My Life is Vital™ - Ear Infections and Colds

Cold & Flu Center

Ear Infections and Colds

Vital Healthcare Group

An ear infection is inflammation of the middle ear and can occur in one or both ears. While not as common in adults, ear infection is often the result of inflamed and congested sinuses or a viral cold infection.

What causes ear infection?

Any nasal congestion or cold can cause an ear infection. This happens when the build-up of fluid, swollen mucous membranes, obstructions such as nasal polyps (grape-like growths inside the nasal cavity), or when you blow your nose too hard, closes the eustachian tube. Also, allergies can cause inflammation that leads to ear infection.

What are the symptoms of an ear infection?

With an ear infection, you will feel a dull, throbbing pain or earache in the afflicted ear. Sometimes you might feel sharp, intense pains in the ear. Other symptoms may include:

itching in the ear
the outer lobe of the ear may be warm and red
a decline in hearing capacity
a buzzing sound
a soft high-pitched "ear noise" caused by pressure in the ear

With an ear infection you can also have a fever, swollen glands, sore throat, sinus congestion, aches, and fatigue.

How are ear infections treated?

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of clear liquids to help thin mucus and soothe inflammation. Numb the earache with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Commonly used analgesics for cold include:

aspirin
acetaminophen [Tylenol]
ibuprofen [Advil, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID]

The benefit of NSAIDs is that they decrease inflammation, the hidden cause of the earache, and give longer lasting relief than acetaminophen (6 hours compared to 4). If you cannot take these pain relievers, check with your doctor about another option to reduce pain.

Use moist heat compresses to reduce inflammation at the site of infection. When the inflammation lessens, the fluid in the eustachian tube is able to flow. This results in less pain and pressure. Try using a hot water bottle covered in a moist towel, a moist heating pad set on low, or a warm wet compress. Be careful not to fall asleep with the heating pad turned on.

Avoid all smoke. Not only is cigarette smoke-both first-hand and second-hand-a trigger for mucus production and subsequent ear pain, other sources such as wood stoves, fireplaces, and barbecue grills may cause problems.

When to call the doctor

If your ear infection continues for 2 to 3 days with no relief, or if you have a fever greater than 101 degrees F, swollen neck glands, sore throat, and dizziness, call your doctor.

Sometimes ear infections can cause confusion and an inability to walk or stand. Medical treatment is necessary to resolve this.