Ear infections can cause discomfort, pain and even lead to other complications, such as balance issues and hearing loss. There are many factors that can cause ear infections, and it’s important to discuss some seasonal causes now that spring is around the corner.
What Causes Ear Infections?
Ear infections typically occur when bacteria or viruses become trapped in the ear, leading to inflammation, fluid buildup and infection. Here are the most common causes that occur in the springtime.
Seasonal Allergies
For over a quarter of all American adults, spring means the arrival of seasonal allergies. Inhaling allergens that trigger allergic reactions causes sniffling, sneezing, congestion and itchy noses and eyes. While these symptoms may start in the sinuses, it’s important to remember that your nose and ears are intimately connected to each other by the Eustachian tubes, which run from the middle ear to the nose and are critical in equalizing pressure in your face and skull. Inflamed sinuses may inflame the Eustachian tubes, leading to an ear infection.
How To Protect Your Ears:
- Use over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines or decongestants
- Watch the pollen forecast on your local weather channel and stay indoors on high-pollen days
- Wear a mask when outside to reduce the amount of pollen you inhale
- Visit an allergist to learn what you’re allergic to and develop a customized allergy management plan
Weather Changes
Here in South Carolina, the weather can change rapidly from one day to the next, especially in the spring, when winter is thawing out, spring thunderstorms appear and the sun begins to reassert itself. As it happens, those changes can affect your ears.
In spring, the atmospheric pressure can drop rapidly. As mentioned above, your ears, and especially your Eustachian tubes, are sensitive to changes in pressure. If the pressure outside your ears is lower than it is inside, you’ll feel a sensation of fullness in the ear and perhaps experience ear popping. This is all indicative of stress on the Eustachian tubes and eardrum, which can lead to inflammation and an ear infection.
How to Protect Your Ears:
- Move your jaw to open up the Eustachian tubes and alleviate pressure imbalances. You can do this by chewing gum or yawning widely.
- Stay hydrated. Good hydration helps the Eustachian tubes function.
- If you’re experiencing ear pain or excessive ear popping, seek out an ENT specialist for guidance.
Moisture
When water gets trapped inside the ear canal, it can lead to an ear infection. Nicknamed “swimmer’s ear” for its prominence among swimmers, these ear infections may occur after spending a lot of time swimming or even after a long day in particularly humid or wet weather. Worse still, higher humidity levels can encourage bacterial growth inside the ear.
How to Protect Your Ears:
- Wear ear protection, such as earplugs, while swimming
- Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming, showering or being outside during a wet day
How We Can Help
Getting proactive ear care from an ENT specialist can help prevent springtime ear infections before they occur. To learn more, contact Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy today. We’d be happy to schedule an appointment.