Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that causes sudden throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and often fever. But many people are surprised to notice ear pain along with their sore throat. This can lead to confusion… is it strep throat, an infection, or both? The truth is, strep throat can cause referred pain in the ears even when there is no actual ear infection. Understanding how this happens can help you know what to expect and when it might be necessary to seek medical care.
For same-day illness testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver City Park. Our team is available to treat your symptoms with no appointment necessary. To plan your visit in advance, book below!
Why Strep Throat Can Cause Ear Pain
The ears, nose, and throat are closely connected through a system of passages and nerves. When your throat becomes inflamed from a strep infection, the following can occur:
- Referred Pain: Nerves in the throat share pathways with the ear, so pain signals may be “felt” in the ear even though the infection is in the throat.
- Pressure and Swelling: Inflammation that develops from strep throat can create a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the ears.
- Secondary Infections: In some cases, bacteria from the throat can travel to the middle ear, causing an ear infection alongside strep.
This means ear pain with strep throat is common, but it doesn’t always mean you have an ear infection.
Signs It Might Be More Than Just Strep
If you have strep throat, ear pain alone doesn’t necessarily mean something serious. However, you should watch for symptoms that could point to an ear infection or another problem, such as:
- Drainage or fluid from the ear
- Sudden hearing changes or muffled hearing
- Severe ear pain that doesn’t improve with strep treatment
- Dizziness or balance problems
If these symptoms occur, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare provider. Urgent care providers can perform a rapid strep test to confirm the diagnosis.
When To Visit Urgent Care
Getting prompt treatment for strep throat not only relieves symptoms but also helps prevent complications like ear infections, sinus infections, or more serious conditions like rheumatic fever. You should seek urgent care if you experience:
- Sudden, severe sore throat with fever
- Painful swallowing or difficulty eating and drinking
- Ear pain that worsens or is accompanied by fluid drainage
- Symptoms lasting more than a few days without improvement
If strep is confirmed, treatment usually includes antibiotics to clear the infection and prevent complications, over-the-counter medications to ease discomfort, as well as rest, fluids, and other remedies to support healing.
Get Walk-In Strep Throat Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver City Park
Yes, strep throat can cause ear pain, but it’s often due to referred pain from throat inflammation rather than an actual ear infection. If you’re experiencing ear pain along with a sore throat, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills. Our team can determine the cause of your symptoms and make sure you’re getting the right treatment. We are available 6 days a week to provide the highest quality of care to all patients in the greater Denver, CO area– including RiNo, North Denver, and Central Park. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please contact a member of our team directly at (303) 381-1100.
