Sinus pressure in the ears is caused by infections, colds, flu, ear infections, and allergies. The Eustachian tube becomes blocked, causing compression in the middle ear and a plugged ear sensation. Decongestants can relieve pressure, but antibiotics may be needed for ear infections. Surgery may be necessary for children with frequent ear infections.
The most common causes of sinus pressure in the ears are sinus infections, colds, flu, ear infections, and allergies. Ear pressure is caused when the Eustachian tube, a narrow passage between the middle ear and the back of the throat, becomes blocked by tissue swelling or increased mucus production. When the Eustachian tube is blocked, there is compression in the middle ear, resulting in a plugged ear sensation and possibly pain. The blocked tube can also trap bacteria and viruses inside the middle ear, causing an ear infection and feeling of even more pressure.
When the body is invaded by a foreign body, such as a bacteria, virus or allergen, it mounts an immune response. Mucous membranes swell, contain, and seal off the foreign body, helping to prevent the infection from spreading. Swollen mucous membranes also increase the production of mucus in an attempt to carry the foreign body away. All of this is helpful in most parts of the body but, in the ear and especially the Eustachian tube, this system sometimes backfires.
The Eustachian tube regulates pressure within the middle ear and drains mucus from this area and into the back of the throat. An immune response produces swelling and mucus production, which can easily cause partial or complete blockage of the narrow tube, especially in children. Sinus pressure in the ears is the result.
Sinus pressure is amplified when trapped bacteria or viruses cause an ear infection. An infection usually appears a few days after a sinus infection, cold, flu, or severe, prolonged allergic reaction. It is characterized by quite extreme ear pain and pressure, fever and dizziness.
Uncomfortable pressure in the head often accompanies sinus pressure in the ears. This is because the sinuses are located in the forehead, behind the cheekbones, between the eyes and behind the eyes. Swelling and mucus can quickly lead to a feeling of pressure.
The best way to relieve pressure is to use a decongestant, which will reduce swelling in the mucous membranes and decrease mucus production. These drugs typically reopen the Eustachian tubes and relieve the feeling of pressure. If the pressure continues, gets worse, or signs of an ear infection are seen, antibiotics may be needed. Surgery to place tubes in the middle ear is common for children who experience frequent ear infections.
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