You’re tired of the constant pain in the ear and it’s keeping you up at night and making your days miserable!
You’ve ignored it for a day or two but it seems to get worse, especially when you’re lying down. And it’s not just uncomfortable – it’s downright annoying.
Don’t worry! Keep reading to find out some doctor-recommended remedies that can bring you relief and improve your symptoms.
But first, let’s explore the reason your ears hurt if you or your child has a congested or stuffy nose.
Why Do Ears Hurt In Sinus Infection?
A sinus infection or inflammation occurs when the sinuses (pocket of air located in the bones above the eyes, forehead and behind the ear) are filled with excessive mucus or fluid causing pressure and pain in your face, stuffy nose and ear pain. The fluid build-up can be due to many reasons: bacteria, viruses or allergies.
If the fluid remains in the sinuses for a long time, sometimes, it can travel to the ear through a tube that connects the nose and middle ear, also known as the eustachian tube.
The fluid from the sinuses gets trapped behind the eardrum in the eustachian tube and this blockage leads to ear pain.
Five Remedies To Get Relief From Ear Pain If You Have Sinus Infection
To ease that relentless ear pain, start by tackling the sinus infection which is the main cause behind it. You can start by using these five tips mentioned down below.
- Apply Warm Compress To Help Reduce Pressure
Take a warm washcloth or compress and hold it over your nose, eyes and forehead for about 10 to 15 minutes.
The warmth helps to loosen the mucus, making it easier to drain from the sinuses. This reduces the pressure and eases the pain in the ears and sinuses. Moreover, the heat from the compress also helps increase circulation by dilating the blood vessels.
You’ll also feel the muscles around the sinus cavities and ears relax, reducing the ear pain. Therefore, experts recommend using warm water, damp washcloths, or heat packs available on the market.
Caution: If you’re using a washcloth on yourself or your child, it should be mildly hot to avoid skin burn or irritation.
- Use Oral & Nasal Decongestants
One Research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology supports and explains the effect of decongestants in managing sinus-related symptoms, including ear pain.
Since ear pain is caused by mucus and fluid buildup within the sinus and Eustachian tube, doctors prescribe oral or nasal decongestants for short-term relief from blocked or stuffy noses (nasal congestion). This helps alleviate pressure changes and fluid buildup, relieving ear and sinus pain.
Your doctor may prescribe oral or nasal decongestants such as phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, etc.
These decongestants work by narrowing and reducing the swelling in blood vessels and tissues around the nasal area.
- Use Steam Therapy To Relieve Sinus Congestion
Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can help drain the mucus, thereby reducing congestion and the pressure that eases sinus and ear pain.
Not to mention, the moisture from the steam helps hydrate and soothe the irritated tissues in the nasal passages and sinuses, reducing inflammation and discomfort.
Boil some water in a pot and pour it into a bowl. Place a towel or cloth over your head and allow the steam to enter your nose. Do this for 10 to 15 minutes twice a day and you’ll start feeling the difference.
- Use a Nasal Rinse or Nasal Irrigation System
You may have heard about using saline nasal rinses as a remedy for sinus congestion and associated ear pain. But let’s face the truth! While these rinses effectively relieve sinus pressure, they should be used carefully and cautiously. Here’s how you can use it safely.
- Use boiled or sterile water to prepare the saline solution. Pour it into the container or device.
- Lean over a sink, tilt your head to the side and gently pour the solution into one nostril.
- Clean and dry your device after each use.
If you do not know how to use it, it is best to consult a healthcare provider for proper counselling. You can also visit Family Urgent Care if you or your child is experiencing persistent ear pain.
- Sleep In An Upright Position
If you have ear pain on one side, try sleeping on the side with the unaffected ear. For instance, if your right ear hurts, rest on your left side to alleviate pressure on your right ear.
Additionally, elevating your head with two or more pillows can help reduce pressure in the painful ear. However, be mindful of your neck’s comfort to avoid strain. Adjust the pillows to find a comfortable position that offers relief without causing additional discomfort.
What To Do If The Symptoms Don’t Get Any Better?
You’ve tried age-old remedies but nothing works! The discomfort and nagging ear pain are still there and your nasal congestion is getting worse. Well, it’s time you consult a healthcare professional right away.
As reported by the CDC, you should not wait to reach out for help under the following conditions:
- If your ear pain is persistent and severe
- Difficulty in hearing or significant hearing loss
- If you have high fever (above 102 F)
- You have severe headaches or facial pain
- You notice fluid or pus discharge from the ear
Also, remember that frequent episodes of sinus infection and ear pain may indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed by a healthcare provider.
You can even walk into a nearby urgent care clinic where health providers and doctors will evaluate your symptoms, diagnose and prescribe the right medications that help relieve ear pain.
What to Expect At Family Urgent Care For Ear and Sinus Pain?
Once you visit our urgent care clinic for ear and sinus pain, our healthcare providers start by evaluating your symptoms. The main aim is to pinpoint the root cause, whether the ear pain is due to a sinus infection, ear infection, or another issue.
Based on the diagnosis, we’ll prescribe the most effective treatment to provide relief and address the source of your pain.
Additionally, if needed, we’ll schedule a follow-up visit or arrange a convenient online video or phone appointment to ensure your recovery is on track and to answer any further questions you may have.
With Family Urgent Care, you’ll receive efficient and personalized care to help you feel better fast. So, do not wait for the symptoms to worsen and book your appointment now.