Relationship Between Pharyngitis & Tinnitus

Two unrelated illnesses, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and pharyngitis (swelling of the pharynx or back of the throat) do seem to have somewhat of a relationship.

Side Effects

• Drugs like hydrocodone, certain epilepsy drugs and medications for depression like Effexor and Wellbutrin have both tinnitus and pharyngitis as side effects.

Symptoms

• Tinnitus is actually a symptom of a form of pharyngitis called retro-pharyngeal abscess. It causes swelling and pus buildup in the back of the throat. The inflammation can restrict blood flow through the neck, leading to tinnitus.

Misconceptions

• Tinnitus cannot cause pharyngitis. The condition itself is considered a symptom, a sign of a larger illness. Only severe pharyngitis like retro-pharyngeal abscess can cause tinnitus. The pharynx must swell enormously to compress the blood vessels in the neck enough to cause tinnitus.

Time Span

• Tinnitus lasts until the underlying illness is resolved. It can be treated with drugs, but as a symptom will usually remain. Pharyngitis is similar. If cause by a bacteria, the illness will remain until the bacteria is treated. The inflammation usually subsides in a few days---about the time it takes to get over the flu or cold that brought on the pharyngitis.

Function

• Both are signs of more serious illnesses. Patients experiencing these should see their family physician.