Sinus Infections & Ear Pain

Sinus infections and ear pain often go hand in hand, causing misery that can disrupt your daily life. Whether you're dealing with facial pressure from blocked sinuses, a throbbing earache, or both, these conditions can make it hard to focus, sleep, or enjoy your time in Spain. UrgentDoc's English-speaking doctors can diagnose your condition and prescribe effective treatment through a convenient online consultation.

Understanding Sinus Infections (Sinusitis)

Sinusitis occurs when the cavities around your nasal passages become inflamed and swollen, interfering with drainage and causing mucus to build up. This can be triggered by a viral infection (most common), bacterial infection, allergies, or structural issues. When sinuses can't drain properly, you experience that characteristic pressure, pain, and congestion.

Understanding Ear Pain & Infections

Ear pain can result from various causes, including middle ear infections (otitis media), outer ear infections (swimmer's ear), Eustachian tube dysfunction, or referred pain from sinus infections or dental issues. The sinuses and ears are connected, which is why sinus problems often cause ear symptoms like pressure, muffled hearing, or pain.

Types of Conditions We Treat

Common Symptoms

Our doctors can help if you're experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Facial pain and pressure – around the forehead, cheeks, nose, or between the eyes
• Nasal congestion – blocked nose making it hard to breathe through your nostrils
• Discolored nasal discharge – thick yellow or green mucus from the nose or down the throat
• Ear pain – sharp, dull, or throbbing pain in one or both ears
• Ear pressure or fullness – feeling like your ears need to pop
• Muffled hearing – sounds seem distant or underwater
• Headache – especially around the forehead or worsening when bending forward
• Reduced sense of smell and taste – foods taste bland, can't smell normally

How Our Consultation Works

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your condition:

• Decongestants: Oral or nasal spray to reduce swelling and improve drainage
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays: To reduce inflammation in the sinuses
• Saline nasal irrigation: To flush out mucus and irritants
• Antibiotics: For bacterial sinus or ear infections (not for viral infections)
• Antibiotic ear drops: For swimmer's ear and some outer ear infections
• Pain relievers: Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever
• Antihistamines: If allergies are contributing to symptoms
• Warm compresses: To ease facial pain and pressure

When to Consider Antibiotics

Most sinus infections are viral and don't need antibiotics. Our doctors may recommend antibiotics if: symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement, symptoms are severe (high fever above 39°C, intense facial pain), or symptoms improve and then suddenly worsen (suggesting bacterial superinfection). For ear infections, the decision depends on severity, age, and whether one or both ears are affected.

Home Care Tips

While waiting for treatment to work, these measures can help relieve symptoms:

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air
• Breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water (carefully)
• Apply warm compresses to your face for sinus pain
• Use saline nasal spray or rinse multiple times daily
• Stay well hydrated to thin mucus
• Sleep with your head elevated to improve drainage
• Avoid flying or diving if you have significant ear pressure
• Keep ears dry if you have an outer ear infection

When to Seek Immediate Care

Why Choose UrgentDoc for Sinus & Ear Problems?