What does earache feel like with tonsillitis?

Nerves serving the throat and ear share nearby pathways, so inflammation around the tonsils can be felt as referred pain in the ear. The ache may be dull, stabbing, or pressure-like and can worsen when swallowing. A sore throat, swollen tonsils, fever, tender neck glands, bad breath, or a muffled voice may occur alongside it. An examination is needed to distinguish throat-related pain from an ear infection.

Rest, drink fluids in small frequent sips, and choose soft foods if swallowing is uncomfortable. A pharmacist or clinician can guide you on suitable pain relief. Avoid sharing cups or utensils while you are unwell. Do not start antibiotics left over from another illness; treatment depends on the examination and likely cause.

Get medical advice if throat pain is severe, symptoms are worsening, fever persists, or you cannot keep fluids down. Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, drooling because swallowing is too difficult, a rapidly muffled voice, severe one-sided throat swelling, inability to open the mouth normally, or signs of dehydration.

Is the ear pain referred from my tonsils, or is there a separate ear problem? Do my tonsils need testing? What can I safely take for pain, and which warning signs mean I should return urgently?