Ear Congestion Symptoms

Ear congestion can be very annoying and painful if left untreated. When the ears are congested, there can be many reactions throughout the head region that restrict a person from his daily routine. The symptoms of ear congestion are easily treated with over-the-counter and prescribed medications.

Facts

• Ear congestion is the body's reaction to a cold, allergies or a weakened immune system. The body overproduces mucus, which builds up throughout the head and in the ears.

Symptoms

• The most common symptoms of ear congestion are dizziness, brain fog, nausea, inner ear pain and fever (if the congestion causes an infection).

Prevention

• The best way to prevent the symptoms of ear congestion is to take an over-the-counter decongestant at the first sign of any head congestion. This will drain the sinuses, the inner ear and the throat of any excess mucus build-up.

Treatment

• If the ear congestion is from a cold, take a decongestant. If the ear congestion is the result of allergies, take a 24-hour antihistamine for three days. If the ear congestion forms into an infection, you will need to take prescription antibiotics.

Complications

• If ear congestion symptoms persist for more than seven days, seek medical attention. The congestion could cause an inner ear infection, which has the potential to spread to the sinuses, the eyes and the brain.