Earache when swallowing

The palatine tonsils are part of the lymphatic tissue of the throat and are therefore responsible for the defence against pathogens. They are located between the front and rear palatal arches and have furrows running through them. These furrows can be the starting point for inflammations that lead to severe pain in the rear throat area and to stabbing, unilateral earaches.

In the case of tonsillitis, earache typically occurs when swallowing. In addition, a reddening of the throat and a (usually) unilateral swollen tonsil can be detected. Ear pain can also occur when the pharyngeal mucosa is severely inflamed during swallowing. In this case, influenza viruses or parainfluenza viruses are usually the triggers.

Earache due to draught

Infections with bacteria or viruses are responsible for most ear diseases. The fact that ear pain is caused by draughts is therefore only partly true. Nevertheless, it has been observed that inflammations always occur more frequently when the ears have been exposed to cold weather.

Here too, however, bacteria and viruses are the triggers. One possible explanation is that the protective mechanisms of our ears do not function as well in cold weather.For example, the sensitive skin of the external auditory canal can easily dry out in cold, dry air. Bacteria that have entered the ear during a visit to the swimming pool, for example, can multiply better on the weakened mucous membrane and cause inflammation.

Cold also reduces the blood circulation in the skin and mucous membranes. Defense cells can then no longer be transported so easily to the places where they are needed. Far more frequently, however, the phenomenon can be explained by the fact that certain pathogens prefer to appear during the cold season. Many pathogens that cause infections of the nasopharynx can ascend to the middle ear and cause inflammation there as well.

Earache when flying

The middle ear, more precisely the tympanic cavity, is connected to the oral cavity via the so-called Eustachian tube (tuba auditiva). This equalizes the pressure between the middle ear and the environment. If the eustachian tube is misplaced, for example due to swelling of the mucous membrane, pressure equalization cannot take place.

In some people this is often the case as part of allergic processes or due to hypersensitivity of the mucous membranes. Anatomical factors, colds or a swelling of the lymphatic tissue at the end of the Eustachian tube in the throat can also lead to its misalignment. This is then referred to as a tube ventilation disorder.

During a flight there is always a fluctuation in cabin pressure. These pressure fluctuations cannot be compensated for in the case of a tube ventilation disturbance. The eardrum bulges outwards or is pressed towards the ossicles.

This is associated with dull pain and hearing loss. Pressure equalization maneuvers, which divers also perform before the dive or the intake of decongestant nasal sprays can help. If ear pain in the context of an ear disease already exists before flying, the doctor should be informed about it. He can give information about whether the flight can be started or should be cancelled.