How to relieve sinus pain in ears

Ear pressure can be an uncomfortable feeling when one or both of your ears feel clogged. Ear pressure occurs when the eustachian tube becomes partially or completely blocked as a consequence of common colds, allergies, or sinusitis. When the eustachian tube gets blocked, sounds may become muffled and you may experience pressure, pain, or fullness in your ear.

Table of Contents Show

Causes of ear pressure
Sinus congestion
Earwax buildup
Ear infections
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What to do for sinus pressure and pain at home
Sinus infection vs. COVID-19 symptoms
When to see a doctor for sinus pain
WHAT YOU CAN DO
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Causes of ear pressure

Ear pressure can be caused by several factors, including:

Sinusitis
Ear infections
Allergies
Earwax buildup

Sinus congestion

Sinusitis affects about 1 in 8 adults annually and generally occurs when viruses or bacteria infect the sinuses and begin to multiply. Sinusitis can cause inflammation and swelling, causing your sinuses to ache with a dull pressure. You may feel pain in your forehead, sides of your nose, upper jaw and teeth, and between your eyes.

There are many at-home remedies to treat sinusitis. These include:

Steam treatment – Breathe in steam from a humidifier to reduce pressure
Saline flush – Saline spray contains salt that can help increase moisture in your nose and reduce sinus pressure
OTC decongestants – OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain or swelling

Earwax buildup

Earwax is produced as a self-cleaning force by the body. It helps protect the ear from infections and damage. While earwax is important to prevent ear infections and damage, excessive earwax buildup can cause earaches, ear pressure, and headaches.

Earwax can be removed by using solutions such as mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide to dissolve earwax. When the removal of excessive earwax is necessary, one should seek medical treatment.

Ear infections

Ear infections may also cause ear pressure. These occur when fluids remain in the middle ear for an extended period of time, which results in severe pain, fever, and hearing loss. OTC pain medication or ear drops may be recommended to ease the pain.

When ear infections become chronic, they call for ear tubes to be inserted. Ear tubes are cylinder shapes placed in the eardrum to help admit air through the middle ear canal.

Allergies

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition in which people are allergic to pollen, molds, or pet dander. This can cause inflammation of the nasal passages and mucus buildup, which can also affect the Eustachian tube, resulting in ear pressure. OTC antihistamines or corticosteroid nasal sprays can help relieve your allergy symptoms.

It is important to understand what is causing your ear pressure and how you can manage it. If you’re experiencing chronic ear pressure or congestion, make an appointment with Dr. Marc Dean at the Ear and Sinus Institute today!

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HEAL

Know what can trigger a cold and sinus infection and be prepared. Start taking vitamin C and antihistamine prior to allergy season or use a Neti pot right away at the onset of a cold.

The pressure is building in your forehead, your nose is running, and you just don't feel good. You suspect that you may have a sinus infection, or sinusitis. Most sinus infections will resolve themselves in seven to 10 days, just by taking care of yourself at home.

What to do for sinus pressure and pain at home

Here are the top 10 at-home treatments to help ease your sinus pain and inflammation to get rid of your sinus infection faster.

Flush. Use a Neti pot, a therapy that uses a salt and water solution, to flush your nasal passages. Nasal irrigation using the Neti pot has been a tried-and-true sinus treatment method for centuries. I have patients who swear by Neti pots and use them daily or weekly to keep their sinuses flowing well. Remember to use distilled water only.
Spray. Use an over-the-counter nasal decongestant spray that contains salt water to help keep your nasal passages moist, unblock congestion and treat inflammation. Some sprays, like Afrin®, can only be used for a maximum of three days. If you exceed three days, you will get "rebound" or worse nasal congestion. Other nasal sprays, like fluticasone, are more effective the longer you use them.
Hydrate. Drink a lot of fluids—water and/or juice—to help thin your mucus. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can cause dehydration.
Rest. Get plenty of rest to help your body fight infection and speed up recovery. While you sleep, prop yourself up with a couple of pillows. Staying elevated can help you breathe more comfortably.
Steam. Breathe in steam from a pot or bowl of warm (not too hot!) water or take a hot shower. You also can place a warm, wet towel on your face, followed by a cool towel. to help ease sinus pain and open your nasal passages.
Spice. Eat spicy foods to help clear your nasal passages. Add hot peppers, hot sauce, horseradish or wasabi to your meal.
Add humidity. Use a humidifier or vaporizer in your room while you sleep to add moisture to the air and help reduce congestion. Dry air, tobacco smoke and chlorinated water can irritate the mucus membranes in your nose and create an environment ripe for sinus infection.
OTC medication. Take over-the-counter decongestants, antihistamines (if allergies are the culprit) and pain relievers to reduce sinus pain and pressure. Be sure to check with your doctor first if you have any health issues or take other medicines. Never give decongestants or any over-the-counter cold medicine to children under age 4. Nasal suction is the best form of "decongesting" for young children. This also reduces post-nasal drip and overall lung irritation.
C is key. Up your intake of vitamin C. This may help fight off sinus infection faster, reduce sinus inflammation and relieve the duration of a sinus infection or cold symptoms.
Know your triggers. Know what can trigger a cold or sinus infection and be prepared. Start taking an antihistamine prior to allergy season or use a Neti pot right away at the onset of a cold.

Sinus infection vs. COVID-19 symptoms

Some sinus infection and COVID-19 symptoms may overlap. Both illnesses can cause a fever, headaches, nasal congestion, fatigue or a sore throat. Symptoms unique to COVID-19 include body aches, nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting. Learn the difference between the cold, flu and COVID-19 based on your symptoms.

When to see a doctor for sinus pain

If your sinus symptoms are not getting better with at-home treatments, and if your sinus symptoms last longer than seven to 10 days, you should see a doctor for treatment. Allina Health has many convenient care options for care, from online visits to walk-in care, to help you get better fast.

If you have frequent or reoccurring sinus infections, you may want to see an ear, nose and throat (ENT, otolaryngologist) for your treatment options.

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Holistic care for kids: treat the child, not the symptom

Posted October 14, 2016

Why do my sinuses make my ears hurt?

However, when your sinuses are blocked, this can hinder the passage of air through the Eustachian tube. It's why you might find it hard to hear when you have a cold. Often, this can also result in a feeling of pain, pressure, or fullness in your ear space.

How do you drain sinuses from your ears?

Here are things you can do to relieve sinus congestion and related ear congestion:.

Take a nasal decongestant..

Blow your nose gently..

Use a nasal rinse or nasal irrigation system..

Use a humidifier, as dry air can irritate your nasal passages..

Avoid tobacco smoke and other irritants..

Can a sinus infection make your ears hurt?

Yes. A sinus infection can cause fluid to be trapped in the ear behind the eardrum. Bacteria and viruses can grow and can cause an ear infection. It's especially important to get to the doctor if you're feeling pain or pressure in the ear.

How long can sinus ear pressure last?

Most people with sinusitis will feel better within two or three weeks and can look after themselves at home. You can help relieve your symptoms by: taking over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.