I have a sore throat and ear pains when I swallow. Help?

[Rebecca]

I got a sore throat about 4 days ago. It hurt extremely badly, but I thought it was because I loaded myself with junk food the previous night. The sore throat lasted for 3 days, and this morning, I felt better. But, as I got into the day, my ear started hurting with my throat every time I swallow. This only affects my right side. It hurts so badly, I don't even want to eat. This happened for the first time. The pain feels like an ear infection, but it was weird how I got that after I had a sore throat for days. Any clues what this might be?

[Ina]

i can assure you that its not an ear infection. its very common, and you have a minor case of the flu. all you have to do is take some cold medicine and maybe some mucinex to prevent chest inflammation.

[JAMES P]

I would say that your tonsils are still infected, and there is a connection between the ear and throat. When you swallow the infected tonsil sends a pain to the ear, probably by a nerve. You surely could have an ear infection, but only an ear specialist can tell you that for sure, or your family Doctor. You may have strep throat, although you say your throat doesn't hurt anymore or that it went away. Did you take an antibiotic for it? If not, then I would have to say you still have an infection. Why don't you try this old remedy. I know that most people don't like the taste of vinegar, but there are thousands of uses for it, sore throat being one of them. Just pour about 6 ounces of warm water in a cup, stir in a tablespoon of Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar, and gargle with it. About the fourth gargle, swallow the solution. This will kill any germs that may break lose and go into the esophagus or stomach. Give it a try, you'll get used to the taste. At the first sign of a sore throat, I gargle with the vinegar and the next morning, it is gone. If you don't believe me, go onto an Internet site and in the search window, type, vinegar uses or vinegar health cures. I've used vinegar for years and it has kept me from the Doctors Office on many occasions. You can also use salt water, but it doesn't kill germs. Good luck to you young lady.