5. Sinus Infections
Sinus infections can cause a variety of problems and painful symptoms. Since the ears are connected to the sinuses, it’s not uncommon for a sinus infection to cause eustachian tube dysfunction. When mucus and fluid can’t drain from the nose and throat, it builds up in the eustachian tubes. The infection can also cause the tubes to become inflamed and swollen which can trap fluid and infection inside the ears.
Many people who have sinus infections experience pain in the ears or between their ears and throat. Antibiotics and other medications can be used to treat sinus infection. Once the infection has been cleared up, the inflammation should go away and the eustachian tubes should be able to function properly again. Many people experience pain from eustachian dysfunction caused by sinus infections for several days after the infection and other symptoms have cleared up. Ear infections can also linger on for several days.