit your exposure to others if you feel under the weather.

At MD Now®, we have a physician-led team of healthcare professionals ready to help you assess your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment would be for you and your loved ones. Find a location near you.

Is it strep throat?

If your sore throat feels severe and is paired with ear pain, strep throat could be the culprit. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that often starts in the throat but can lead to ear discomfort if left untreated. Though strep throat is most common in children, it can affect people at any age. If you or your child has signs or symptoms of strep throat, you should seek medical care for prompt testing and treatment.

Symptoms of strep throat include:

• A sore throat that comes on quickly
• Fever
• Pain when swallowing
• Red, swollen tonsils, possibly with white patches or streaks of pus
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Absence of a cough

Additional symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting or stomach pain, especially in children. A rash known as scarlet fever, although less common, is another strep throat symptom. Strep throat is highly contagious and can lead to complications like ear infections or more serious conditions if untreated.

How to find relief

Treatments are easily available and may help you avoid a visit to the doctor. Over-the-counter medications such as cough syrups, ear drops, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation.

You can also try a warm compress applied to the ear to help soothe pain and steam inhalation to help relieve nasal congestion and reduce throat irritation. Staying hydrated and using throat lozenges may also provide temporary relief.

When to visit urgent care

While mild cases may respond to home remedies like rest, hydration and over-the-counter medicine, some symptoms signal it’s time to see a doctor. You should visit MD Now® urgent care if you experience:

• Severe or persistent pain in your throat or ear
• High fever
• Fluid drainage from the ear
• Swelling, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems
• Dizziness or vertigo

Don’t wait to feel better. Whether it’s an ear infection, strep throat or something else, MD Now® urgent care is here to help.

About MD Now® urgent care

MD Now® urgent care is Florida’s largest urgent care operator with more than 110 state-of-the-art clinics conveniently located across Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Duval, Hendry, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Saint Lucie, Sarasota, Seminole, and Volusia Counties. MD Now urgent care’s physician-led team of healthcare professionals provides high-quality healthcare through a comprehensive lineup of urgent care and occupational health services during convenient hours. MD Now urgent care is proud to be affiliated with HCA Florida Healthcare. For more information, visit the MD Now website.