When Should You Be Concerned About Ear Pain?
Although an earache or sore throat alone is rarely cause for concern, a combination of throat and ear pain may be a sign of tonsillitis, strep throat, or another condition requiring treatment. Your MD Now provider will ask you about your symptoms and their severity, along with performing an exam, to determine whether further treatment is needed.
Additional causes of throat and ear pain can include:
- Acid reflux
- Allergies
- Chronic sinusitis
- Irritants
- Mononucleosis
- TMD (temporomandibular joint disorders)
- Tooth infection
When Should You Get Your Child Evaluated for an Earache?
Although ear infections may clear up on their own, your MD Now provider can provide treatment to manage pain and monitor the infection. When ear infection symptoms are present, antibiotics may be necessary. Chronic ear infections can cause longer term complications such as hearing loss.
Contact your provider immediately if your child:
- Develops a temperature above 100.4ºF (a high fever signals the possibility of a more serious infection in infants and young children)
- Has frequent ear infections (repeated bouts may lead to hearing loss or more serious infections)
- Develops hearing problems
- Complains of a stiff neck
- Becomes extremely lethargic, responds poorly, or is inconsolable
- You suspect an ear infection
Is It Important to Complete Your Ear Infection Treatment?
Ear infections may clear up without treatment. However, for those lasting longer than two or three days, your MD Now provider may prescribe antibiotics. As with all antibiotics, it is important to finish the prescribed dosage even when your symptoms have cleared up.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be used to treat symptoms like earache pain and fever, if needed.
