If your ear hurts when swallowing, you are not alone! Many people tend to suffer from ear pain whenever they consume meals or beverages. Today, we will look at some reasons why ear pain may occur when swallowing! Always consult with a professional physician, like those at San Ramon Urgent And Clinic, for the most up-to-date advice!
You May Have An Ear Infection
One of the most common causes of ear pain when swallowing is an ear infection. Furthermore, ear infections are caused by certain bacteria or viral infections inside your middle ear. They can often cause fluid buildup, irritation, and swelling inside your ear, causing you to undergo severe pain.
While ear infections tend to occur in children, adults can get them as well. However, the symptoms of an ear infection in an adult are slightly different from those seen in childhood.
Wait, What Is A Middle Ear Infection?
A middle ear infection affects the space area behind your eardrum. Your eardrum has small, vibrating bones that give you the ability to hear.
Ear infections can often be caused by conditions such as the flu, colds, allergies, and sinus infections. When you experience congestion, the tubes that drain fluid from your middle ear, the Eustachian tubes, become clogged up. If too much fluid accumulates around the blockage, you can get infected.
There are many signs of an ear infection in small children, including:
- High Fever
- Difficulty sleeping
- Painful headaches
- Constant pulling or tugging at the ear
If you’re an adult and get an ear infection, you may go through:
- Severe ear pain
- Trouble hearing
- A low-grade fever
Another Ear Infection: Swimmer’s Ear
A swimmer’s ear is a type of outer ear infection. Unlike a middle ear infection, it affects the outer part of your ear. Swimming or taking a shower can cause your ear to fill up with water. This can eventually cause a moist, warm environment to form, an environment that bacteria and fungus love to flourish in.
Outer ear infections don’t necessarily have to be caused by water. Germs, q-tips, and even fingernails can cause ear infections to occur.
If you tug or stretch your ear, your outer ear infection can worsen. Avoid chewing or eating on the side of the infected ear to reduce the amount of pain you have to go through.
Some symptoms of an outer ear infection include:
- Severe itching inside your ear
- A terrible-smell from your ear
- Difficulty hearing
- Harsh swelling or redness of the ear
Are there are other reasons why I may experience ear pain when I swallow?
Good question! Ear pain can also be caused by other conditions, including:
- A nose or throat infection
- Eagle syndrome
- Glossopharyngeal neuralgia
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Final Thoughts
We hope it is a bit more explicit about why your ear hurts when swallowing. If you need help to treat an infected ear, you have come to the right place! San Ramon Urgent Care And Clinic is here to help with all of your ear-related conditions! We are your local Urgent Care And Clinic in San Ramon, California, and we want to ensure you have a clinic that values your concerns and needs! To learn more about what we offer, call us today at 925-361-5959 .