Overview
Sinuses and ears are in close proximity, so it is no wonder that infection in this area can lead to sinus infections and ear pain. An ear infection may spread to the sinuses and similarly, a sinus infection can travel to your ear. This article will not only help address questions such as whether a sinus infection causes ear pain or what helps ease an ear pain from a sinus infection, but it will also explain why sinus and ear pain are often closely related.
Can a sinus infection cause ear pain?
Sinus infection and ear pain go hand in hand. In addition to causing facial pressure, sinus infection with ear pain and throbbing ear pain with sinus infection are common presentations.
Sometimes, this ear pain is accompanied by a sinus infection, which develops from a secondary ear infection. In other cases, this can result from the fluid buildup from the sinus infection that becomes trapped behind the eardrum. Ear pain with a sinus infection is often described as:
- Generalized pain
- Fullness in the ear
- Pressure
Why does a sinus infection cause ear pain?
Can sinusitis cause ear pain? The simple answer: Yes
Sinus infection and ear pain in adults occur due to fluid and mucus buildup in the sinuses, which are basically air-filled pockets in the face.The fluid trapped within the sinuses travels to the ear through a passageway known as the eustachian tube. This tube is connected to the sinuses, so it can become blocked due to a sinus infection. This blockage leads to pressure and ear pain from congestion. It is possible that the sinusitis ear pain may last several weeks.
In the case of acute sinus infections, ear pain from a sinus infection can last from several days to several weeks. If it lasts more than three months, it is considered chronic.
Sinus-related issues
Any condition that leads to sinus congestion can result in ear congestion. This includes:
- Common cold/flu
- Allergies
- Sinusitis
- Irritants, including tobacco smoke
Other causes that can lead to ear pain with or without accompanying sinus pain include:
1. Meniere’s disease
This condition is classified as an inner ear disorder characterized by severe dizziness and hearing loss. However, the exact cause of this condition hasn’t been identified. The symptoms stem from fluid buildup in the labyrinths, which can result in ear pain.
2. Cholesteatoma
A cholesteatoma refers to an abnormal growth that develops in the middle ear due to middle ear infection. This condition can lead to ear pain.
3. Acoustic neuroma
This noncancerous tumor on the nerve that leads from your inner ear to your brain is a slow growing tumor. Tinnitus, dizziness, and balance problems are the most prominent symptoms.
4. Fungal infection of the external ear
Fungal ear infections predominantly occur in those who swim often and have diabetes or chronic skin conditions.
Along with ear congestion and ear pain, fungal ear infections can cause ear itching, ringing, swelling, hearing problems.
5. Serous otitis media
This can occur after a cold or an ear infection. The fluid in the ears collects in the middle ear and can affect hearing.
6. Temporomandibular joints (TMJ) disorders
The TMJ or jaw joints enable you to open and close your mouth. TMJ disorders, which can result from injury, arthritis, or chronic teeth grinding can lead to ear pain and discomfort.
How to relieve sinus pressure in the ears?
This section will explore the following:
- What helps ear pain from sinus infection?
- How to relieve sinus pressure in the ears?
Several tried and tested ways exist to treat ear pain from a sinus infection. Sometimes, if you are lucky enough, home remedies do the trick, while at other times, you may require sinus and ear infection treatment.
Home Remedies
To get relief from ear pain and symptoms from a sinus infection, trying the following can help:
- Applying or holding a warm compress over the forehead, nose or ear
- Placing a cold cloth/compress over the ear
- Taking an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant
- Steam therapy or a humidifier may help loosen excess mucus/fluid buildup
- Try OTC painkillers, including Advil/ Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen), for pain relief
Prescription Medications
In cases where the sinus infection is bacterial, you will require antibiotics to get rid of the symptoms. In case of a viral infection, your doctor might wait and see to let the symptoms resolve naturally.
Some antibiotics prescribed to treat the ear pain associated with sinusitis or an infection include:
- Amoxicillin
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate
- Doxycycline
- Cefixime
- Azithromycin
When should I consult a doctor?
If your sinus infection and ear pain is consistent and the ear congestion lasts more than 2 weeks, it is essential to consult your doctor. You can consult our doctor at Your Doctors Online to discuss your symptoms. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- fever
- intense ear pain
- hearing loss
- balance problems
- fluid drainage
FAQs about sinus infection and ear pain
Ear pain associated with sinusitis can last from a few days to weeks, depending on the cause and severity of the infection.
Sinusitis can cause hearing loss, congestion, and ear discomfort. If the condition is managed promptly, there is rarely any lasting damage.
Garlic and oil of oregano are considered some of the best natural remedies to manage sinus ear pain.
