Differential Diagnosis for Ear Pain and Sore Throat
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acute Pharyngitis (e.g., viral or streptococcal): This is the most common cause of sore throat and can be associated with ear pain due to referred pain from the throat.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Otitis Media: An infection of the middle ear that can cause ear pain and, if the Eustachian tube is affected, can also lead to sore throat.
- Otitis Externa: An infection of the outer ear canal, which can cause ear pain and may be accompanied by sore throat if the infection spreads or if there's an associated upper respiratory infection.
- Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils, which can cause sore throat and, due to the proximity of the tonsils to the Eustachian tube, may lead to ear pain.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Peritonsillar Abscess: A serious complication of tonsillitis that can cause severe sore throat and ear pain. It requires prompt medical attention.
- Epiglottitis: Inflammation of the epiglottis that can cause severe sore throat and, due to its location, can lead to respiratory distress. It's a medical emergency.
- Temporal Arteritis (Giant Cell Arteritis): Although more common in older adults, this condition can cause jaw claudication, which might be mistaken for ear pain, and can lead to serious complications like blindness if not treated promptly.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (Herpes Zoster Oticus): A rare condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus affecting the geniculate ganglion, leading to ear pain, facial paralysis, and sometimes sore throat.
- Mastoiditis: An infection of the mastoid bone in the skull, which can cause ear pain and, if severe, can lead to more serious complications like meningitis or brain abscess.
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A rare type of cancer that can cause sore throat and ear pain due to the tumor's location and potential to obstruct the Eustachian tube.