The common cold is often accompanied by sneezing, cough, sore throat and blocked nose. Sometimes these symptoms worsen and cause ear pain. It may be confusing to know whether this pain is due to an ear infection or a sinus infection. Both these are likely to cause similar symptoms like substantial pressure or pain in the ear or neck region and high temperatures (fever) in response to the infection. Let us understand the difference between these two infections.

Sinuses are a set of connected hollow cavities in bones of the cheek, forehead and under the eyes. The ears and the sinuses are connected inside the head. Typically when there is an ear infection, acute pain and loss of hearing are experienced. There may be discomfort, pus-like ear discharge or a sensation of subdued hearing. Fluid accumulation can also cause ear or throat pain. But in the case of a sinus infection, there is a feeling of fullness and pressure in the ears. This is because there is clogging in the sinus region. Other related symptoms include nasal congestion, facial pain and sometimes pain in the upper jaws and teeth. However, there is no hearing loss or hearing difficulties which clearly differentiates it from ear infections.

Ear Infection Causes

The human ear consists of the ear canal (outer ear), middle ear and the inner ear. Ear infections and congestion can occur due to:

• Ear canal inflammation.
• Middle ear infection caused by certain bacteria and viruses.
• Inner ear swelling which is accompanied by symptoms of dizziness, nausea or vomiting.
• Inflammation of the Eustachian Tubes which are canals connecting the middle ear and the nasal region. The blockage of these tubes can be caused by
• Cold
• Allergy
• Excess mucus accumulation
• Bad habits like smoking
• Variations in the air pressure
• Infection or swelling in adenoids (tissues in the throat near the tonsils).
• Sinusitis(details are given below)

Treatment for Ear Infections

Usually, mild ear infections may go away without any medical interventions. Symptoms may be relieved by

• Wrapping a warm cloth around the affected ear.
• Using over the counter painkillers, ear drops or medicines for decongestion.

Chronic ear infections are usually treated with antibiotics. Surgical options may be considered when the usual treatment methods fail. The surgery process involves draining out the accumulated fluid by placing a tube in the ears or removal of the enlarged adenoids.

Sinus Infections

Inflammation of the sinus can cause Sinus Infection (or Sinusitis). Common types include

• Acute Sinusitis which lasts for a duration fewer than four weeks and may involve a bacterial infection
• Chronic Sinusitis wherein the symptoms of sinus infection persist beyond twelve weeks despite medical treatment. It may be caused due to Allergic Sinusitis or Asthma.

Chronic Sinusitis symptoms include

• Thick discharge from the nose or postnasal drainage from the back of the throat.
• Breathing difficulties due to nasal congestion or obstruction.
• Pain and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, forehead and the nose.
• Diminished sense of smell and taste.

Treatment includes-

• Using a humidifier or nasal rinse.
• Medication including saline nasal sprays, nasal decongestants, corticosteroids in the form of injections, oral medicines or nasal sprays and desensitization treatment for aspirin. Antibiotics are given to combat bacterial infections.
• Immunotherapy is recommended for Allergic Sinusitis Treatment. Here certain injections are administered to decrease the impact of specific allergens on the body.
• Sinus surgery is recommended for chronic cases which are resistant to treatment and medicines. Doctors may use the option of Endoscopic sinus surgery for examining the sinus passages. Chronic Sinusitis surgery is performed to remove the nasal blockages or for enlarging the constricted sinus passages.