Overview
Is that annoying sinus pressure in your ear refusing to go away? It can happen to any of us. While we juggle with the best option for relief, the doctor’s advice is to get consulted and identify the underlying cause for well-tailored treatment. The sinus pressure in your ear stays longer for several reasons, like sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, ear wax buildup, or an ear infection. It can be relieved by consulting a healthcare provider and prescribing medication according to an underlying medical condition.
If the cause is not severe medically and only due to a change in atmospheric pressure, it will go away with simple home remedies like intentional swallowing, yawning, and warm compress.
This blog contains all the information about effectively relieving sinus pressure and preventing it from happening again.
Why sinus pressure in my ears won’t go away?
Sinus pressure usually builds up when environmental pressure changes. This exerts a certain pressure felt in your ears (sinus pressure), which becomes quite discomforting.
It usually goes away on its own when a person swallows or yawns, but sometimes, it stays for extended periods for reasons like a disease in which eustachian tubes become narrowed or blocked. Some of the other reasons that can cause sinus pressure that doesn’t go away naturally are :
- Sinusitis (sinuses become inflamed and need prescription medication).
- Ear infections (Otitis media and Swimmer’s ears lead to swelling and fluid build-up).
- Allergic Rhinitis (allergy due to dust/pollen causing mucus buildup).
- Ear wax buildup (more than usual can cause sinus pressure)
- Foreign object/ insect stuck in ear canal/tubes.
How can sinus pressure in the ears be relieved?
Feeling like your head is in a pressure cooker and your ears are about to pop? Here’s how to relieve that stubborn sinus pressure in your ears!
Prescription medications
Prescription medications are prescribed when over-the-counter options don’t work for a specific medical condition or when an underlying infection is suspected after a careful diagnosis. Some of the most prescribed medications to relieve sinus pressure are :
- Nasal corticosteroids e.g., Flonase (Fluticasone)
- Decongestants (Prescribed if over-the-counter medications don’t work)
- Antibiotics (if an underlying infection is suspected after careful diagnosis)
Over-the-counter medications
Over-the-counter medications are the first go-to option in case sinus pressure is felt. Some of the best and most effective OTC options to relieve sinus pressure are:
- Nasal decongestant sprays (e.g., Afrin) effectively relieve the sinus pressure.
- Antihistamines like Claritin and Zyrtec) in case of sinus pressure due to allergies.
- Pain relievers like Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen for symptomatic relief.
- Saline nasal sprays can also help clear the mucus buildup due to sinus congestion.
Home Remedies
Home remedies can also relieve sinus pressure in your ears when the underlying cause is not an infection or something that needs medical intervention.
- Use a warm compress (warm, wet cloth) on the outer side of an ear. This has a soothing effect and helps relieve ear pressure.
- Steam inhalation (e.g., from a hot shower or bowl of steam) can also help balance the pressure inside and outside. Intentional yawning and swallowing also help relieve sinus pressure buildup in the ear.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. It helps regulate the body’s normal homeostasis (balance).
- Use a humidifier where you stay most of the time to moisten airways and loosen mucus buildup caused by sinusitis, cold, flu, or allergy. This also helps keep the pressure balanced.
- Nasal irrigation with a saline solution (e.g., Neti pot) helps clear the mucus buildup in your nasal passages. These are readily available over the counter and helpful in keeping your nasal passages clear and mucus-free.
- Head elevation while sleeping to reduce environmental pressure is also one of the best tricks for relieving ear-sinus pressure.
How to prevent sinus ear pressure?
Preventing sinus ear pressure involves a few simple but effective steps.:
A humidifier can keep the air moist, preventing dryness and congestion, while staying correctly hydrated helps thin mucus and clear sinuses.
Avoiding allergens and irritants like dust and smoke also helps reduce mucus buildup.
Practicing good nasal hygiene using saline sprays can flush out allergens and clear your sinuses and ears.
Decongestants or antihistamines can manage minor congestion if needed, but their use should be monitored. Sleeping with your head elevated helps drain sinus fluids, preventing pressure buildup. Supporting your immune system through a healthy lifestyle and addressing any underlying health issues, like colds or allergies, also plays a key role.
For travelers, using chewing gum and decongestants during flights can help equalize ear pressure. These steps can significantly reduce sinus pressure and ear discomfort.
When to consult a doctor?
Sinus ear pressure can be very discomforting and should be relieved. You can use different remedies and over-the-counter options to help relieve it effectively. In case of no relief from home remedies and over-the-counter medications, it’s good to consult a doctor for the proper prescription medications. Those will help treat the underlying condition causing sinus pressure in your ear and nasal passages!
Your doctor will prescribe you medications after correctly diagnosing an underlying cause leading to sinus pressure buildup in your ears.
FAQs about sinus pressure in ears
Slightly pulling your ear back, lymphatic drainage and eustachian tube massage can help you drain your sinuses effectively. You pull the ear back and up slightly to let the lymphatic fluid move to the main drain.
You can do a lymphatic draining massage by moving your fingers down the back of your neck to the main drain to release the drain fluid.
It depends on the cause of your sinus pressure. If it’s due to allergens or irritants, it will take 3-4 days at max to go away, along with remedies. In case of bacterial infection, medications will take 2-3 days to work, and your sinus pressure will improve.
Sinusitis can last up to ten days. If you have persistent symptoms and sinus pressure, consult your doctor again for suitable treatment options.