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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Ear Discomfort With Jaw Soreness?

I went to a minute clinic today and was told this Posterior pharynx: Abnormal (unilateral swelling) (unilateral tonsil swelling on right side touching uvula.) My ear feels like there is something in it and my jaw is slightly sore when I chew. I was told to see my family doctor because I might have an abscess.
Tue, 9 Sep 2014
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ENT Specialist 's  Response
Hi. The feeling of the ear being clogged with fluid or blocked can be explained by the blockage of the eustachian tube (ET) opening by the enlarging tonsil on the same side.

The eustachian tube (ET) connects the back of the nose to the middle ear region. The ET is important for equalizing the pressure between the ear and the atmospheric environment. The enlarging unilateral tonsillar superiorly can press on the opening of this tube and create blockage leading to a negative pressure within the ear which pulls the ear drum inwards leading to pain. The muscles that attach to the jaw are in very close proximity to the ET and some of the jaw muscles arise from the bony portion of the ET. Hence the pain and soreness in the jaw are related to chewing.

These symptoms will disappear once the swelling around the tonsils and the building abscess within the tonsil (Peritonsillar abscess) resolves.
I would recommend that you see your ENT specialist at the earliest because if it is a peritonsillar abscess then it will have to be drained through a small procedure called incision and drainage. Once the pus is evacuated, you will need a good course of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications along with oral antiseptic rinses. Please note that an abscess left untreated is dangerous and can spread to other spaces in the neck and can block your breathing.

If you do not have an abscess (ruled out by an ENT) then you will need only the medications as mentioned above. In any case you will need to have your tonsils removed after 6 weeks since both unilateral tonsillar enlargement and peritonsillar abscesses are strong indications for a tonsillectomy.

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What Causes Ear Discomfort With Jaw Soreness?

Hi. The feeling of the ear being clogged with fluid or blocked can be explained by the blockage of the eustachian tube (ET) opening by the enlarging tonsil on the same side. The eustachian tube (ET) connects the back of the nose to the middle ear region. The ET is important for equalizing the pressure between the ear and the atmospheric environment. The enlarging unilateral tonsillar superiorly can press on the opening of this tube and create blockage leading to a negative pressure within the ear which pulls the ear drum inwards leading to pain. The muscles that attach to the jaw are in very close proximity to the ET and some of the jaw muscles arise from the bony portion of the ET. Hence the pain and soreness in the jaw are related to chewing. These symptoms will disappear once the swelling around the tonsils and the building abscess within the tonsil (Peritonsillar abscess) resolves. I would recommend that you see your ENT specialist at the earliest because if it is a peritonsillar abscess then it will have to be drained through a small procedure called incision and drainage. Once the pus is evacuated, you will need a good course of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications along with oral antiseptic rinses. Please note that an abscess left untreated is dangerous and can spread to other spaces in the neck and can block your breathing. If you do not have an abscess (ruled out by an ENT) then you will need only the medications as mentioned above. In any case you will need to have your tonsils removed after 6 weeks since both unilateral tonsillar enlargement and peritonsillar abscesses are strong indications for a tonsillectomy.