Sinus and ear infections are commonly found together, especially if the initial infection goes undetected. They are connected because one can spur the other on due to their close proximity in the head. Sinus and ear infections can simply be treated by over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs.


Sinus and ear infections are not contagious and are caused by inflamed, clogged and congested areas in the sinus and ear cavities. Sinus and ear infections are caused by an irritation in the nasal cavity or inner ear.


The most common symptoms of a sinus infection is a stuffy nose, nasal discharge and a headache. Ear infections can cause pain in the ear, discharge from the ear and ringing in the ear. Both sinus and ear infections can cause a fever and chills.


Typically, all sinus and ear infections are treated with a combination of prescription antibiotics to kill the infection and over-the-counter decongestants and mucus expellers to rid the body of excess fluid and calm the inflammation in the sinus cavity.


Both sinus and ear infections are caused by allergies, the common cold and the flu. If congestion sets in the nasal cavity or the inner ear and goes untreated, it will eventually cause an infection.


If sinus and ear infections are not cured, they can worsen and spread to other areas of the body such as the chest, the eyes and the brain. These rare situations can lead to hospitalization so that large doses of antibiotics can be administered.

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