Inner Ear Problems With Sinus Infection

The entire head is connected. The throat, nose and ears can easily affect each other because of their close proximity and the open passageways connecting them. This means a sinus infection can lead to inner ear problems.

Facts

• The sinus cavity is next to the inner ear drum. When pressure builds up or the sinus cavity swells, it can create friction and pressure on the inner ear and the ear drum.

Causes

• A sinus infection can greatly affect the entire head. When sinuses are infected they become irritated, inflamed and swollen. The result is excess mucus and a lot of pressure build-up. The sinus infection can spread into the ear, creating an inner ear infection.

Treatment

• The most common treatment for ear pain from a sinus infection is to take an over-the-counter decongestant combined with a pain reliever. If the sinus infection actually spreads to the ears, a prescribed antibiotic will be needed to kill the infection.

Prevention/Solution

• Treat a sinus infection when the first signs appear. Take a decongestant and drink plenty of water to keep the mucus from building up and causing excessive pressure in the sinuses and inner ear. If you have mild symptoms self-care can take care of the issue, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of an infection can include thick green or yellow mucous, difficulty breathing through the nose, tenderness in the face and losing your sense of smell or taste. See your doctor if symptoms keep getting worse, you have a fever over 100.5 degrees Farenheit, you have facial swelling, headache, altered vision, a stiff neck or are short of breath.

Complications

• If a sinus infection goes untreated it can spread into the ears, the throat and brain causing life-threatening issues. In some cases an individual may need to be hospitalized because the infection can spread throughout the body.