Hi, I am. Dr. Atul Kumar Nimawat MS ENT
Your symptoms suggest a possible upper respiratory tract infection, commonly due to a viral or bacterial cause. The throat and ear share a nerve supply (via the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves), so pain in one can often be felt in the other — a phenomenon known as referred pain.
Here are a few possibilities:
Tonsillitis or pharyngitis (especially if there’s redness or difficulty swallowing)
Otitis media or externa (middle/outer ear infection)
Eustachian tube dysfunction (causing ear fullness/pain after a cold)
Early sinus infection
Associated symptoms like fever and body aches point more toward a viral infection, which usually resolves in 5–7 days.
Next Steps
Take paracetamol for fever and body aches.
Gargle with warm saline water 3–4 times a day.
Stay well hydrated.
If ear pain worsens or fever persists beyond 3 days, consult an ENT for an examination.
Health Tips
When to see a doctor urgently:
Difficulty in swallowing or breathing
High-grade fever
Pus/discharge from ear
Swelling in the neck