Can Allergies Affect Your Ears?

Exposure to allergens causes immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody responses throughout the body, which leads to chemical histamine releases. Histamine causes inflammation resulting in mucus production, leading to respiratory reactions and ear infections.

Significance

• Inflamed nasal passages, sinuses and airways lead to increased mucus in the upper respiratory system, causing allergic congestion, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, breathing difficulty and ear infections.

Function

• The Eustachian tubes function as drainage passages for the middle ear, yet they are connected to the nose and throat, filling with excess fluid from nasal and airway allergic congestion.

Effects

• The Eustachian tubes become clogged with fluid and are unable to drain the middle ear. Poor drainage allows debris, excess wax and mucus to sit in the middle ear.

Potential

• Excess fluid in the ear cavity resulting from allergies provides a moist environment in which bacteria and viruses thrive. Bacteria and viruses infiltrate the ear, causing ear infections.

Prevention/Solution

• Children with chronic ear infections are typically diagnosed with allergies to food or environmental inhalants such as pollen and dust mites. Antihistamines and steroids relieve allergy symptoms, while antibiotics treat ear infections.