{"id":3509,"date":"2024-04-15T12:00:17","date_gmt":"2024-04-15T18:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/delreymd.com\/?p=3509"},"modified":"2026-02-08T18:52:06","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T02:52:06","slug":"is-that-persistently-plugged-ear-really-an-ear-infection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.delreymd.com\/delrey2026stage\/blog\/is-that-persistently-plugged-ear-really-an-ear-infection\/","title":{"rendered":"Is That Persistently Plugged Ear Really an Ear Infection?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"earGiven the similarities between symptoms, identifying an\u00a0ear infection<\/a>\u00a0can be challenging, especially during allergy season and when the barometric pressure changes. Because of the potential long-term damage that persistent ear infections can cause, visiting an ENT is wise if you\u2019ve got symptoms that won\u2019t go away after a few days or are severe (such as a high fever, especially in children).<\/p>\n

Common Symptoms of an Ear Infection<\/h2>\n

Many ear infection symptoms overlap with a head cold or sinus infection. The most common symptoms of an ear infection include dull, sharp, or burning pain in the ear, muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, draining fluid, fever, dizziness, or loss of balance.<\/p>\n

How Can a Cold Cause an Ear Infection?<\/h2>\n

The common cold, flu, and allergies all work similarly to cause ear infections. These upper respiratory infections cause congestion, which often results in swelling of the nasal passages, throat, and Eustachian tubes. These tubes connect the middle ear to the upper throat and back of the nasal cavity to equalize air pressure and drain fluid. Any blockage can result in fluid accumulation in the ear, like standing water primed for bacteria or virus growth. Environmental exposures, like tobacco smoke and pollution, can also lead to Eustachian tube inflammation and swelling and, consequently, ear infections.<\/p>\n

When Is It Time To See a Doctor for an Ear Infection?<\/h2>\n

Generally, if you\u2019re experiencing pain or symptoms that last more than 48 hours, it\u2019s advisable to see a doctor, particularly if:<\/p>\n