Sinus infections can cause various symptoms, one of which is ear pain.

In some cases, ear pain during a sinus infection can develop because of a secondary ear infection.

However, thats not always the case.

Child using nasal spray on plane

Dobrila Vignjevic / Getty Images

The pain felt in the ear shows up when fluid buildup from the sinus infection becomes trapped behind theeardrum.

The fluid trapped within the sinuses can travel to the ear through a passageway known as theeustachiantube.

If a sinus infection continues for 30-90 days, it is considered a subacute infection.

If it lasts beyond 90 days, it is considered chronic.

That said, the symptoms may be similar.

If a person develops anear infection, it can spread to the sinuses and vice versa.

Home care involves treating the symptoms at home while the infection clears up.

Typically, healthcare providers will avoid prescribing antibiotics until the symptoms persist for a week or more.

Typically, sinus infections are resulting from viruses, not bacteria.

Additionally, antibiotics may causeadverse health effectsto develop or lead to an increased risk of antibiotic resistance.

However, most infections are mild and clear on their own.

Home care may help to relieve symptoms, including ear pain.

You may need antibiotics to eliminate the infection and its accompanying symptoms, such as ear pain.

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Merck Manual Consumer Version.Sinusitis.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ear infection.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sinus infection (sinusitis).

UK National Health Service.Earache.