What causes ear pain, coughing, and phlegm?

Ear pain accompanied by coughing with phlegm may be caused by the common cold, or it could result from acute pharyngitis or acute suppurative tonsillitis. The specific cause varies among individuals. After onset of symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital to determine the exact condition and receive targeted treatment.

1. Common Cold

In cases of the common cold, there are often accompanying symptoms such as coughing and ear pain. Treatment may include medications like Ammonium Caffeine Huangmin Capsules, Vitamin C Yinqiao Tablets, or Gan Kang, taken as directed by a physician. For sore throat caused by a cold, heat-clearing and detoxifying drugs such as Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid may also be used.

2. Acute Pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis is primarily an acute inflammation of the throat caused by bacteria or viruses, which can also trigger ear pain. Patients should drink plenty of water and consume light foods, avoiding spicy foods. If bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotics may be added along with heat-clearing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicine.

3. Acute Suppurative Tonsillitis

Acute suppurative tonsillitis may lead to symptoms such as ear pain and cough with phlegm. Patients with tonsillitis who also experience ear pain require symptomatic treatment and should be treated with appropriate antibiotics, as tonsillitis is usually caused by bacterial infection. Additionally, it is important to visit an otorhinolaryngology (ENT) department for evaluation and management of potential concurrent conditions such as otitis media.

Besides the above, in clinical practice, some patients may develop these symptoms due to acute external otitis or acute suppurative otitis media. It is essential to seek medical care early for timely diagnosis and targeted treatment under a doctor’s guidance. During treatment, maintain a light diet and ensure adequate rest.