Your sinuses and ears are connected inside your head. So sinus congestion and stuffiness can affect the pressure in your ears. Treating the congestion may help.Clogged sinuses can mean more than a stuffy nose. You can also have pain,
dizziness, and that muffled-ear sensation, like you’re in a descending plane. You can take steps to relieve your ears once you know what the problem is, though. Get moisture. Use a nasal saline spray several times a day, or hold a warm, moist washcloth to your face. This can ease the
pressure and pain. Humidifiers will also help keep your sinuses from drying out. Or you can sit in the bathroom with a hot shower running for 15 minutes to curb pain. Check the medicine cabinet. Try an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen,
ibuprofen, or naproxen, to ease an earache or pain from sinus pressure. Try a
decongestant. Over-the-counter tablets or nasal sprays can ease sinus blockage which in turn can relieve clogged ears. But don't use nasal decongestant sprays for more than 3 days, or you will rebound… meaning the more you use it the more you need it
because you’re congested. Avoid extreme temperatures. They can make sinus-related ear problems worse. If your ears bother you, it isn’t the time to go jogging on a hot day or build a snow fort with the kids. Keep your head up. If you bend forward with your head down, it can make the pressure worse. You’ll want to skip
yoga class until the sinus problem is over. Blow your nose gently. Block one nostril while you blow through the other. Drink plenty of fluids. Down lots of water in the evening. When you stay hydrated, it keeps nasal mucus thin. That helps it drain and means less nighttime stuffiness. A build-up of pressure in
the inner ear, including pressure caused by sinus problems, can sometimes make you feel dizzy. No fast movements. Don’t stand up too quickly or shake your head fast. Avoid caffeine, salt, alcohol, and tobacco products. These can affect your circulation, and
minor changes in blood flow can affect your ears. The pressure changes you feel on an airplane can be uncomfortable. If you already have sinus pain or pressure, flying can be tough. If you can, avoid air travel when you’re having sinus problems, especially if they affect your ears. If you must fly, don’t
wait for the pain to hit to try to relieve pressure. Before you get on the plane, try a nasal spray or oral decongestant. Pills and capsules can take a while to get into your system and begin working. So take them at least 30 minutes to an hour before takeoff. Sinus-related ear problems can cause problems in the water, too. Scuba divers should avoid diving when their problems flare up.
Stuffy sinuses can make it hard or impossible to equalize ear pressure. That puts you at risk for an injury. Usually, ear problems related to a sinus issue aren’t severe and don’t last long. Most of the time, they go away on their own. See your doctor if: Ear pressure is the sensation of fullness or stuffiness within the ear. It occurs when the eustachian tube of the ear becomes blocked or stops functioning correctly. The eustachian tube is a thin tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. This tube helps balance air pressure on both sides of the eardrum. It also helps clear out middle ear secretions. The eustachian tube opens when a person chews, swallows, or yawns. This helps prevent air pressure from building up inside the ear. Certain conditions can disrupt the function of the eustachian tube, however, resulting in ear pressure and symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and hearing problems. Depending on the cause, some additional symptoms may also be present. This article outlines some potential causes of ear pressure and their associated treatments. It also provides advice on when to see a doctor for ear pressure problems. The sinuses are a network of hollow cavities inside the skull. Their primary function is to produce mucus, which helps moisturize the nasal passages and trap pathogens from the air a person inhales. Sinus congestion is the medical term for an accumulation of mucus in the sinuses. Some potential symptoms of sinus congestion include:
A person may develop sinus congestion as a result of the following:
TreatmentTreatments for sinus congestion include:
Certain infections of the ear can cause ear pressure. The following sections will outline some of these infections. Middle ear infectionA middle ear infection, or otitis media, is an infection behind the eardrum. The condition causes fluid to build up behind the eardrum, and this can result in ear pressure. Some potential symptoms of a middle ear infection include:
Although anyone can get a middle ear infection, it is more common in infants. TreatmentSome treatment options for a middle ear infection include:
Fungal infectionA fungal ear infection occurs when fungi inside the ear proliferate. Such infections are more likely to occur in people who have a reduced amount of earwax due to an overuse of Q-tips. Fungal ear infections can cause the following symptoms:
TreatmentSome potential treatment options for fungal ear infections include:
Swimmer’s earSwimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, is an infection of the ear canal. The infection typically occurs when water becomes trapped inside the ear. The excess moisture can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria and fungi. Symptoms of swimmer’s ear can include:
TreatmentSome treatment options for swimmer’s ear include:
Rapid changes in altitude and pressure can block the eustachian tube. As a result, the tube will be unable to equalize pressure inside the middle ear with the pressure outside of the body. The difference in pressure causes a vacuum that stretches out the eardrum. This may lead to the following symptoms:
Changes in altitude can occur during a number of activities, including:
TreatmentSome potential treatment options for ear pressure caused by changes in altitude include:
Earwax helps clean, protect, and lubricate the ear canal. However, earwax can occasionally build up and cause a blockage against the eardrum. This can result in the following symptoms:
Earwax buildup is often due to a person using Q-tips or similar items to try to remove their earwax. This process actually pushes the wax deeper into the ear canal. TreatmentTreatments for earwax buildup include:
Occasionally, objects can become trapped inside the ear canal. Children are particularly likely to insert items into their ears out of curiosity or as a means of exploration. Such items commonly include:
Foreign objects stuck in the ear can cause the following symptoms:
TreatmentObjects stuck in the ear will require removal. A doctor can usually remove objects in one of the following ways:
Meniere’s disease is characterized by a buildup of fluid in the inner ear. The condition typically affects only one ear, but it can sometimes affect both. The exact cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown. However, allergies and autoimmune conditions may increase a person’s risk of developing it. Some potential symptoms of Meniere’s disease include:
TreatmentThere is currently no cure for Meniere’s disease. Instead, treatments focus on controlling dizziness and vertigo. Treatment typically includes:
A cholesteatoma is a growth or cyst that becomes trapped behind the eardrum or by the bone behind the ear. Cholesteatomas begin as a buildup of earwax and skin debris. They most often develop due to poor ventilation in the middle ear. Cholesteatomas can cause the following symptoms:
TreatmentTreatment of a cholesteatoma will generally involve the surgical removal of the growth or cyst. An acoustic neuroma is a benign, slow-growing tumor that develops in the inner ear. These tumors develop on nerves that play a role in hearing and balance. Symptoms of an acoustic neuroma can include:
TreatmentA doctor will typically treat an acoustic neuroma using surgery or radiation therapy. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects the side of the skull to the lower jaw. If the TMJ sustains any damage, it can cause significant pain. TMJ pain may occur in the:
Other potential symptoms associated with TMJ damage include:
TreatmentSome potential treatment options for TMJ pain include:
A person who has ear pressure should see a doctor if they experience any of the following:
Ear pressure can occur due to sinus congestion, infections, or TMJ damage, among other conditions. It can also occur as a result of situational factors, such as changes in altitude or having a foreign body stuck inside the ear. Some causes of ear pressure are treatable using OTC medications and home remedies. Others may require specialist treatment from a doctor or surgeon. A person should see a doctor if they experience persistent ear pressure, especially if it occurs alongside other troubling symptoms. A doctor will work to diagnose the cause of the symptoms and provide appropriate treatments. How long does ear pressure last from a cold?The good news is that most pain and pressure in the ears doesn't last long. Once your upper respiratory infection has run its course, your symptoms should disappear. However, this process can take as long as a week or more, and that's a long time to put up with ear discomfort.
Does Covid cause ear pressure?Mucus or pus can build up behind the eardrum, causing pressure and pain. In general, COVID-19 has not been associated with ear infections, and generally these types of infections do not share a great deal of common symptoms.
Why do I feel pressure in my ears when im sick?Upper respiratory infections and allergies can create partial blockages of the Eustachian tubes due to inflammation and mucus secretion, interfering with the functioning of the tubes. This inflammation can lead to fluid buildup, which causes a plugged-up feeling and an increase in ear pressure.
How do I get my ear to release pressure?To relieve ear pain or discomfort, you can take steps to open the eustachian tube and relieve the pressure, such as:. Chew gum.. Inhale, and then gently exhale while holding the nostrils closed and the mouth shut.. Suck on candy.. |