Treating a Sinus Infection With Ear Pain

Due to the Sinus Infection Itself or From a Secondary Ear Infection

Medically reviewed by Josephine Hessert, DO

Sinus infections can cause various symptoms, one being ear pain. In some cases, ear pain during a sinus infection can develop because of a secondary ear infection. However, that’s not always the case.

The pain felt in the ear occurs when fluid buildup from the sinus infection becomes trapped behind the eardrum. Ear pain driven by a sinus infection can feel like:

• Pressure

• Generalized pain

• Fullness in the ear

This article discusses the link between sinus infections and ear pain with or without an ear infection and what treatments are available to remedy the symptom.

Why a Sinus Infection Causes Ear Pain

A sinus infection occurs when mucus and fluids build up in the sinuses, air-filled pockets in the face.

The fluid trapped within the sinuses can travel to the ear through a passageway known as the eustachian tube. The tube has many important jobs, including:

• Allowing the passage of air from the ear to the sinuses

• Balancing pressure in the ear

• Draining excess fluid from the ear

• Protecting the ears from hearing sounds from within the body

Because of its connection to the sinuses, the eustachian tube can become blocked when a sinus infection occurs. This blockage leads to pressure and pain in the ear.

Ear Infection vs. Sinus Infection

Although the sinuses and the ears are connected, an infection can occur in one and not the other. That said, the symptoms may be similar. Some of the commonly shared symptoms include:

• Pain or pressure in the ear

• Pain or pressure in the neck

• Fever

• Nasal congestion

• Facial pain

• Pain in the upper jaws and teeth

Distinct symptoms of sinus infections and ear infections include:

Sinus Infection

• Runny and stuffy nose

• Headache

• Postnasal drip

• Cough

• Bad breath

Ear Infection

• Hearing loss

• Pus-like discharge from the ear

• Throat pain

• Itchiness in the ear

• Redness and swelling in the ear

Learn More: Ear Infection in Adults

Link Between Sinus and Ear Infections

Because of how physically close the sinuses and ears are, infections in either area can spread easily. If a person develops an ear infection, it can spread to the sinuses and vice versa. The pathogen, whether bacterial or viral, can go through the eustachian tube toward either the ears or the sinuses, depending on where it started, causing infection elsewhere.

How to Deal With a Sinus Infection and Ear Pain

In many cases, a sinus infection can be treated at home while the body fights off the pathogen. To relieve ear pain and other symptoms while you wait for the infection to clear up, you can:

• Hold a warm compress over the nose, forehead, or ear to help relieve pain or pressure.

• Place a cold cloth over the ear.

• Use an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant to clear excess fluid buildup.

• Use steam therapy, which involves breathing in steam from a bowl of hot water or in the shower to loosen excess fluid buildup.

• Use OTC painkillers, such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen).

Learn More: How to Relieve Ear Pain: 20 Treatments

Treatment for Sinus Infection With Ear Infection

Treating ear pain caused by a sinus infection begins with treating the cause of the sinus infection. For example, if a bacterial infection causes it, antibiotics may be prescribed to eliminate the pathogen and, thus, the infection. However, before any medication is given, healthcare providers may advise you to practice the wait-and-see method.

This involves treating the symptoms at home while the infection clears up. Typically, healthcare providers will avoid prescribing antibiotics until the symptoms persist for a week or more.

Antibiotics and Sinus Infections

Healthcare providers tend to delay prescribing antibiotics to people with sinus infections unless it is absolutely necessary. Typically, sinus infections are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Additionally, antibiotics may cause adverse health effects to develop or lead to an increased risk of antibiotic resistance.

Learn More: Antibiotics for Sinus Infection

Sinus Infection With Ear Pain: When to Visit a Provider

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should contact a healthcare provider for a sinus infection with ear pain if:

• The ear pain is severe.

• You have severe headaches or facial pain.

• Symptoms continue to worsen over time instead of improving.

• Symptoms do not improve after 10 days.

• You have a fever for three to four days that won’t go away.

• You have repeated sinus infections that have occurred often over the last year.

Summary

Having a sinus infection with ear pain is not a fun experience. That said, the infection itself is typically mild and clears up on its own. While waiting for it to go away, you can try several techniques mentioned above to relieve symptoms, including ear pain.

If your sinus infection lasts longer than ten days or worsens while you're waiting for it to clear up, contact a healthcare provider. You may need a round of antibiotics to get rid of the infection, and the accompanying symptoms, such as ear pain.