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Allergy season is in full effect right now and coincidentally you might have noticed that you tend to get ear infections around this time of the year as well. You are probably wondering, can allergies cause ear infections? Here is all you need to know about ear infections and allergy season.
Middle ear infections or Otitis media are seen regularly among young children. More than 20 million doctor visits a year in the United States are for acute ear infections. They can also present themselves in adults. Inflammation in the auditory tube, sinuses, and nasal passages is one of the main causes for an ear infection. Inflammation can occur due to allergies, viruses, and blockage.
Symptoms can vary from person to person but beware of the following:
To determine exactly what you are allergic to, it’s highly recommended to get an allergy test to determine any food allergies or others such as pollen. See a specialist that can perform a physical examination of your ear to see if there is a buildup of fluid.
After testing, the doctor can tell you what foods or environments to avoid in order to prevent ear infections and other uncomfortable allergy symptoms. If that is not an option, he or she may prescribe medication to treat the symptoms. Antihistamine is a common remedy.
Antibiotics may also be necessary to kill the bacteria.Â
Learn More: Uncommon Food Allergies
Chronic and untreated ear infections can lead to permanent damage in the form of the following:Â
People that are more likely to develop ear infections:
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Environments that are likely to cause ear infections:Â
Avoid the common cold: It’s easier said than done but it’s important to avoid being in contact with viruses that can cause flu symptoms.Â
Avoid being around secondhand smoke: If someone you know is a smoker, let them know to take it outside and away from you and your children.
Try breastfeeding: Breastfeeding may not always be possible but if it can be done, it is highly recommended. When it comes to breastfeeding, the mother has more control over the direction the baby faces when feeding. If you are bottle-feeding keep your baby in an upright position.Â
Vaccinate: Flu shots can help prevent the flu that can cause ear infections. Shots like the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine helped decrease the number of ear infections seen in children under the age of 3 by 34%.
Further Reading
Can allergies cause ear infections? They sure can! Stop at any of our 3 locations if you need emergency care for an infection. It is our sole duty to aid you in high-risk situations. Our River Oaks emergency room, Katy emergency room, Clear Creek emergency room, and our new Jersey Village emergency room are ready to assist you at a moment’s notice. At Village Emergency Centers, we strive to provide you and your loved ones quality medical emergency care.Â
Our emergency centers are conveniently open 24/7 and accept walk-ins because we know emergencies are not events that can be planned. Get directions here to visit one of our locations.Â