Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Can Sinus Infection Cause Ear Pain

Sore Throat And Hoarse Voice

Episode 13 Ear pain and sinus pain

Postnasal drip can leave you with a raw and aching throat. Although it may start as an annoying tickle, it can get worse.

If your infection lasts for a few weeks or more, mucus can irritate and inflame your throat as it drips, resulting in a painful sore throat and hoarse voice. Frequent coughing and throat clearing can make a hoarse voice worse.

How Is Acute Sinusitis Treated

Acute sinusitis is typically a short-term condition that is not too severe. For many people, little or no treatment is needed. Most people get better on their own after seven to 10 days.

Antibiotics are only helpful for bacterial infections. Most sinusitis is due to viruses or other causes that are not cured by antibiotics.

Other treatment options include ways to manage your symptoms. You can:

  • Try nasal sprays and decongestants. You should not use over-the-counter medicated nose sprays longer than three days unless your healthcare provider says you should.
  • Get extra rest and drink extra fluids.
  • Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you have significant pain.
  • Irrigate your nasal passages with saline solution. Since this is just salt and sterile water applied to the nose for cleaning, you can continue longer than five days.

How Long Do Sinus Infections Last

During this time of year, it can be difficult to know whether your sniffles are caused by allergies, a cold or something else. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimates that 31 million Americans are diagnosed with sinus infections each year. Understanding the signs of a sinus infection, including how long it can last, is key for seeking proper treatment.

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The Surprising Connection Between Sinus Infections And Ear Infections

Its 2018, and the Texas weather still cant make up its mind. The fluctuations in temperature, air pressure, and air moisture are causing sinus misery from Galveston to Conroe. As if dealing with one type of infection isnt hard enough, sinus infections and ear infections can often occur at the same time. Read on to understand the relationship between these two pain-causing companions.

Home Remedies For Clogged Ears Due To Sinus Infections

Jaw Pain Ear Infection Sinusitis Disease / ROBERT

Here are some additional home remedies that can help alleviate ear problems associated with sinus infections and even wax build-up.

  • Yawning helps redistribute the fluid in your ear.
  • Take a hot, steamy shower.
  • Make a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and warm water and pour it into the ear.
  • Chew gum as it can help move wax out of the ear.
  • Combine rubbing alcohol and vinegar and use the mixture as ear drops.
  • Pinch your nose and blow to pop your ears.
  • Drop warm olive oil into your ear once again this breaks up wax.
  • Combine rubbing alcohol and apple cider vinegar as ear drops to help treat infection.
  • Apply warm compresses to the ears.
  • Gargle with warm water and salt.

Also Check: Is Zinc Good For Sinus Infections

Ear Infections In Gerd Patients

Chronic otitis media is a long-term ear problem resulting in the perforation in the eardrum. When left untreated, the middle ear can get infected with liquids. Ear problems are another known manifestation of GERD. A study was keen to understand the relationship between GERD and OME.

The scientists tested out antireflux medication on a patient with GERD and OME to understand whether reflux medication would directly alleviate OME symptoms. Scientists found that antireflux therapy and other lifestyle modifications associated with GERD improved both GERD and OME symptoms.

Publishers have two interesting suggestions regarding GERD-related OME:

  • That GERD has the potential to manifest into a different condition like nasopharyngitis, and lead to a specific ear condition
  • That chronic ear problems resistant to therapy may in fact be caused by GERD, and treated through GERD-specific therapy
  • Recent studies detected pepsin, a stomach enzyme apparent in reflux contents, in the fluid stuck in the middle ear. This reaffirms the suspicion that GERD may in fact be related to the development of OME.

    Another study followed patients between ages 1 to 17 with OME and used anti-reflux therapy to improve the signs of GERD. This study also confirmed that anti-reflux medication helps with patients with resistant-therapy OME, leading them to believe that OME may be directly related to GERD.

    Pain Or Pressure In Your Sinuses

    Facial pain is a common symptom of sinusitis. You have several different sinuses above and below your eyes, as well as behind your nose. Any of these air-filled cavities can hurt when you have a sinus infection.

    Inflammation and swelling can cause your sinuses to ache with dull pressure. This is because inflammation may alter the typical path of mucus from the nose to the back of the throat.

    You may feel pain in:

    • your forehead
    • on either side of your nose
    • in your upper jaws and teeth
    • between your eyes

    This may lead to a headache. Headaches caused by sinus infections can occur where the sinuses are or in other places.

    Read Also: Best Allergy Medication For Sinus Headaches

    Treatment For Persistent Sinus Infections And Ear Infections

    Having a sinus infection is never pleasant, especially if it leads to an ear infection. Luckily, Kaplan Sinus Relief is here to help with all of your sinus issues. Dr. Kaplan uses an innovative treatment named Balloon Sinuplasty to clear your sinus passageways by inserting and inflating a small balloon.

    A minimally invasive procedure, Balloon Sinuplastys success rate is incredibly high. This treatment is painless, requires minimal recovery time, and requires only local anesthesia. Patients can often resume their daily activities within two days of the procedure. Balloon Sinuplasty is an effective treatment for all who suffer from the difficulty of sinus infections.

    What Is The Link Between The Sinuses And The Ears

    Can Sinus Infection cause toothache? – Dr. Sangeeta Honnur

    Sinus pressure in ear: Congestion of the sinuses often leads to a feeling of pressure in the ear, as a result of an accumulation of fluid in the ear canals. This occurs despite the absence of a direct connection between the sinuses and the ear. The Eustachian tube, which is a narrow passage connecting the ear and throat, drains the middle ear into the part of the throat that is behind the nose called the nasopharynx.

    Eric L. Winarsky, M.D. contributes to topics such as Otolaryngology.

    Cold and flu season isnt quite over yet. If you have congestion that includes sinus pressure, you may have a coldor it could be a sinus infection. How can you be sure that its one or the other, and when is it time to make an appointment with your doctor?

    Eric L. Winarsky, M.D., an otolaryngologist and surgeon with Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group, helps answer the 5 most Googled questions about nasal inflammation and sinus infections.

  • What are signs of a sinus infection?
  • If you feel pressure behind your eyes and cheeks, have a worsening headache, cough, fever, bad breath, fatigue, decreased sense of smell or taste, nose bleeds, clogged ears and/or postnasal drip, you may have a sinus infection and nasal inflammationand not just a cold.

  • Whats the best way to get sinus pressure relief?
  • As such, there is no silver bullet or one pill to take that can alleviate all the symptoms.

  • Are sinus infections viral?
  • Do you need antibiotics for a sinus infection?
  • Recommended Reading: What Prescription Medicine For Sinus Infection

    Why Is Sinus Pressure In The Ears So Painful

    When experiencing pain and pressure in the ears caused by sinus congestion, there are many questions that may cross your mind. How do I make it go away? The cause of the pain in your ears is usually due to sinus pressure. This is because sinus congestion and stuffiness can affect the pressure in your ears. The pressure in your sinuses affects more than just your nose. It can also cause pain in your ears, dizziness, and the feeling that your ears feel stuffed up or clogged. The good news is, there are several remedies to bring you relief.

    Ear And Sinus Problems: Common Or Worrisome

    GERD is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions in the U.S. but its symptoms arent always straightforward. More and more physicians are accepting its association with ENT conditions.

    Although its difficult to explain how GERD mechanisms affect the ear and sinus, doctors suggest that damages caused by GERD can change how the ear and nose behave.

    Recommended Reading: Is Dizziness A Symptom Of Sinus Infection

    Learn More About Our Effective Treatments

    Persistent sinus pressure and symptomatic ear pain can affect your quality of life. At our practice, Dr. Joshua Goldberg has the knowledge and experience to identify and treat the underlying causes of your ear pain so you can get back to living life to the fullest. Contact us today at 215-659-8805 to schedule an appointment at our offices.

    Clogged Ear: The Sinus

    Unplug Ears from Sinus Pressure  Ear Wax Treatment Clinic

    A sinus infection primarily affects your nose, but symptoms can extend to the ears as well. The sinus-ear connection stems from the fact that your sinuses and ears are connected therefore, clogged and congested sinuses also affect the ears.

    There are many ways you can help improve your sinus infection and obtain relief in your ears. Below are some tips that can help decongest your sinuses.

    • Use a nasal saline or apply a warm moist washcloth to your nose to add moisture. Humidifiers are also useful to help add moisture to the air and not dry out your nose.
    • Over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve ear pain.
    • Over-the-counter decongestants can help clear out sinus cavities.
    • Avoid extreme temperatures hot or cold weather can worsen sinuses.
    • Keep your head up putting it down applies added pressure.

    Sinus-related ear problems can also lead to dizziness. If you experience dizziness due to sinuses, you may want to avoid fast movements as it can increase dizziness. Its also important to drink plenty of water to thin mucus and avoid caffeine, salt, alcohol and tobacco, which alter blood flow and can worsen dizziness.

    Related: Sinusitis Vertigo and Dizziness, A Complication of Sinus Infection

    Also Check: Does A Sinus Infection Require Antibiotics

    How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed

    Your healthcare provider will ask you a lot of questions in order to develop a detailed medical history and find out about your symptoms. They will also do a physical examination. During the exam, your care provider will check your ears, nose and throat for any swelling, draining or blockage. An endoscope may be used to look inside the nose. In some cases, you might be referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist. If you needed an imaging exam, your provider would order a computed tomography scan.

    Read Also: How To Turn On Hearing Aid Mode On Iphone

    When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider About Sinusitis

    Though many cases of acute sinusitis can improve with little to no treatment, you should call the doctor if you experience any painful symptoms. An antibiotic may be needed for a bacterial infection.

    If you find that your sinuses do not feel better after 10 days, symptoms have gotten worse, or you have symptoms that initially improved and then worsen five to six days later , you should contact your healthcare provider. Symptoms that continue after about four weeks may mean you have subacute or chronic sinusitis. If you develop other types of symptoms, such as severe eye swelling, or you are just not sure what you should do next, call your provider.

    If you have facial pain, and you have healthy teeth, you can try things like nasal rinses and warm, wet washcloths on your face to see if you find some relief. If so, and if your symptoms go away in about 10 days, you probably have had acute sinusitis and it has gotten better on its own. If not, and you continue to feel ill after three or four weeks, call your provider.

    Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/04/2020.

    References

    Also Check: If Sinus Infection Is Left Untreated

    Whats The Best Way To Get Sinus Pressure Relief

    Over-the-counter options include nasal decongestants and nasal steroid sprays. Some people try saline spray and nasal irrigation to find relief. Others stick with over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain and fever symptoms. Drinking plenty of fluids, applying warm compresses to the sinus area, light facial massage and vaporizer use can also keep congestion moving on the way out.

    This is a very complex problem and depending on the severity and the level of inflammation there are a host of diagnostic exams and tests to be performed before a true diagnosis can be made so that a treatment plan can be formulated, Winarsky says.

    As such, there is no silver bullet or one pill to take that can alleviate all the symptoms.

    While a sinus infection can go away on its own, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your doctorespecially if you seem to be getting a lot of sinus infections. Also, nasal discharge, fever, congestion or pain that lasts more than 10 days warrants a trip to see your physician.

    Can Your Sinuses Affect Jaw Pain

    Ear Care & Treatments : How to Unclog the Ears During a Sinus Infection

    The sinuses have an important job. They are lined with mucus that traps bacteria in the air before it enters the lungs. They also help humidify and filter the air we breathe.

    But despite their importance, the humble sinuses often dont get noticed unless they become inflamed, swollen, or infected. This often happens because of a virus such as a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection. When one of these problems arises, you may be saddled with an excruciating sinus headache. You may also have the characteristic runny nose, sneezing, and congestion.

    Like the sinuses, our temporomandibular joint is vitally important for our health. It is comprised of the bones, ligaments, and muscles that allow us to open and close our mouth. Without a properly functioning TMJ, necessary functions like eating and drinking become painful or difficult. Speaking and swallowing are also affected.

    And yet, the TMJ and all its hard work are often taken for granted as well until it starts to cause pain. Common causes of TMJ pain include injury, overuse, tooth and jaw alignment problems, stress, and tooth grinding. Pain, misalignment, and/or inflammation of the TMJ is known as a temporomandibular disorder .

    Also Check: Sinus Infection Loss Of Smell

    Treatments From Your Gp

    See your GP if your symptoms are severe, don’t start to improve within 7 to 10 days, or are getting worse. They may recommend additional treatment with corticosteroid drops or sprays, or antibiotics.

    If these treatments don’t help, you GP may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist for an assessment and to discuss whether surgery is a suitable option.

    Symptoms Of An Ear Infection

    The primary symptoms of an ear infection include acute ear pain and hearing loss. You will have the sensation that your hearing is muffled and you may experience referred pain to your throat or fluid in the middle ear.

    When youre experiencing an ear infection, you may not necessarily see a change in color in or outside your ears.

    Read Also: Bc Powder For Sinus Headache

    Ear And Sinus Infections

    Its the middle of the night, and your child has awakened you crying. Nothing youve tried is consoling her, and you notice she is pulling at her ears. Could she be suffering from an ear infection? Most ear infections are caused by a bacterial accumulation in the middle ear. These infections cause fluid to build up behind the ear drum. The result is painful inflammation and swelling that can trap fluid in the inner ear. Most earaches resolve on their own or with prescription medication. However, some ear infections occur chronically and require additional medical intervention.

    Ear infections are highly common among children and adults. In fact, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that 75 percent of all children experience at least one ear infection by their third birthdays. The condition, also known as otitis media, can be painful for children and worrisome for parents. It causes millions of doctors visits every year not to mention countless prescriptions for antibiotics.

    It Affects Your Mouth Throat Gums And Throat Mucus

    Pain in ear when swallowing: Is it an ear infection or ...

    How to treat jaw pain from sinus infection. Lower jaw pain for 3 days, worse after lying down and feeling of fullness in ears. When the sinuses become inflamed, a condition known as sinusitis, the effects can be felt in unexpected places.due to the positioning of two of the largest sinuses, there is a link between sinus and jaw pain.by treating ones sinusitis, it is usually possible to relieve pain in both places. Can be just a different problem in your lower.

    You may have a sore jaw or jaw pain. May 25, 2021 written by: If you dont treat your sinus issues, your tooth pain probably isnt going to go away.

    Sinus infection or sinusitis is a horrible and debilitating condition that affects around 39 million people in the u.s. You also may feel sore or irritated in your. How to relieve sinus pain & pressure:

    The face is very tender and the teeth too may ache. 1 it results when the sinuses in the nose become inflamed and blocked, trapping the mucous and air that would normally be expelled. Use a cold compress to sooth pain directly, try a saltwater gargle to keep your mouth comfortable, and use a benzocaine numbing gel to keep your gum pain in check.

    What to do for sinus pressure and pain at home. Use a neti pot, a therapy that uses a salt and water solution, to flush your nasal passages. Pressure and pain in the face is experienced when one has sinus jaw pain.

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    Recommended Reading: What Is A Sinus Head Cold

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