Sudden Fever and Ear Discomfort: Possible Causes and Insights - Otolaryngology

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Sudden fever and discomfort in the ear?


Hello doctor, I woke up on the morning of June 9th with a headache, muscle aches, and the headache was located around the occipital region, which is the area that usually hurts when I don't get enough sleep.
On a whim, I checked my temperature and found that I had a fever of 38 degrees Celsius.
However, I did not experience any symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, diarrhea, nasal congestion, runny nose, or severe headache and body weakness.
In fact, my appetite was good, and everything felt normal except for the lack of sleep and the fever.
The next day when I checked my temperature, I no longer had a fever.
What could be the issue, doctor? Could it be related to the fact that I was cleaning my ears a couple of days ago? I now have a slight pain in my ear and I'm wondering if there could be a connection between the two.
Thank you for your response, doctor.

Xiao Feng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/10

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology


Hello: A temporary increase in body temperature may be related to a mild infection or not drinking water throughout the night, and is likely less related to an ear injury.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/06/10

More Info


Sudden fever accompanied by ear discomfort can be concerning, and it’s understandable to seek clarity on what might be happening in your body. Based on your description, you experienced a sudden onset of fever (38 degrees Celsius) along with headache and muscle aches, but without other common symptoms such as cough, diarrhea, or nasal congestion. The fever resolved by the next day, and you also mentioned some discomfort in your ear, which raises a few possibilities.

Firstly, it’s important to note that fever can be a response to various factors, including infections, inflammation, or even dehydration. In your case, the fever could have been a mild viral infection, which is common and often resolves quickly without significant intervention. The fact that you felt generally well aside from the fever suggests that it might not have been a severe illness. Additionally, lack of sleep can also contribute to feelings of malaise and may even trigger mild headaches or muscle aches, which you experienced.

Regarding your concern about ear discomfort and whether it could be related to your fever, it’s possible but not necessarily causal. Ear discomfort can arise from several conditions, including earwax buildup, infections (like otitis media), or even referred pain from tension in the neck or jaw. If you were digging in your ears, it’s conceivable that you might have irritated the ear canal or even caused a minor injury, leading to discomfort. However, this would typically not cause a fever unless there was an infection present.

In terms of the relationship between your fever and ear discomfort, while they can occur together, they do not always indicate a direct link. For instance, a mild upper respiratory infection could cause both symptoms, but if you had no other signs of illness, it might simply be coincidental.
If your ear discomfort persists or worsens, it would be wise to consult an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist. They can examine your ear for any signs of infection or injury and provide appropriate treatment if necessary. It’s also important to monitor your symptoms. If you experience any new symptoms such as severe pain, discharge from the ear, or if the fever returns, seeking medical attention promptly would be advisable.

In summary, while your sudden fever and ear discomfort could be related, they may also be independent occurrences. The transient nature of your fever and the absence of other serious symptoms suggest that it may not be a cause for alarm. However, given your ear discomfort, a professional evaluation would be beneficial to rule out any underlying issues. Always prioritize your health and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice when in doubt.

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