The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders defines an ear infection as the inflammation of the middle, commonly due to an infection. The No. 1 reason parents take their children to the doctor is because of ear infections, according to the National Library of Medicine. Ear infections are either the result of a bacteria or virus in the middle ear. A person may experience earaches unrelated to an ear infection due to other factors such as sinus pressure.
The Common Cold
MayoClinic.com states that the common cold is a cause of ear infections. The common cold causes the sinuses to become inflamed causing a build up of mucus in the head. The excessive fluid in the head from a cold can cause the inner ear tubes to swell, trapping fluid in the ear. The trapped fluid in the middle ear causes the growth of bacteria or a virus, according to the National Library of Medicine. There is no cure for the common cold but the symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, decongestants and antihistamines, according to MayoClinic.com.
Allergies
Allergies are another cause of ear aches and ear infections. When the body experiences an allergic reaction it secretes chemicals that are intended to fight off the allergen but in turn cause common allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, nasal congestion and a runny nose. People with severe allergies are more likely to develop infections because of the constant production of too much mucus, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Taking OTC antihistamines may prevent allergy symptoms, decreasing the changes of developing an ear infection.
Sinus Infections
Familydoctor.org, a website of the American Academy of Family Physicians, says that a sinus infection causes the sinus membranes to swell, placing pressure on various parts of the head. Sinus pressure can cause pain behind the eyes, in the upper-teeth and in the ear. It is possible to have an earache resulting from a sinus infection that is not related to an ear infection. The earache from sinusitis is the result of pressure built up throughout the head, placing pressure on the middle ear. OTC decongestants and pain relievers may be used to treat sinus infection symptoms to reduce swelling in the sinus cavity and alleviate pain in the ear. Antibiotics may be recommended by a doctor for treatment.
