Home remedies for sore throat and earache

A sore throat and earache can appear together during a cold, influenza, COVID-19, tonsillitis, or another throat infection. Throat inflammation can cause pain to be felt near the ear even when the ear itself is healthy. Ear pressure or a separate ear problem can also coexist. These symptoms do not by themselves show which infection or condition is present; an examination may be needed if the pattern is unusual or persistent.

Take frequent sips of water, choose soft foods, and rest your voice. A warm drink or a comfortably warm cloth over the outer ear may ease discomfort. Gargle with warm salt water only if you can do so safely, and avoid smoke. Keep objects and unadvised liquids out of the ear canal. If appropriate for your age and health, follow the label for one suitable pain reliever and avoid doubling ingredients across cold remedies.

Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, severe one-sided throat swelling, confusion, or a very unwell appearance. Arrange medical advice for ear discharge, new hearing loss, dizziness, dehydration, a persistent fever, or pain that is worsening or not settling. A clinician may need to inspect both the throat and ear rather than treating the symptoms as one problem.

Ask whether the ear pain is referred from the throat, whether the eardrum and tonsils look inflamed, and whether testing is useful. Tell the clinician about fever, cough, blocked nose, hearing change, discharge, exposure to illness, and medicines already taken.