Does tonsillitis cause earache?

The throat and ear share connected nerves, so inflammation around the tonsils may be felt as pain in one or both ears. A sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, enlarged tonsils or tender neck glands may accompany this referred pain.

Earache also has other causes, including an ear infection, trapped fluid, wax or jaw tension. Ear pain by itself cannot identify tonsillitis. An examination of the throat and ears helps distinguish these possibilities.

Rest, drink fluids and choose foods that are comfortable to swallow. Use pain relief only as directed on the label or by a clinician, and avoid putting cotton buds or drops into the ear unless advised. Arrange an assessment if throat and ear symptoms are significant or persistent.

If a clinician prescribes treatment, follow the instructions and complete any prescribed course. Do not use leftover antibiotics, because they may be unsuitable for the cause of your symptoms.

Get urgent medical help for breathing difficulty, inability to swallow saliva, severe one-sided throat pain with a muffled voice, swelling behind the ear or sudden hearing loss. Prompt assessment is also needed if you feel severely unwell.

Does the ear pain appear referred from my throat, or is there an ear problem too? Do I need treatment for the cause? What symptoms should prompt an urgent review?