Ear pain when chewing: 4 things that might be the cause

Ear pain can come on at any time, even when you eat. Ear pain when swallowing or chewing is a signal that your body gives that something is wrong from another part of your body. Therefore, to be able to deal with this discomfort, you need to know the exact cause in order to get the best treatment.

What are the causes of ear pain when swallowing?

Ear pain when swallowing can be caused by several conditions, including:

1. Ear infection

The most common cause of ear pain when swallowing is an ear infection that affects the middle ear (otitis media) or the outer ear (otitis externa). Bacterial or viral infections can cause the tissue in the ear to swell and become irritated, causing pain.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, in addition to pain when swallowing, common ear infection symptoms are

• High fever (> 37.7ºC)
• Foul-smelling earwax or discharge
• Hard to sleep
• Headache
• Ears feel full; hard to hear clearly

Outer ear infections can be distinguished from otitis media by their outward appearance. An infection that attacks the outer ear causes the ear skin to become red, swollen, and itchy. Otitis media does not cause these symptoms.

Middle ear infections actually make you easily emotional and have no appetite. Not only when chewing and swallowing, your ears also hurt when you lie down if you have an otitis media infection.

Ear infections usually get better on their own within 7-10 days, and can be speeded up by taking over-the-counter pain medications. However, if the condition does not improve, consult a doctor to get a prescription for the right antibiotic ear drops.

2. Colds and sinuses

Sinusitis or a cold that doesn't go away can cause ear infections, especially in children. This is because mucus, aka mucus, can flow through the eustachian tube and fill the empty space in the middle ear space that should only be filled with air.

The longer a cold or sinus is left on, the more mucus can pool in the middle ear. The humid condition of the middle ear is ideal for bacteria and viruses to multiply, causing middle ear infections.

Children get ear infections due to colds more easily because their immune systems are still weak. In addition, the length of the eustachian canal of the child's ear is shorter and flattens compared to the adult. This makes it easier for viruses and bacteria to travel to the middle ear.

Various symptoms that your child may experience from this condition, namely:

• Ear pain when chewing
• Ear pain when swallowing
• Cough
• Dry and itchy throat
  
• Redness behind the mouth
• Bad breath
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

3. Inflammation of the tonsils

Inflammation of the tonsils occurs when the tonsils (tonsils) become infected by bacteria or viruses and swell. Symptoms that are usually shown when the tonsils become inflamed include fever and sore throat when swallowing.

The tonsils are generally treated with prescription antibiotics if they are caused by bacteria or antivirals if they are caused by a viral infection. If left untreated, tonsillitis can get worse and lead to a complication called peritonsil abscess.

Peritonsil abscess is characterized by tonsils that swell very large and can fester. The pain can radiate to one side of the ear, causing pain when swallowing, chewing, or simply opening your mouth.

In addition to antibiotics, doctors will usually recommend that the tonsils be removed to remove the pus so that the infection does not spread further.

4. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN)

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GN) is a rare pain syndrome that affects the glossopharyngeal nerve, the ninth cranial nerve that is located deep in the neck. GN causes sharp, stabbing pain in the back of the throat and tongue, tonsils, and middle ear.

The excruciating pain of GN can persist for a few seconds to several minutes, and can return several times a day or every few weeks. Many people with GN report regular ear pain when swallowing, drinking coldly, sneezing, coughing, talking, clearing their throat, and touching the gums or the inside of the mouth.

GN is associated with multiple sclerosis, and is particularly common in the elderly. Medications that may be suggested are prescription neuropathic pain medications such as pregabalin and gabapentin, or surgery.

When should I see a doctor?

Ear pain when swallowing or chewing food will definitely feel very uncomfortable. You can see a doctor immediately if you experience various symptoms, such as:

• High fever
• Fluid that keeps coming out of the ear
• Hearing disorders
• Swelling in or around the ear
• Ear pain that lasts more than five days
• Gag
• The sore throat is quite annoying
• Frequent recurring ear infections

In addition, you also need to consult a doctor immediately if you have various long-term medical conditions such as diabetes, heart, lung, kidney, neurological disease, and other diseases that weaken the immune system.