Earache with fever: things to know

Ear infections, particularly those affecting the middle ear are a common source of ear pain. These infections can be quite painful, leading to difficulties in hearing and sometimes accompanied by high fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Middle ear infections, often referred to as otitis media are typically triggered by viruses or bacteria. The infection can block the ear tubes with mucus or fluid.

These infections are frequently seen in young children and if a toddler is tugging or touching their ears, it could be a sign of an ongoing infection. Consulting a pediatrician can help clarify the situation.

Respiratory tract infections include all the diseases that affect the nose, throat and ears. They are very common, especially among children. Respiratory infections, such as colds, often impact the ears, and this is quite normal, particularly in more severe cases, as the nose and ears are interconnected via the Eustachian tube. This canal in the middle ear can become blocked and fill with viruses or bacteria, leading to more severe issues like otitis.

Respiratory infections, ranging from common colds to more severe otitis, can sometimes be accompanied by varying degrees of fever. A pediatrician or general practitioner can assist in identifying the appropriate and effective treatment.

Sinusitis can also cause hearing problems. It often presents itself as a muffling of the ears, i.e. a feeling of plugged ears, which, if left untreated, can lead to perforation of the eardrum membrane. 

It is a very annoying but easily treatable disorder caused by the proximity of the affected organs. In fact, congestion of the sinuses can cause pain in the ears, which in turn causes a strong sense of discomfort in both ears, sometimes also accompanied by fever and general malaise.

Some good self-medication practices include using a saline spray or staying hydrated in order to relieve congestion and, consequently, pain.

Allergies trigger an inflammatory response that results in irritated mucous membranes, burning and redness in the eyes, reduced hearing, as well as itching and swelling in the ears. There may be fluid or pus discharge from the ear canal and problems with balance.

Typically, any hearing impairment is temporary and arises from an excessive buildup of mucus, fluids, and earwax in the ear canal. It's more accurate to describe it as a sense of muffling or reduced hearing rather than a strict hearing loss. In some cases, these sensations may be accompanied by a mild fever, with a slight increase in body temperature. Only rarely does the temperature exceed 38°C.

The presence of cerumen in the ears is a physiological situation with a specific function: local infection control. However, in the event of an overproduction of earwax, which can result from an alteration in the normal condition of the ear, earplugs can form.

This may lead to symptoms such as earache, a sensation of muffling in the ears, difficulty in hearing, and, in severe cases, even a high fever. With the help of a doctor or an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, the plug can be easily removed.

Oral disorders, from pharyngitis to bruxism to actual tooth disease, can also cause discomfort involving the ear.

In fact, we also stress the auditory system during mastication, again due to the proximity of organs. In particular, earaches and tinnitus are common when the teeth and the mouth are subjected to a particular distress, such as a wisdom tooth extraction. 

Inflammations, above all, can also cause fever, which must be treated with specific guidance from the dentist or a medical advisor.

Inflammation of the Eustachian tube has different causes: colds, pharyngitis, flu or allergies. All of these disorders promote the accumulation of secretions in the ear that cause the proliferation of bacteria that often affect the normal functioning of the Eustachian tube, filling it with mucus and causing ear pain.

A specific treatment according to the triggering factor can alleviate the inflammation and consequently the pain. However, it is important to consult your doctor to find the best solution.