Sinus & Ear Infections

Sinus and ear infections are related but they are not the same. Sinusitis is the term used for a sinus infection. The sinuses and the ear are connected by a tube called the Eustachian, located in the inner ear and connecting to the sinuses. Sinusitis and an ear infection will have different symptoms as well as different methods of treatment. It is important to know the difference between the symptoms so that the condition is properly identified and treated properly.

Facts

• Sinusitis can be influenced by allergies, sneezing, or a cold. There are several causes for an ear infection; the most common causes are inflammation and infection. An ear infection can occur in the outer or middle ear. Infection in the middle of the ear is most common in children. Bacteria, viruses or colds are also causes of a middle ear infection. Irritation to the ear canal while swimming or inflammation due to an injury to the ear canal can also cause an ear infection.

Function

• The sinuses produce mucous to clean any bacteria or dirt that is breathed in. When the sinuses sense more bacteria it produces more mucous which can be counterproductive when a person has stiffness in the sinuses due to a cold, allergies or flu. The bacteria from a cold or flu will settle in the sinus tissue and grow as the sinuses continue to produce more mucous which cause inflammation. An ear infection that is caused from swinging can occur when the ear is not properly drained and the water drains into the Eustachian tube. When the ear is inflamed it blocks the Eustachian tube from draining.

Identification

• In adults the symptoms for sinusitis are headaches or facial tenderness. Younger children may experience longer colds. A cold naturally spans over seven days, but within the first three days children will experience yellow or green nasal secretions. If the cold is accompanied by heavy coughing and the cold does not subside within 10-14 days, it may be sinusitis. With an ear infection, the symptoms are usually earaches, headaches and dizziness. When a child frequently pulls on her ear, it is usually a sign of an ear infection, and the pain in the ear also increases when pulled. There is a discharge that leaks from the ear in severe ear infections.

Prevention

• Ear infections and sinusitis are simple to prevent. Cleaning the ear often will prevent any liquids from draining into the ear. Swimmers should also hold their nose or use nose plugs and ear plugs to reduce the amount of water drained through the nose and ear. Sinusitis can be prevented by frequently using nasal spray to wash out the nasal passage. In children, the risk of a sinus infection is lowered when a child is breast fed.

Warnings

• You should consult your doctor if there is pain, fever, dizziness or a discharge coming from your ear. A ruptured eardrum will be accompanied by severe, sharp pains. A sinus infection is more severe if the symptoms get better and then quickly get much worse. Swelling around your eyes, headaches or fevers are also signs that the sinus infection is severe. Infants and children that frequently pull on their ears should be seen by their physician immediately.