Ear Pain and Sore Throat: When to Seek Care

An independent educational resource prepared by Mark M. Simonian, MD, FAAP

Sources checked: August 3, 2026     |     Medical review completed: August 3, 2026

This page is for general education only and does not replace individualized medical advice. This resource does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. For questions about your own child, contact your child's current healthcare professional.

Magnolia Pediatrics, Valley Children's Healthcare

2497 E. Herndon Avenue, Suite 101, Clovis, CA 93611     |     559-538-3070

Ear pain and sore throat are common during colds and other infections. Focus first on breathing, swallowing, hydration, alertness, fever, severe pain, and whether symptoms are worsening. A clinician must examine the ear to diagnose an ear infection.

Urgent Warning Signs — Check This First

When in doubt about a life-threatening breathing or swallowing problem, call 911.

CALL 911 NOW

  • Severe trouble breathing, blue or gray color, inability to speak or cry because of breathing difficulty, or your child is limp or unresponsive

  • A severe allergic reaction with throat or tongue swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, widespread hives with other symptoms, weakness, fainting, or collapse

  • A rapidly appearing purple or blood-colored rash with fever, especially if your child looks very ill, is confused, or is difficult to wake

GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE NOW

  • Your child cannot swallow fluids or saliva and has new drooling, trouble opening the mouth, a muffled voice, neck swelling, or increasing trouble breathing

  • Severe headache or stiff neck with fever, confusion, repeated vomiting, or a child who is difficult to wake

  • Red or pink swelling behind the ear, the ear is pushed forward, new unsteady walking, weakness of one side of the face, or your child appears very ill

  • A baby younger than 3 months has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher. See Fever and Illness: When to Seek Care

CONTACT YOUR CHILD'S HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL TODAY

  • Ear pain with fever, drainage from the ear, noticeable hearing change, severe pain, or pain that is worsening rather than improving

  • Sore throat with fever, rash, enlarged neck glands, severe pain, ear pain, trouble drinking, dehydration signs, or symptoms that persist or worsen

  • Fever above 104°F (40°C), fever lasting more than three days, or fever that returns after being gone for more than 24 hours

  • Your child has immune suppression, a serious chronic condition, or another reason an infection may be higher risk

Understanding Ear Pain

  • Ear pain can come from a middle-ear infection, swimmer’s ear, pressure from a cold or allergies, teething, sore gums, or pain referred from the throat

  • Pulling on an ear alone does not prove an ear infection. An ear infection cannot be diagnosed over the phone because the eardrum needs to be examined

  • Fluid or pus drainage from an ear may occur with an infection or ear tubes. Keep the outer ear clean, do not insert cotton swabs or objects into the ear canal, and arrange medical advice

Understanding Sore Throats and Strep

  • Most sore throats are caused by viruses. Cough, runny nose, hoarseness, mouth ulcers, or pink eye make a viral cause more likely; antibiotics do not help viral infections

  • Strep throat is a bacterial infection that requires a clinician’s examination and testing. Sudden sore throat, fever, painful swallowing, red or swollen tonsils, tender neck glands, and a rash can occur with strep

  • Do not use leftover antibiotics or request antibiotics without testing and clinical guidance. Follow the prescribed course exactly if a clinician diagnoses strep throat

Comfort Care While You Arrange Advice

  • Offer frequent fluids. Cold drinks, ice pops, and soft foods can be more comfortable if your child can swallow safely

  • Use age-appropriate pain or fever medicine only as directed by your child’s healthcare professional. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers

  • Encourage rest, handwashing, cough etiquette, and not sharing cups or utensils. Keep your child home based on symptoms and the school or child-care illness policy

What to Have Ready When You Call

  • Your child’s age, medical conditions, allergies, current medicines, and whether they have ear tubes or a history of recurrent ear infections

  • Temperature and method of measurement; when pain began; whether pain is one-sided or both; ear drainage; swallowing, breathing, urine output, and alertness

  • Other symptoms such as cough, runny nose, vomiting, rash, stiff neck, headache, neck swelling, recent swimming, or a known close contact with strep throat

Related Guides

Sources and Medical Review

  • ·HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics), Ear Infection Symptoms: Read source

  • HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics), Ear Infections in Children: Information for Parents: Read source

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Sore Throat Basics: Read source

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, About Strep Throat: Read source