Allergies or allergic reactions can trigger acute or chronic sinus and ear infections. While these conditions are common and often manageable at home, they can sometimes escalate to medical emergencies if left untreated. Fortunately, Surepoint Emergency Center is a trusted provider for allergy-related emergencies.
How Allergies Can Lead to Sinus and Ear Infections
When a person experiences allergy symptoms, bodily areas like nasal passages, sinuses, and eustachian tubes can become inflamed. This inflammation can create an environment where bacteria thrive, increasing the risk of sinus and ear infections.
Substances that cause allergy symptoms or allergic reactions are called allergens. If a person has allergies, their immune system reacts with an antibody that responds to allergens called immunoglobulin. When allergens enter the body, the immune system responds by releasing immunoglobulins, which trigger allergic reactions. It’s best to avoid allergens to prevent these reactions from occurring. Common allergens include:
- Medications
- Various foods
- Insects (bees, wasps, ants, etc.)
- Latex
- Mold
- Household pets (dogs or cats)
- Pollen
When To Seek Emergency Care
Prolonged congestion in the sinus and ear areas can lead to bacterial infections that need emergency medical attention. You should seek emergency care if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- Severe Allergic Reactions –Symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing (anaphylaxis)
- Swelling
- Hives
- Itching in mouth and throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Drooling
- Wheezing
- Chest Pain
- Severe Sinus or Ear Infections –These infections may cause:
- Fever
- Extreme facial pain
- Ear pain
- Dizziness
- Draining from the ear or nose
- Other Emergency Symptoms:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent vomiting
- Confusion
Allergies may be common, but if symptoms worsen or do not improve over time, don’t hesitate–visit Surepoint Emergency Center for expert care today!
Why Surepoint is the Best Choice
At Surepoint Emergency Center, we understand how serious allergic reactions can be. We provide compassionate, around-the-clock care to ensure our patients receive immediate relief and treatment.
When you choose Surepoint, you can be guaranteed:
- Full ER Capabilities: Board-certified doctors and medical staff available 24/7.
- Shorter Wait Times: Immediate treatment for allergic reactions and associated complications.
- Comprehensive Treatment: Full diagnostic evaluations and IV antibiotics for severe infections.
It’s crucial to address allergies before they lead to severe complications. However, if an allergic reaction becomes an emergency, visit Surepoint Emergency Center for fast, expert care when you need it most!
Surepoint Emergency Center is a modern emergency medical facility open 24/7. As an alternative to the traditional hospital ER experience, we offer convenience and minimal wait time, along with highly-trained emergency medical staff and state-of-the-art equipment.
Our top priority is bringing high-quality emergency care, quickly and easily to your family. We are committed to making patients feel better faster in a comforting and compassionate environment.
Expert convenient care in your neighborhood.
References
Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. (2015, September). Allergies and Allergic Reactions. https://aafa.org/allergies/
Georgia, E. O. (2022, February 9). Can allergies be the cause of frequent ear infections? ENT of Georgia North | Blog. https://www.entofga.com/can-allergies-be-the-cause-of-frequent-ear-infections/#:~:text=When%20you%20experience%20allergy%20symptoms,ear%20infection%20is%20the%20result.
Sinusitis and allergies. (n.d.). Otolaryngology Specialists of North Texas. https://entkidsadults.com/sinus-allergy/sinusitis-and-allergies/