What to Do When You Have Ear and Sinus Pain – 5 Steps to Relieve Symptoms Now
Those who have experienced a sinus infection know just how quickly the pain and pressure can derail your plans. Ear and sinus pain from a sinus infection can be mild or severe, but either way, you’ll want to find relief as soon as possible.
Of course, ear pain with sinus pressure doesn’t just come from sinus infections. Allergies, changes in the weather, and inflammation can cause the same symptoms.
Knowing what to do when these symptoms strike can help you get back on your feet faster. It’s also important to know when treating ear and sinus pain at home isn’t enough and when you might need to seek professional care. We’ll help you answer these questions and more in this article.
Understanding Ear and Sinus Pain
Your sinuses are pockets of air located in your skull. They help decrease the weight of your head and play an important role in your body’s defense against infection. The sinuses secrete mucus that protects your lungs from dirt, dust, and germs. They also influence your voice by letting sound waves reverberate when you speak, which is part of the reason why your voice sounds different when you’re sick.
You have eight sinuses in your skull that are divided into four pairs. You can find them behind your cheekbones, at the front of your forehead, and behind your nose.
When you have a sinus infection or inflammation from allergies or a cold, fluid builds up in these sinuses. Often, you can feel the pain when you’re resting, and pressing on the areas of your face where the sinuses are located is also usually painful.
When your sinuses are infected, ear pain is a common symptom that tends to follow. This happens when fluid buildup from a sinus infection gets trapped behind your eardrum in a narrow passage called the eustachian tube. This tube is connected to your sinuses, so as pressure increases, the fluid pushes on your inner ear and causes pain.
5 At-Home Tips for Relieving Ear Pain with Sinus Pressure
When you’re dealing with ear and sinus pain, finding relief is easier than you might think. Many times, you can treat a sinus infection at home. Your body will need time to fight off the infection, though, so managing your symptoms is essential. These tips are helpful for relieving ear pain with sinus pressure.
1. Use an Over-the-Counter Decongestant or Pain Reliever
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help relieve sinus pressure and the ear pain that comes with it. Look for both oral medications like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and nasal sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) to decrease sinus congestion. Pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) can help ease the discomfort. Be sure to follow all directions for the medication you’re taking.
2. Try a Saline Rinse
Irrigating your sinuses with a saline rinse can help relieve congestion and decrease sinus pressure. You can use a large syringe, squeeze bottle, or Neti pot to rinse your nasal passages. Regardless of the device you choose, be sure to use only sterile saline to prevent the risk of further infection.
3. Apply a Warm Washcloth
Applying heat to your sinuses with a warm washcloth or compress can relieve ear and sinus pain. The warmth increases circulation in your sinuses to promote drainage and decrease swelling. Try applying the heat source across your forehead and the bridge of your nose for about 15 minutes at a time.
4. Stay Well Hydrated to Relieve Ear and Sinus Pain
Staying hydrated makes mucus thinner, which allows it to drain from your sinuses more quickly. Drinking plenty of fluids when experiencing ear and sinus pain helps prevent your sinuses from becoming clogged and painful. It’s also one of the best steps you can take to support your immune system!
5. Avoid Making Quick Movements Or Bending Over
When you bend over or move your head quickly, sinus pressure can increase, which may worsen your pain. Fluid buildup in the inner ear can also cause dizziness if you move too fast. To prevent this, focus on making slow, steady movements with your head and avoid bending over when possible.
When to Visit Urgent Care for Ear and Sinus Pain
If you’re experiencing a sinus infection, cold, or allergies with ear and sinus pain and home remedies aren’t working, you’ll need an alternative. Urgent care sinus infection treatment can be a great choice.
If your symptoms increase after trying at-home treatment or last longer than a few days, you should consider making an appointment with a healthcare provider. Urgent care is cheaper than a visit to the emergency room, and extended after-work and weekend hours make it more convenient than visiting your primary care provider.
Although sinus infections aren’t usually life-threatening, prompt treatment at urgent care can ease your discomfort faster. Your provider will determine the cause of your sinus pain and prescribe medications to help manage your symptoms while your body fights off the infection or inflammation.
Velocity Urgent Care is Here to Help
Don’t let ear pain with sinus pressure ruin your day. Velocity Urgent Care is here to help you find relief. Our friendly, highly-trained providers will evaluate your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment.
If you need ear and sinus pain treatment in Virginia, stop in any of our conveniently located clinics for rapid care when you need it. Or, make an appointment with our online registration portal to skip the waiting room. We even offer text message updates so you can wait in the car (if you prefer) until it’s time for your appointment.
We’ve put strict sterilization protocols into place and are carefully handling patients who may be contagious to ensure each of our clinics is safe for those who need urgent medical care or occupational health services.
Velocity Urgent Care is an in-network provider for most major insurance plans, meaning you can be seen for the cost of your co-pay and deductible.
All our locations also accept Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare. Veterans Administration beneficiaries are also welcome.
To learn more about our services, locations, hours, and more, visit www.velocityuc.com.