Ear Pain When Swallowing: Causes and Treatments for a Better Dining Experience Posted on August 16, 2024 by Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists Sitting down for your favorite Someburros burrito only to find that swallowing every tasty bite leads to pain or pressure in your ear and can quickly ruin your meal. There are a few different things that can cause pain in your ear when swallowing, including but not limited to ear, sinus and throat infections. Understanding the underlying causes of this discomfort can help you find the right treatment and get back to enjoying your meals without pain. Let’s explore these common causes of ear pain when swallowing and your treatment options. Ear Infections Ear infections are a common cause of ear pain while swallowing. There are three common ear infections: middle ear infections, swimmer’s ear and inner ear infections. Of ear infections, middle ear infections are most likely to cause pain when swallowing. Most common in children, middle ear infections are caused by a bacteria or virus in the ear. Middle ear infections can lead to fluid buildup, pain and inflamed Eustachian tubes. The Eustachian tube is a small passageway connecting the middle ear to the nose and throat. When it is swollen or blocked, pain can arise. Most middle ear infections go away on their own. Severe or long-lasting cases, however, may benefit from antibiotics or ear tubes. Sinus Infections A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of the tissues in your sinuses. Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become inflamed and swollen, often due to the common cold, allergies, bacteria and other viruses. This inflammation can block the drainage pathways, leading to a buildup of mucus and pressure or blockages in the sinuses and ears via the Eustachian tube. The resulting pressure can cause significant discomfort and pain, especially when swallowing. Treatment for sinus infections may include decongestants to reduce swelling, provider-approved saline nasal sprays and rinses to keep nasal passages clear and moisturized or antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present. An ENT specialist might recommend a balloon sinuplasty to widen the sinus passages in chronic or reoccurring cases. Throat Inflammation and Infections Throat infections, such as tonsillitis or pharyngitis, can cause inflammation that affects both the throat and ears via the Eustachian tube, leading to pain when swallowing. The treatment for throat infections depends on the underlying cause. For bacterial tonsillitis, an ENT specialist may prescribe antibiotics. For viral infections, home remedies are often recommended, including getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of fluids, sipping hot tea with honey, gargling saltwater and using a humidifier. Once the throat infection clears, you should notice an improvement in your ear symptoms. Because the causes of ear pain when swallowing vary, seeing your ENT specialist for a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan is essential. Contact Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists today to make an appointment with one of our specialists. How ENTs Diagnose Ear Infections in ChildrenCan Allergies Be the Cause of Frequent Ear InfectionsHow Are ENT Disorders Diagnosed?