Sore throat and ear pain are two of the most common signs of an infection. What exactly causes these symptoms? The answer is far from simple. Read about six possible causes for your child's throat and ear pain, how pediatricians diagnose and treat them, and when to seek further evaluation.
Sore throat and ear pain are two of the most common signs of an infection. What exactly causes these symptoms? The answer is far from simple, as multiple illnesses can cause both symptoms.
To learn about the various causes of sore throat and ear pain in children, how pediatricians diagnose and choose the best treatment to help your child feel better, and when to seek further evaluation, please read on!
Sore throats can vary from mild to severe pain, depending on the cause. The Mayo Clinic notes these throat pain symptoms:
As with sore throat, the symptoms and severity of ear pain may vary depending on its cause. Symptoms may include:
Ear and throat pain can stem from various conditions. Recognizing common triggers and symptoms is crucial in determining when to seek pediatrician care, what diagnostic tests to expect, and available treatment options. Let's delve into it!
Allergies are a reaction of the body's immune system to a foreign substance like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. They can trigger inflammation in the throat and ears, which may lead to soreness and itching.
Environmental factors, such as pollens, pet dander, dust mites, and mold, can trigger allergies. When these allergens come into contact with the body's mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, throat, or ears, they can cause an allergic reaction.
In addition to a sore throat and itchy eyes, exposure to allergens may also cause sneezing, watery eyes, and itching of the nose, mouth, and throat. Symptoms may range from mild to severe and can last for hours or days.
If your child experiences itchy ears, sore throat, and other symptoms, especially if persistent, you should consult their pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor will ask questions about their medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may order tests to help determine the cause of symptoms.
Treatment will depend on the type and severity of allergies your child has. Common treatments may include medications (such as antihistamines), immunotherapy (allergy shots), and environmental control measures designed to reduce exposure to allergens.
Sometimes, your child’s sore throat may result from a cold. While colds are not a direct cause of ear pain, nasal congestion may cause ear pain and can sometimes lead to ear infections, which we discuss in an upcoming section.
The Centers for Disease Control notes that more than 200 viruses can cause a cold, with the rhinovirus being the most common type. The primary risk factor for contracting a cold is close contact with someone who has a cold. Seasonality and age are also risk factors since colds are more common during fall and winter in babies and young children..
Colds usually last 7-10 days, with the peak of symptoms occurring on days 2 and 3. Common symptoms include:
Rest and hydration are important remedies for treating a cold. You can also administer over-the-counter medications, such as decongestants or pain relievers, to help ease your child's symptoms. Many of these medications are age-dependent, so check with a doctor if you aren’t sure what is safe to give.
Sinusitis, commonly known as a sinus infection, is an inflammation of the nasal passages (sinuses). Mucus builds up in the sinuses, allowing germs to grow and cause a multitude of symptoms.
Like colds, sinusitis is not a direct cause of ear pain but can lead to ear infections.
Viral infections typically cause sinus infections, but bacterial infections can be the cause as well. Other risk factors include previously having a cold, seasonal allergies, and secondhand smoke exposure.
In addition to sore throat, common symptoms of sinus infections include:
Treatment for sinusitis depends on the cause. In cases caused by viruses, the main treatments are supportive care, such as nasal sprays to help clear mucus and decongestants to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort (in older children). Treatment may involve antibiotics if the source of infection is bacterial.
If the sinus cavities are inflamed for more than 12 weeks at a time, it indicates chronic sinusitis, and you should consult your child's doctor for treatment.
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Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. While the infection is not a direct cause of ear pain, it can cause referred ear pain.
Strep throat, also known as strep pharyngitis, is a bacterial infection typically caused by group A streptococcus. These bacteria are contagious and are spread through droplets of saliva when an infected person coughs or sneezes or when food or drinks are shared.
Strep typically manifests as a red, swollen, painful sore throat, which may be accompanied by a fever. In addition to swollen lymph nodes and white patches on the throat, children with strep may experience headaches, stomach discomfort, and occasional vomiting.
If your child displays symptoms such as runny nose or congestion, it is more probable that they have contracted a common viral infection rather than strep throat.
The most effective method for diagnosing a strep infection is a strep test or throat culture. For children aged three and older, either you or your doctor can perform a throat swab test to determine if your child has strep. Children under three should not be routinely tested for strep since treatment is not usually needed in this age group.
During the examination, a gentle swab is used to collect a sample from the back of your child's throat and tonsils. If the diagnosis is confirmed, your child's pediatrician will prescribe antibiotics.
Another reason for your child’s sore throat and ear pain could be tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils (two oval-shaped pads of tissue on each side of the back of the throat).
While ear pain is not a direct symptom of tonsillitis, the irritation of the tonsils, throat, and lymph nodes can cause referred ear pain.
Tonsillitis is a common throat infection caused by viruses and is most commonly seen in children between preschool ages and the mid-teen years. It can be spread through kissing, sharing drinks, or touching contaminated objects.
The Mayo Clinic notes the following tonsillitis signs and symptoms:
The Mayo Clinic also advises that younger children, who may not be able to describe how they feel, may refuse to eat or drool because it’s painful or difficult to swallow or be unusually fussy.
If your child has signs of tonsillitis, schedule an appointment with their doctor. The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and perform a physical exam. They may also recommend a throat swab to test for strep bacteria or to rule out other causes, such as viruses or allergies.
Treatment for tonsillitis may include over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort, as well as cold fluids and rest. Antibiotics are usually only needed if tonsillitis is caused by strep.
If your child begins experiencing ear pain after a cold or strep, they may have a middle ear infection.
Ear infections are a common complication of viral infections, especially in children under three years old. When a child is sick, fluid may build up in the middle ear. If a virus or bacteria infects that fluid, it becomes an ear infection.
Common signs and symptoms of an ear infection include ear pain, fever, tugging at the ear, decreased appetite, difficulty hearing, drainage from the ears, and fussiness.
If you think your child may have an ear infection, you should have them evaluated by a pediatrician. A thorough examination of the inner ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope can help the doctor identify signs of an ear infection, such as redness, fluid accumulation, or increased pressure.
The main take-home here is that your child may be experiencing throat and ear pain for many reasons! The best way to diagnose your child’s symptoms is to consult a pediatrician. Your doctor will examine your child's symptoms, run additional tests, and provide treatment guidance.
Want to consult a doctor from the comfort of home? With Blueberry Pediatrics, you can skip the in-person hassle of visiting your doctor and chat with board-certified pediatricians via text, call, or video. All of the conditions discussed can be diagnosed and treated by our pediatric team. Sign up here.
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