Ear pain and a sore throat on one side

The throat and ear have overlapping nerve pathways, so an inflamed tonsil or throat can produce ear pain even when the ear itself looks normal. Tonsillitis and strep throat can cause pain on swallowing, swollen neck glands or fever. A common cold, influenza, COVID-19 or glandular fever may add tiredness, cough or other whole-body symptoms. Acid reflux and allergic rhinitis can irritate the throat without a fever. The side of the pain does not identify the cause by itself.

Drink fluids, choose soft foods, and avoid smoke or other throat irritants. Warm drinks or a salt-water gargle may soothe the throat if you can gargle safely. Rest and use a suitable over-the-counter pain reliever according to the label; ask a pharmacist if you are pregnant, have a long-term condition or take other medicines. Do not share antibiotics or start leftover medicine. Arrange a clinical review if symptoms are persistent, severe, or make eating and drinking difficult.

Get urgent help for trouble breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, a muffled voice, difficulty opening the mouth, or rapidly increasing swelling in the throat or neck. Seek prompt assessment for severe one-sided pain with fever, dehydration, or worsening symptoms. A clinician may examine the tonsils, throat and ear and decide whether testing or treatment is needed.

Could the ear pain be referred from my tonsil or throat? Do I need an examination or throat test? Which symptoms should prompt urgent reassessment, and what pain relief is suitable with my medicines?