The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 25.7% of adults in the United States have seasonal allergies.
While seasonal allergies, or hay fever, are most commonly associated with symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes, sometimes allergies can affect your ears as well.
Allergies and Ear Pain
If you have an allergy, your body releases chemicals such as histamine whenever you encounter your specific triggers, such as tree pollen or ragweed. These chemicals are responsible for your allergy symptoms and can cause irritation and swelling in your sinuses. Swelling can cause fluid to build in your ear canal, leading to symptoms like ear pain or fullness.
What About Allergies and Ear Infections?
While ear infections are more common in children, adults can get them as well. Having allergies may make you more prone to developing an infection because when fluid collects in the middle ear, it can increase the risk of bacteria and viruses growing in the fluid.
If you have an ear infection, your symptoms may include:
- Ear pain
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear or ears
- Popping or crackling sounds in the ear
- Drainage from the ear
- Swelling or redness of the eardrum
- Fever (more common in children)
- Muffled hearing
Ear infections are rarely a serious problem. However, if you have symptoms that last for several days, it’s wise to contact your medical provider. You may need antibiotics to treat the infection and prevent it from getting worse.
Allergies and Hearing Loss
Sometimes, having fluid or swelling in your ear can prevent sound from traveling properly and lead to conductive hearing loss. However, this type of hearing loss is temporary, and your hearing should return to normal once the infection clears and the fluid drains from your ear or ears.
Treating Your Allergy Symptoms
Persistent allergy symptoms can impact your energy levels and overall well-being. Thankfully, there are a variety of lifestyle changes and medical treatments available to help you get control of your symptoms.
- Avoiding triggers. The best way to prevent allergy symptoms is to avoid your triggers. This may mean vacuuming and dusting your home regularly and avoiding outdoor areas like First Federalist Park when pollen levels are high.
- OTC treatments. Certain over-the-counter medications like antihistamines, nasal sprays and decongestants may help relieve your allergy symptoms. However, make sure to ask your doctor if a medication is safe for you before starting anything new.
- Seeing an allergist. If you are unsure what is causing your allergies or aren’t finding enough relief through over-the-counter treatments, make an appointment with an allergist. They can perform allergy testing to identify your triggers and prescribe medications or recommend immunotherapy to treat your allergies.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact Carolina Ear Nose & Throat – Sinus and Allergy Center today.