Chest and ear pain: what to know

A Common Cold, Sinusitis or Tonsillitis can cause pressure around the throat and ear, while coughing or strained chest muscles may add chest soreness. Middle Ear Infection and Earwax Buildup are other explanations for ear pain, and ear symptoms can sometimes be referred from the throat or jaw. These conditions do not explain every type of chest pain. Pressure, heaviness, breathlessness, sweating, faintness or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck or jaw requires a different level of concern.

Note when each pain began, whether breathing or movement changes it, and whether fever, cough, reduced hearing, discharge or swallowing pain is present. Rest, drink fluids and avoid putting objects or unprescribed drops into the ear. A clinician can inspect the ear and chest, then decide whether observation, Ear Wax Removal or Antibiotic Treatment is appropriate. Antibiotics are not useful for every cause of pain.

Call emergency services for chest pressure or tightness with severe breathlessness, collapse, fainting, cold sweats, blue lips or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck or jaw. Seek same-day advice for new chest pain, a high fever, worsening illness, severe ear pain, swelling behind the ear, pus-like discharge or sudden hearing loss. Children who appear unusually drowsy or difficult to wake need urgent assessment.

Could the ear pain come from the ear, throat, jaw or sinuses? Does my chest pain need heart or lung checks? What findings would make treatment or review necessary?