2. Infection of the Eustachian Tubes
The Eustachian tubes connect the back of the throat with the middle ear. Their purpose is to drain fluids from the middle ear, letting them flow down the throat into the gut where your biomes deal with the flushed particles.
People with otitis media may notice that they start to develop a sore throat. This infection occurs due to the virus or bacteria leaking into the Eustachian tubes from the middle ear, creating symptoms of swelling and inflammation that flow into the throat. In some cases, the infection may lead to the development of strep throat due to Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
Viral infection of the middle ear rarely causes this complication, but bacterial infections almost always induce a sore throat along with symptoms of earache – especially in cases of water-borne viruses.
A blockage of the Eustachian tubes due to a buildup of fluid or pus in the middle ear can also cause symptoms of pain and discomfort in the ear and throat as well.