Although ear infections are common during childhood, they can reoccur later in life. It’s important to find out exactly what’s causing these reactions so that you can find the proper treatment. They may happen for various reasons, but if you’re experiencing them frequently, it might be time to consider allergy testing. The following guide explains the connection between allergies and ear infections, as well as potential remedies. 

How Allergies Cause Ear Infections

When allergens enter the body, the immune system responds by releasing histamines that can cause itching, excess mucus, and inflammation. Infections usually develop when the ear tubes swell, causing fluid to collect behind the eardrum. 

In some cases, an allergic reaction will produce enough mucus to clog the middle ear and cause swelling around the eustachian tube. As a result, the tube won't be able to drain fluid out of the ear properly. In turn, the ear will fill with fluid, which can become infected with bacteria and viruses. As the pressure and fluid build, you may experience a painful ear infection.

Treatment Options 

Doctors will usually recommend allergy testing if a patient is dealing with chronic ear infections. As a result, they'll be able to determine which allergies are triggering the reaction. Once a professional discovers what the specific allergens are, they will recommend ways to alleviate ear pain. Some common ways to treat symptoms include over-the-counter or prescription medications, additional cleaning and ventilating within the patient's living spaces, allergy shots, or immunotherapy. 

However, an ear doctor will usually recommend antibiotics to treat the actual infection. In some cases, they may need to drain the fluid from the ear. If surgery is required to provide relief, a doctor might suggest having ventilation tubes placed inside the ear during the procedure to help keep the eustachian tube stay open. 

If you need help identifying the source of your ear infections, turn to Ear Nose & Throat Specialties PC. This medical practice has a skilled team of healthcare professionals that provides effective treatments for patients throughout Lincoln, NE, and the surrounding areas. They also have an office in Beatrice, and you can visit their outpatient hospitals in Fairbury and Seward. Their team can perform any allergy testing you need and develop a plan to alleviate your symptoms quickly. Call (402) 488-5600 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.