A sore throat that suddenly turns into ear pain can leave you wondering if the two are related– and in some cases, they are. Strep throat, a common bacterial infection, can sometimes allow for other infections to develop, including those in the ears. If you or your child has been diagnosed with strep and ear pain follows, it may not be a coincidence. In this blog, we’ll explore how strep throat and ear infections are connected, and what you should know about symptoms, treatment, and when to seek care.
For same-day illness testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale. We’re conveniently located at 850 S Monaco Pkwy, Suite 10 in Denver, CO. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!
Understanding Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus. It’s highly contagious and often spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or sharing food and drinks.
Common symptoms of strep throat include:
- Sudden, severe sore throat
- Painful swallowing
- Red, swollen tonsils (often with white patches)
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache or fatigue
- No cough or runny nose
Can Strep Throat Lead To An Ear Infection?
Yes, in some cases. Strep throat and ear infections affect connected parts of the upper respiratory system, and inflammation from one can impact the other. The throat, nose, and ears are linked by a small passage called the Eustachian tube. When you have strep throat, inflammation or bacteria can travel up this tube and lead to a middle ear infection. Children are especially prone to this bacteria because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal, making it easier for bacteria to spread between the throat and ears.
Signs You May Have Both Infections
If you’ve recently had or currently have strep throat and begin to develop new symptoms, it’s important to recognize signs of a possible ear infection:
- Sharp or throbbing ear pain (in one or both ears)
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Decreased hearing
- Fever that persists or returns
- Fluid drainage from the ear (especially in children)
- Irritability, trouble sleeping, or tugging at the year (young kids)
If these symptoms appear after a strep diagnosis, it may mean the infection has spread or a new one has developed. At an urgent care center, providers can perform a rapid strep test and a physical exam to check for signs of both throat and ear infections. If an ear infection is present, treatment may include additional or adjusted antibiotics.
Get Walk-In Illness Testing & Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale
Strep throat doesn’t always cause an ear infection, but it can increase the risk– especially in children. If you or your child develop new ear symptoms during or after a strep infection, don’t ignore them! Timely treatment can prevent complications and get you back to feeling better sooner. Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale for fast, effective relief for strep throat, ear infections, and more. Our team provides compassionate care with no appointment required. We accept most health insurance plans and offer cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please contact our team directly at (303) 935-1000.
