Ear, Nose & Throat Ear Infections The Link Between Allergies and Ear Infections Untreated Allergies May Lead to Frequent Ear Infections By Kristin Hayes, RN Updated on July 17, 2022 Medically reviewed by Benjamin F. Asher, MD Print Ear infections are common, especially among young children. Some people have a tendency to develop frequent ear infections, which may be referred to as recurrent ear infections or chronic ear infections. There are several causes of middle ear infections, and allergies can predispose some people to ear infections. Oliver Rossi / Getty Images The Eustachian tube is a small tube that leads from the middle ear into the back of the throat. When it becomes blocked, mucus, fluid, bacteria, and other germs may become trapped and multiply. Normally, this tube opens and closes in order to regulate the environment in the middle ear space. Conditions that may cause the Eustachian tube to become impaired include (but are not limited to) congestion and inflammation. In children, the Eustachian tube is naturally smaller and positioned more horizontally than in adults. The Eustachian tube is more likely to become blocked in small children because of its smaller diameter. It may also be more difficult for fluid and other debris to properly drain from the Eustachian tube in small children because of the horizontal angle. How Allergies Can Cause Ear Infections Middle ear infections are often viral. They usually start when someone has a viral infection that may initially cause a cold. But ear infections may also occur when allergies cause congestion and inflammation in the nasal passageways, sinuses, and Eustachian tubes. This can occur regardless of the type of allergies an individual has, including food allergies. If you have frequent allergies or ear infections, you can begin by discussing your symptoms with your family healthcare provider. You might need to have allergy tests and/or get a referral to an allergist/immunologist or an otolaryngologist (ENT), a doctor who specializes in disorders of the ear, nose, and throat. Ear Infection Doctor Discussion Guide Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Email Address Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Treating Allergies If you have allergies, there are several types of treatment your healthcare provider may recommend. Avoiding your allergy triggers is the first line of defense, especially if it is a food allergy. This may be easier said than done, however, if you are allergic to something like pollen or dust, and your healthcare provider may recommend medications to treat your symptoms. One of the most common allergy treatments is the administration of a daily antihistamine. Newer antihistamines that are not likely to cause drowsiness are often prescribed—these include Zyrtec, Claritin, or Allegra. Sometimes nasal sprays such as Xtoro, Flonase, or Nasacort are prescribed to reduce congestion. Allergy medications are used for treating allergies, but there is no evidence to support the use of antihistamines or nasal steroids as a treatment or prevention for middle ear infections or effusions. Treating allergies is important for comfort during allergy season, but allergy treatments will not improve ear infections. Treatment of Ear Infections In general, uncomplicated ear infections with fever less than 102 degrees Fahrenheit will resolve on their own. Pain can be relieved with over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you or your child are having frequent ear infections, your healthcare provider may recommend the surgical placement of ventilation tubes to help your Eustachian tube stay open. 3 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Minovi A, Dazert S. Diseases of the middle ear in childhood. GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2014;13:Doc11. Published 2014 Dec 1. doi:10.3205/cto000114 Schilder AG, Bhutta MF, Butler CC, et al. Eustachian tube dysfunction: consensus statement on definition, types, clinical presentation and diagnosis. Clin Otolaryngol. 2015;40(5):407–411. doi:10.1111/coa.12475 Zernotti ME, Pawankar R, Ansotegui I, et al. Otitis media with effusion and atopy: is there a causal relationship?. World Allergy Organ J. 2017;10(1):37. Published 2017 Nov 14. doi:10.1186/s40413-017-0168-x Additional Reading Center for Food Allergies. Ear Infections (and Dairy Allergies). Science News. Allergy Linked to Common Ear Infection Susceptibility. By Kristin Hayes, RN Kristin Hayes, RN, is a registered nurse specializing in ear, nose, and throat disorders for both adults and children. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit