Ear infection

[shannonfo]

I am a 33 year old female. Last night I started getting a sore throat. I woke up today with a  itchy left ear and my left gland is swollen . Just wondering if it is a ear infection . Is there any way to treat it at home ?

[shannonfo]

Thank you very much for the information. It was very helpful .

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hi, the symptoms described could be due to an infection, most probably streptococcal or a viral infection. Strep sore throat needs to be treated with an antibiotic as strep is a bacteria. Viral sore throat is best treated with rest, warm oral fluids and  (OTC) tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen for pain. If you develop a fever, or if there is enlargement of the tonsils with pain or if there is white coating on the tonsils, you will need to consult your primary care physician for a strep test, which if positive you will be given antibiotics. Regards.