Ear Pain Caused by Sinuses

The American Rhinologic Society says that sinusitis is the most common chronic illness in America, with more than 35 million suffering from it. Unfortunately, most people do not end up being treated either because they don't realize that they have it or because their caregiver overlooks the symptoms. Ear pain, caused by inflammation in the sinus area is a common occurrence for patients with sinusitis.

Causes

• Since the nasal passage is the entry to the sinuses, environmental irritants, viruses and bacteria can get trapped in the natural mucous, causing a sinus infection, called sinusitis.

Symptoms

• In addition to ear pain, sinusitis can also cause facial pain, trouble breathing, runny nose, postnasal drip, headaches, tired eyes, fever, fatigue, dental pain, halitosis (bad breath) and a cough.

Pain

• As the sinus cavity fights the infection, tissues swell, putting pressure on the teeny bones deep in the ear canal.

Prevention

• Avoiding environmental contaminants, and maintaining a healthy immune system are the best ways to prevent sinusitis. In India, a neti pot is used to rinse the sinuses and nasal passages with saline, in order to prevent infection.

Treatment

• Antibiotics can be used to help rid the body of infection. Anti-inflammatory medicine, like ibuprofen, can be used to reduce the swelling that causes pain. Mucous thinning drugs and oral decongestants may also be used, as well as systemic steroids, topical nasal steroids and nasal saline irrigation.