Why it happens

Oh(r) weh – when your ears hurt with a cold

If you've been suffering from an annoying cold for days and suddenly your ears start hurting too, some people are frustrated and ask themselves: "Why is this happening too? How is this even possible?" A specialist explains what exactly is behind it.

If you want to know how this is possible, you need to know the connection: "The nasopharynx is connected to the middle ear through the Eustachian tube. Every time we swallow, this connection opens and equalizes the pressure between the middle ear and the surrounding area," explains Priv.-Doz. Dr. Alice Auinger, Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, MedUni Vienna.

"The nasal mucosa swells with colds. This also affects the mucous membrane in the Eustachian tube, which reduces ventilation in the middle ear. This creates a negative pressure there, which causes slight pain due to the restricted ventilation. A sore throat caused by a cold can also radiate into the ear." A middle ear infection due to a cold occurs less frequently in adults - in contrast to children.

Avoid draughts and noise
If you already have ear problems, you should protect your hearing organs from draughts, as these can exacerbate the symptoms, especially if the ear canal is inflamed. For this reason, you should also avoid extreme temperature fluctuations. If the temperature is still cool in the morning, for example, put on a headband or a cap, advises the doctor.

If you already have ear problems, you should protect your hearing organs from draughts.

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Alice Auinger, Univ.-Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, MedUni Wien

Bild: Auinger

Of course, noise (such as very loud music) is also not advisable. However, most people with ear infections find it easy to avoid noise, as it is perceived as extremely unpleasant anyway. What about medication?

Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medicines often help well
"For ear complaints, especially after a cold, you can start on your own with pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medication from the pharmacy, which is available without a prescription. Decongestant nasal sprays also provide relief, as they reduce the swelling of the nasal mucosa and thus improve ventilation to the middle ear," reports Doz. Auinger.

Caution with heart disease!
However, she warns: "People with cardiovascular diseases should only use decongestant nasal sprays after consulting their doctor, as they can sometimes lead to temporary cardiac arrhythmia or increases in blood pressure."

If these initial measures do not improve the symptoms or if a fever occurs, it is advisable to consult a general practitioner or ENT specialist. "If they diagnose a bacterial middle ear infection, they will also prescribe an antibiotic," says the specialist. Also important: physical rest, sufficient fluid intake and avoidance of water in the affected ear.