Differential Diagnosis for Right Side Throat Pain Radiating into Right Ear
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Tonsillitis: This is a common condition that can cause throat pain, often radiating to the ear due to the shared nerve supply. The pain is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pharyngitis: Similar to tonsillitis, pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx) can cause throat pain that radiates to the ear. It can be viral or bacterial in origin.
- Earwax Impaction or External Otitis: Although the primary complaint is throat pain, referred pain to the ear can occur. Earwax impaction or external otitis (inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal) could cause ear pain that is perceived as radiating from the throat.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: TMJ disorders can cause pain in the jaw, face, and ear. Sometimes, this pain can be referred to the throat area, especially if there is inflammation or dysfunction of the joint.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Peritonsillar Abscess: A serious complication of tonsillitis, a peritonsillar abscess can cause severe throat pain on one side, difficulty swallowing, fever, and can radiate pain to the ear. It requires prompt medical attention.
- Epiglottitis: Although more commonly presenting with difficulty swallowing and shortness of breath, epiglottitis (inflammation of the epiglottis) can cause throat pain that radiates to the ear. It is a medical emergency.
- Malignancy (e.g., Oropharyngeal or Nasopharyngeal Cancer): Although rare, cancers in the throat area can cause persistent pain that radiates to the ear, among other symptoms like difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and neck masses.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Eagle Syndrome: This condition involves an elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament, which can cause sharp, stabbing pain in the throat that radiates to the ear, among other symptoms.
- Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: A rare condition characterized by recurrent episodes of severe pain in the tongue, throat, ear, and area of the jaw, often triggered by swallowing or chewing.