It is common for ears to hurt when someone is feeling unwell, a symptom medically known as otalgia. This discomfort can range from a dull ache to sharp, burning pain in one or both ears. While often a temporary and benign symptom accompanying various illnesses, ear pain can sometimes signal a more serious underlying condition.
How Illness Can Cause Ear Pain
Illness can lead to ear pain through a few distinct physiological pathways, primarily involving the Eustachian tubes and referred pain. The Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat, play a role in equalizing air pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear space. When an illness causes inflammation, swelling, or mucus buildup, these tubes can become blocked, leading to a vacuum effect that pulls fluid into the middle ear. This fluid accumulation creates pressure behind the eardrum, resulting in discomfort or pain, and can potentially lead to an infection if bacteria or viruses grow in the trapped fluid.
Beyond issues with the Eustachian tubes, ear pain can also arise from referred pain, which occurs when pain originating from another part of the body is felt in the ear. The ears share nerve pathways with several nearby areas, including the throat, sinuses, jaw joint, and teeth. For example, a severe sore throat or a sinus infection can irritate these shared nerves, causing the brain to interpret the discomfort as originating in the ear. This phenomenon explains why ear pain can be a symptom of conditions not directly related to the ear itself.
Common Illnesses Associated with Ear Pain
Many common illnesses often cause ear pain, by affecting the Eustachian tubes or leading to referred pain. The common cold and flu are common causes, as nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and general inflammation from these infections can easily block the Eustachian tubes. This blockage prevents proper drainage and pressure equalization in the middle ear, contributing to fullness and pain.
Sinus infections (sinusitis) can also cause ear pain. Inflamed sinuses can create significant pressure that radiates to the ears, as referred pain. Their proximity to ear structures and shared nerve supply contribute to this.
Ear infections directly cause ear pain and include middle ear infections (otitis media) and outer ear infections (otitis externa). Acute otitis media (middle ear infection) often develops as a complication of colds or flu when bacteria or viruses travel into the middle ear through the Eustachian tubes, causing fluid buildup and inflammation. Symptoms often include throbbing pain, fever, and sometimes fluid discharge if the eardrum ruptures. Otitis externa (swimmer’s ear) involves an outer ear canal infection, presenting with severe pain that worsens when the outer ear is pulled, along with possible itching or discharge.
Throat infections, such as strep throat or tonsillitis, can also cause ear pain. The severe inflammation in the throat can activate shared nerve pathways, causing referred pain to be felt in one or both ears, even without an actual ear infection. This highlights how illnesses affecting the head and neck can cause ear pain.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While ear pain often resolves on its own, certain symptoms warrant a medical evaluation to rule out more serious conditions. It is advisable to seek medical attention if the pain is severe or worsens progressively over a few days. A high fever, typically 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius) or higher, accompanying ear pain is also a reason to consult a healthcare provider.
You should seek medical attention if you experience:
- Any discharge from the ear (pus, blood, or other fluid).
- Sudden hearing loss, significant changes in hearing, dizziness, or loss of balance alongside ear pain.
- Ear pain symptoms that do not improve or worsen after two to three days.
- For infants and young children, especially if under 12 months old, appearing generally unwell, or exhibiting fussiness, increased crying, or trouble sleeping.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide temporary relief for mild cases. Applying a cold pack or warm compress to the outer ear can also help manage discomfort. These measures are for symptom management and do not replace professional medical advice when concerning symptoms are present.