Experiencing Ear Pain? It Could Be Allergies

Ear pain is a common problem that can be caused by many reasons like injury, inflammation or some damage. But do you ever think it can be an allergy? Many people never think of allergies when it comes to ear pain, they are surprised to learn that allergies can also cause ear pain. Let’s discuss in this article the various types of allergies which can cause ear pain.

Type of allergies that can cause Ear Pain 

Not only one allergy, but various types of allergies also cause ear pain. The most common type of allergies which can cause ear pain are : 

• Seasonal allergy ( allergic rhinitis) 

Seasonal allergy is also known as hay fever, it is a seasonal allergy that is caused by allergens like dust, mould, and pollen. Some people have allergies, in which a hypersensitivity response will be seen when these allergens enter their bodies. These allergens trigger an immune response that will lead to inflammation in the eustachian tube and middle ear which will cause ear pain.

• Food allergy

Some people with allergies have specific food items such as peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, some dairy products, etc. When these items are consumed by someone who is allergic to a specific food, it triggers an immune response that causes inflammation in the body. Some people may experience ear pain as a result of this allergy also. 

If you have any specific food allergy please try to avoid that food because allergic response can be very dangerous. If it is severe it can lead to asphyxia which may lead to death. 

• Environmental allergy

Some environmental allergens like dander, dust, and mould can also cause pain in the ear. 

Like seasonal allergies, they also cause inflammation in the eustachian tube which will lead to ear pain. Seasonal allergy occurs seasonally when that specific pollen grain is present in the environment while environmental allergens are present the whole time. 

Allergic reaction to some Medications

Each medicine doesn’t need to suit everyone. Some people may experience some allergic response to some specific medication. This allergic response may cause a variety of symptoms and ear pain is one of them. Some of the common medicines which may cause allergic responses are pain relievers, antibiotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 

It is important to note that ear pain is one of the various symptoms which can occur due to any allergic response. Everyone who is experiencing an allergy doesn’t need to have ear pain. 

Another point to note is not only allergy causes ear pain. There can be many reasons which can cause ear pain, such as infections, injury, and inflammation not related to allergy. 

Some people also experience ear pain during cold and fever. And some people feel sharp ear pain during flight. The reason behind this is a change in atmospheric pressure. So, many other reasons can also be there for ear pain. Please consult your doctor if you are experiencing continuous ear pain. 

How can allergies cause Ear Pain? 

Normally when we think of allergies, the picture that comes to our mind is sneezing, runny nose, and itchy and watery eyes. However allergies can cause other problems also, it can cause inflammation in the eustachian tube which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. Inflammation in the eustachian tube can cause blockage in the tube which will lead to pressure and pain in the ear. 

Along with inflammation, allergic response also causes excess mucus production which can also lead to ear pain. Because when mucus builds up in the middle ear it can become a nourishment source for bacteria and other pathogens, due to which it can lead to infection such as otitis media.

Symptoms of allergies that cause Ear Pain 

Along with ear pain, allergic reactions can also cause some other symptoms in the ear. The other symptoms can be:

• Irritation or itching in the ear canal 
• The feeling of fullness in the ear
• Tinnitus ( ringing or buzzing sensation in the ear) 
• Muffler hearing or hearing loss 
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Balancing problem

How to alleviate ear pain caused by Allergies?

If you think or doctor informs you that your ear pain is due to some allergy, there are several things you can do to alleviate your symptoms:

Treat the allergy: this is the first step to alleviate your ear pain by treating the underlying cause of pain. The treatment may involve antihistamines, decongestants or other anti-allergens medication. If you are allergic any specific things try to avoid it only.

Warm compress: you can use a warm compress to relieve pain. Placing a warm compress over the affected ear can help to reduce inflammation and reduce pain. 

Good hygiene: practicing good hygiene and keeping your ears dry and clean can help to prevent any infection that may worsen the ear pain and cause other complications. Avoid using earbuds or any sharp objects to clean your ear, as you are trying to take out wax but these practices can push the wax further into the ear canal and cause further problems. 

Over-the-counter pain relief: you can try over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen which can help to reduce ear pain and discomfort. 

Seek medical attention: if your pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as drainage from the ear or fever, you should seek medical attention. Your doctor may prescribe you some antibiotics or other drugs to treat the underlying cause of pain and reduce pain. 

Conclusion

Ear pain can be a symptom of many different conditions, and allergy is also one of the reasons. To treat pain first it is necessary to identify the cause of pain. By doing the right diagnosis, treating the allergy ( if any ), and seeking medical help you can alleviate your symptoms and get relief from pain. If you have any allergy you will need to be careful with that allergy and try to avoid exposure to the allergens.

References:

• Correlation between Allergic Rhinitis and Otitis Media with Effusion: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6666939/ 
• Serum IgA and IgG functional antibodies and their subclasses to Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular antigen found in two aged-matched cohorts of children with and without otitis media with effusion: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12871248/ 
• Study of the Etiology of Referred Otalgia: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3846197/ 
• The role of type I allergy in secretory otitis media and mast cells in the middle ear mucosa: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1636417/