Personalized Care For Sinus Infections
Whether you are experiencing an acute sinus infection or you have chronic sinusitis, Collin County Ear, Nose, and Throat is here to help. Our patients receive customized care and our undivided attention, ensuring a quality treatment plan to help find relief.
For more information about ENT services for families in the Collin County or Dallas area, call Collin County Ear, Nose, and Throat. Well schedule a consultation for you to visit a doctor at a nearby office in Frisco or Plano, TX. We have an online appointment form you can use or call to schedule a visit: 596-4005.
Can you feel the pain and pressure building in your sinuses? Then it could be
We find our patients experiences the most rewarding part of the job. Without them, we wouldnt be one of the longest standing ENT practices in the area!
We consulted Dr Tseng based on our pediatrician’s recommendation. He’s so great a doctor who took time to explain us everything and genuinely guided us in the right direction. He’s such a caring, genuine and knowledgeable doctor. Oh how I wish there were more like him!
Hetal U.
I have used Collin Co. ENT and Dr. Kenny Carter for over 3 years, primarily for ear problems. The staff has been consistently helpful and friendly to me. When I have had problems needing immediate attention and explained the need, have been able to get an appointment within a reasonable time to address the problem. I recommend Dr. Carter and his staff.
Stan B.Mehrdad M.
What Is An Ear Infection
There are different types of ear infections. Middle ear infection is an infection in the middle ear.
Another condition that affects the middle ear is called otitis media with effusion. It occurs when fluid builds up in the middle ear without being infected and without causing fever, ear pain, or pus build-up in the middle ear.
When the outer ear canal is infected, the condition is called swimmers ear, which is different from a middle ear infection. For more information, visit Swimmers Ear .
You May Like: Will Bladder Infection Go Away On Its Own
Other Remedies For Symptom Relief
Staying hydrated can help thin mucus to ease congestion.
Drinking hot liquids such as tea and broth may help relieve your symptoms. Breathing in moist air may also help relieve the discomfort that comes with nasal congestion. Try breathing in steam from the shower, a bowl of hot water, or a mug of tea.
If your voice is hoarse, rest it by avoiding yelling, whispering, and singing.
Placing a warm compress over the inflamed area can help reduce pressure and provide relief.
damages the natural protective elements of your nose, mouth, throat, and respiratory system.
If you smoke, consider quitting. Ask a doctor if you need help or are interested in quitting. Quitting may help prevent future episodes of both acute and chronic sinusitis.
Wash your hands frequently, especially during cold and flu seasons, to keep your sinuses from becoming irritated or infected by viruses or bacteria on your hands.
Using a humidifier during the cooler, dryer months may also help prevent sinus infections.
Talk with a doctor to see if allergies are causing your sinusitis. If youre allergic to something that causes persistent sinus symptoms, you will likely need to treat your allergies to relieve your sinus infection.
You may need to seek an allergy specialist to determine the cause of the allergy. The specialist may suggest:
- avoiding the allergen
- doing allergic immunotherapy
Keeping your allergies under control can help prevent repeated episodes of sinusitis.
Recommended Reading: How Long To Recover From Sinus Infection
Treatment For A Throat Infection
You can treat many throats infections at home, but if your condition doesnt improve in 1-2 weeks, you should contact a physician. The common cause of throat infections, viral infections, usually only last five to seven days and dont require medical treatment. A course of antibiotics is usually prescribed by a physician if your throat infection is caused by a viral infection. Home treatment options include:
- Gargling with warm salt water
- Drinking plenty of warm fluids
- Avoiding allergens and irritants
- Reducing inflammation with ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Are There Any Complications From Chronic Sinusitis
Living with untreated chronic sinusitis can be unpleasant with the persistent symptoms but serious complications are uncommon. A sinus infection may spread to nearby areas, such as around an eye, into adjoining bones, into the blood, or into the brain. Children are more prone than adults are to complications. Swelling or redness of an eyelid or cheek in a child with sinusitis should be reported to a doctor urgently.
Read Also: How To Fix Sinus Drainage
What Are The Different Types Of Ear Infections
The most common type of ear infection is called acute otitis media . As mentioned above, this typically causes pain and fever. Other types include:
- Otitis media with effusion . This happens when the fluid remains behind the eardrum even after the acute infection clears up. A child may not have symptoms but the doctor can see the fluid when looking inside the ear with an otoscope .
- Chronic otitis media with effusion . This happens when the fluid is trapped for a long time or keeps returning. COME can possibly affect hearing or make it hard to fight off new infections.
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:
- 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.
You May Like: How To Stop A Sinus Infection Fast
Can A Sinus Headache Be Prevented
- Good handwashing and hygienic practices can help prevent colds and upper respiratory infections.
- Smoking cessation can also decrease your risk of airway infections.
- For people with allergies, avoid allergic triggers to help prevent sinus infections.
- Keep the body well hydrated and humidify the air since these can help promote efficient drainage of fluids from the sinuses.
Recommended Reading: Why Does Sinus Pressure Hurt
Structure Of The Middle Ear
outer ear or auditory canalmiddle ear eardrum
A narrow passage called the eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and nose. The eustachian tube functions to control the airflow and pressure inside the middle ear. It lies closed and opens with the swallowing movement allowing air to enter the middle ear. This mechanism maintains a constant pressure gradient and replaces the oxygen that has been absorbed by the lining of the middle ear. Sometimes the pressure is not equalized with the environment outside. This can be felt on an airplane or at high altitudes and may cause some discomfort.
The tympanic cavity also plays an important role in hearing. Three small bones called ossicles are found in the middle ear. These bones form a chain and conduct sound vibrations from the eardrum to the fluid-filled inner ear. Sounds are then converted into nerve impulses and carried to the brain by the auditory nerve.
Extending from the air space of the middle ear is the mastoid bone. It is made of small, connected air spaces and resembles a honeycomb. The structures that are responsible for facial expressions and balance are found in this part of the inner ear. While the exact function of this bone is not clear, it is known to be involved in chronic ear infections.
Don’t Miss: Advil Cold Sinus And Flu
How To Prevent Sinusitis
- Maintain good hygiene of hands.
- Avoid active smoking and passive smoking.
- Use only valid vaccinations.
- Stay off from people with respiratory infections and colds
- Use humidifiers when the climate is cold.
Remember that in the majority of the cases sinusitis goes away with a healthy lifestyle and OTC drugs and if it doesnt go away you arent maintaining the required hygiene and lifestyle. Now hope all the answers to can sinus infection cause ear pain and are they interrelated are explained.
Sudheendra is a passionate blogger for 8 years and holds a Degree in Journalism & Mass Communications. His writings particularly focus on health, medicine, diet & lifestyle. For him, everything that interlinks and relates to health & medical world entices him. His write-ups aim at educating people not by just giving facts but by infusing human touch.
Sinus Infections: Your Top 5 Questions Answered
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.
Read Also: Does Vicks Help With Sinus Infection
Can Ear Infections Be Prevented
Some lifestyle choices can help protect kids from ear infections:
- Breastfeed infants for at least 6 months to help to prevent the development of early episodes of ear infections. If a baby is bottle-fed, hold the baby at an angle instead of lying the child down with the bottle.
- Prevent exposure to secondhand smoke, which can increase the number and severity of ear infections.
- Parents and kids should wash their hands well and often. This is one of the most important ways to stop the spread of germs that can cause colds and, therefore, ear infections.
- Keep childrens immunizations up to date because certain vaccines can help prevent ear infections.
Clean Your Cpap Thoroughly And Replace Air Filters
Maintaining clean CPAP equipment is something everyone should prioritize and is especially important if youre someone who frequently experiences seasonal or chronic allergy symptoms. Every single day after waking up, you should clean your CPAP mask and its cushion or nasal pillows with warm water and a mild soap. You should also empty and dry your humidifier chamber and hang your hose to dry as well. Youll also want to clean your humidifier chamber and hose once weekly with soap and water.
Youll also want to be sure to replace your machines disposable air filter once a month if it uses one. If your machine has a reusable filter, it should be rinsed every week and replaced every six months.
Specialized CPAP cleaners are also available for effectively reducing infection risk by fungi, mold, and bacteria with further sanitization, though these products should be used in addition to your regular cleaning routine and not as a substitute for it. We also carry the antimicrobial Healthy Hose Pro, which prevents and eliminates up to 99.99% of bacteria.
Recommended Reading: Steroid Nasal Spray For Sinus Infection
Types Of Gas Infections
Group A streptococcal infections can range from a mild skin infection or a sore throat to severe, life-threatening conditions. Most people are familiar with strep throat, which along with minor skin infections, is the most common form of the disease. Health experts estimate that more than 10 million mild infections occur every year.
By Coastal Urgent Care Baton Rouge
In the United States, there are between 11,000 to 13,000 cases of strep throat each year.
Strep throat is an infection that is caused by the Streptococcus bacteria. It is infectious and spread through respiratory droplets. That means you can catch strep throat by breathing it in, touching something with droplets on it and then touching your face, or if you eat or drink after an infected person.
You should never have strep throat left untreated. Strep throat requires antibiotics to go away and left untreated, can worsen into other problems.
How Do I Know If My Child Has An Ear Infection
Unfortunately, young children are often unable to communicate their discomfort, forcing parents to identify symptoms via a process of deduction. Most ear infections are preceded by a normal cold. Children may have a runny nose with clear drainage that begins to turn yellow or green at the first signs of infection. Ear infections can also cause many other symptoms usually a combination of at least two of the following:
- Fussiness and irritability, often appearing suddenly
- Grasping or pulling at the ear
- Interruptions in sleep patterns
- Low grade fever, usually 101º 102º F
- Changes in balance
- Verbal complaints of ear pain
- Difficulty hearing
- Drainage from the ear, often tinged with blood or pus
You May Like: Does Amoxicillin Treat A Sinus Infection
Do I Have Chronic Sinusitis
If you have had nasal congestion and drainage for more than 3 months, you may have chronic sinusitis. The primary symptoms are nasal congestion, stuffiness, mouth breathing, and snoring. Nasal blockage often results in loss of taste and smell. Pain and fever are less commonly seen in chronic sinusitis than in acute infections. Chronic sinusitis causes swelling and drainage in the nose, which can best be seen during an endoscopic examination by an ENT specialist .
You should see a specialist if any of the following last 3 months or longer:
- Thick or discolored nasal discharge
- Nasal congestion or obstruction
- Facial pain, pressure or fullness
How To Relieve Sinus Ear Pain
Here are things to do to relieve sinus-related ear congestion
- Use a nose decongestant
- Use a nasal irrigation system or a nasal rinse
- Use a humidifier, since dry air can infuriate the nasal passages
- Avoid smoking and other irritants
- Drink plenty of water, importantly in the evening times to thin the nasal mucus
Don’t Miss: What Can Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection
Sinus Infection Treatment Options
Mild sinus infections can be managed at home using over-the-counter decongestants, sinus rinses, and rest. If the symptoms dont go away after about a week or 10 days, then its time to schedule an appointment with a doctor.
These are some of the treatments used by ENTs for sinus infections:
- Medications: First, the doctor will identify the type of sinus infection, then prescribe an appropriate medication. Common medications include antibiotics, antifungal medications, nasal corticosteroids, or NSAIDs.
- Surgery: If minimally-invasive treatments arent effective in clearing up the infection, then surgery might be recommended. For example, the doctor might use balloon sinuplasty or functional endoscopic sinus surgeryl to open up the sinus passages.
- Underlying Causes: Why are you experiencing frequent sinus infections? A skilled ENT can help with preventive treatments to minimize the risk of recurring infections in the future.
Our team of ear, nose, and throat specialists dedicates the time and attention needed to support your unique health concerns. By designing a custom treatment plan, we help each patient find relief from mild and severe medical concerns.
What Causes Sinus Infections
Sinus infections are caused by allergies, air pollution, and nose structure. Its important to take note of what triggers your sinuses. Are you more likely to get a sinus infection from mold, for example? Is dust the culprit? Or are your sinus infections brought on by less common causes, such as diabetes, autoimmune disorder, or a fungal infection?
Once you know what causes your sinus infections, reduce your risk of getting sinusitis by washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, drying your hair after showering, receiving immunization shots, making your environment more sinus friendly by cleaning your house and replacing your air filter regularly, and avoiding smoking, people who smoke, sudden temperature changes , and caffeine or alcohol.
If your sinus infections are caused by allergies, try taking antihistamines. Sinusitis caused by fungal infections can be avoided with antifungal medicine. Finally, if you have immune deficiencies, immunoglobulin can help fight the irritants that cause sinus infections. Frequent or serious sinus infections and ear infections may indicate that you have acute or chronic sinusitis. Fortunately, there are treatment options for receiving lasting relief, even from acute or chronic sinusitis.
Recommended Reading: Medicine Good For Sinus Pressure
How Long Do Symptoms Last
Typically, a sinus infection clears up within 2 to 3 weeks. COVID-19 lasts for about a week or two depending on its severity and your overall health.
A 2020 study surveyed 270 outpatients with COVID-19. Among them, 175 people reported returning to their usual level of health about 7 days after a positive COVID-19 test.
Some symptoms like cough and loss of smell or taste may linger temporarily after COVID-19. Some people may experience long-haul COVID-19, a group of symptoms that persist in the weeks and months following an infection.
Should I Use Antibiotics For An Ear Infection
Antibiotics are a medicine prescribed by your doctor. If youre dealing with an ear infection caused by bacteria, youll likely need antibiotics. They are the best way of quickly getting rid of a bacterial infection and preventing it from spreading to other parts of the body.
The catch is that antibiotics dont work against viruses if you use antibiotics on a viral ear infection, it can actually make the infection worse. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to a condition called antibiotic resistance, which means that the medicine becomes less effective at fighting off bacteria.
Thats why doctors are careful about using antibiotics wisely and may not immediately prescribe them for ear infections.
Recommended Reading: Severe Sinus And Allergy Medication