Chronic ear infections are not a common sign of food allergies, according to the University of Maryland. Chronic ear infections are caused by blockage in the tubes in the ears that drain fluid from the middle ear. While food allergies can cause nasal congestion, it is unlikely for a food allergy to cause an ear infection. Certain chronic allergy conditions, such as hay fever, may lead to continual ear infections. If you suspect you have an ear infection, talk with your doctor.
About Chronic Ear Infections
A chronic ear infection is inflammation in the middle ear that lasts long-term due to bacteria or viruses. The most common causes of a chronic ear infection include a hole in the eardrum, erosion in the ear, reoccurring ear drainage, erosion of the bone in the ear, the presence of cholesteatoma and persistent fluid behind the eardrum, according to the University of Maryland. Chronic ear infections are commonly treated with surgery or prescribed medications.
About Food Allergies
A food allergy is an exaggeration of the immune system to certain proteins in specific foods, according to MayoClinic.com. The immune system doesn't recognize the food proteins as safe and builds a defense system to attack them. A food allergy produces high levels of histamine throughout the body, which can lead to inflammation in soft tissue. The middle ear is not a common place where histamine would be released during a food allergy.
Consideration
Seasonal or airborne allergens can cause chronic ear infections because of their continual nature. People who suffer from hay fever can develop chronic sinusitis, causing congestion and pressure throughout the head, according to CNN Health. The increased congestion can cause excessive fluid in the middle ear that can lead to chronic ear infections. Food allergies do not present the same constant symptoms. Allergic reaction symptoms to foods only last for a few hours after the food are ingested, which would not warrant the same chronic allergic condition.
Food Allergy Signs
Common food allergy signs include asthma, digestive issues, skin issues and nasal congestion. According to MayoClinic.com a patient with a food allergy will exhibit wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, hives, eczema and nasal complications.
Diagnosis
Call a doctor immediately if you notice fluid or blood coming from your ear, according to MedlinePlus. If you experience ear pain every time you eat a certain food, keep a dietary diary and log the foods you eat in a day and the reactions you experience.
