Why do my ears hurt when I swallow?

Anonymous
I had a cold about 2 weeks ago. It is gone but my ears/throat hurt when I swallow. Is this just because my sinuses are still probably clogged? I have no other symptoms. I'm not tired, don't have a fever, no runny nose.
Anonymous
Unresolved middle ear infection.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Unresolved middle ear infection.


Really? Even though I don't have any ear pain aside from when I swallow?
Anonymous
Your ears could just be clogged but not infected. I can't remember if using a neti pot is good or bad for this.
Anonymous
you may have strep. does your throat hurt when you swallow? I would go to a doc (or even a CVS minute clinic) and do a strep test.
Anonymous
You're congested. That happens to me frequently during and after a cold. Take Sudafed until it goes away. I doubt it's a middle ear infection. Adults don't often get those.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Unresolved middle ear infection.


Really? Even though I don't have any ear pain aside from when I swallow?


Yep. If your Eustachian tubes are blocked, swallowing can build pressure in your ears that ordinarily would dissipate. http://www.mydr.com.au/kids-teens-health/middle-ear-infection-and-grommets
Anonymous
PP here, it is true that middle ear infections are more common in kids. But if you are "congested" and having ear pain when you swallow well after your other symptoms have resolved, the index of suspicion for a middle ear infection is pretty high even though you are (presumably) an adult.

Of course, you might want actually to see an ENT rather than attempt to self-diagnose with the "help" of DCUM.
Anonymous
you can also try an inhaler decongestant for a quick fix.
Anonymous
OP here. Thanks for the tips. I will not have health insurance for another 2 months, so am trying to decide whether I need to pony up and go see an ENT, or just a minute clinic or the like. I will definitely go see someone if this doesn't resolve itself by Monday, though.
Anonymous
Could be TMJ
Anonymous
Try the minute clinic. They can spot an ear infection and it will be a fraction of what an ENT costs. Plus you won't have to wait.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Unresolved middle ear infection.


Really? Even though I don't have any ear pain aside from when I swallow?


sinus drainage

I get it all the time.

Anonymous
I'm dealing with an ear infection right now- its really painful. It started with hurting when I swallowed and in hindsight-I should have started decongestants then. I think if you keep the eustatian tube open, the fluid drains and you are less likely to get infected. Neti pot is not good with clogged eustatian. Good luck!
Anonymous
I have sore throat and it hurts when i swallow
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