Why does tonsillitis cause ear pain?

Viral tonsillitis is an acute inflammation of the tonsils, caused by pathogenic microorganisms that affect the body by finding a suitable habitat for their replication. Common cold viruses are the ones that normally cause this type of tonsillitis, characterised by a sore throat and fever, which normally does not exceed 39°.

If you are wondering how long viral tonsillitis lasts, it can be said that symptoms normally disappear spontaneously within 72 hours; paracetamol can help relieve sore throat and fever, the characteristic symptoms of this disorder. 

Particularly common in colder season, this condition is often transmitted in crowded places. However, it resolves after a few days.

Can tonsillitis cause ear infection? 

Yes, it can and one of the main symptoms of tonsillitis is earache. This is because the tonsils are located at the transition point between the mouth and pharynx, close to the ears. Therefore, when they become inflamed, the entire area may be affected by pain, including the ears. This type of earache is called reflex otalgia because it is not the auditory system that is attacked by the virus or bacteria, but rather the throat. When considering treatment, it is important to consult a doctor rather than relying on self-treatment.

If you experience earache and a swollen tonsil on one side, it may be a sign of an infection or inflammation affecting just one area of the throat. This often happens with bacterial tonsillitis, an abscess near the tonsil (peritonsillar abscess), or severe irritation caused by post-nasal drip. The pain can radiate from the throat to the ear because the two are connected through the same nerve pathways.

While mild cases may improve with rest, hydration and over-the-counter pain relief, persistent or worsening symptoms — especially if accompanied by fever or difficulty swallowing — should be assessed by a doctor to rule out more serious conditions

Otalgia refers to inflammation of the ear and is normally understood as an illness that is caused by inflammation of the outer, but often also the inner ear. There are two different types of otalgia: bilateral and reflex otalgia. 

• Bilateral otalgia is pain that affects both ears: the cause is a disorder affecting the auditory system and can be of various kinds. 
• Reflex otalgia, on the other hand, is an intense pain in the ear that has causes unrelated to ear infections, such as those caused by tonsillitis or, more generally, all infections of the oral cavity. The latter cause inflammation so severe that it also affects the areas where the cranial nerves that are responsible for the increased sensitivity of the outer and middle ear are located. The affected nerve is the 9th cranial nerve, glossopharyngeal.

In severe cases of tonsillitis, the disorder can complicate and lead to mastoiditis, a bacterial infection that normally follows acute otitis. To treat it, antibiotic therapy is required, administered under medical indication. 

Mastoiditis is a very painful and debilitating disorder, so it is always a good idea to treat tonsillitis early and avoid unpleasant repercussions on the body in general.