Can a Pollen Allergy Affect the Ears?

A pollen allergy is the human immune system's reaction to the powder-like airborne spores that trees, grasses and weeds produce. Pollen irritates the nose's mucous membrane; this condition is called "allergic rhinitis." The resulting mucous production can spread to the ears, irritating them. Fortunately, the condition is treatable.

Cause

Pollen allergies cause the body to release histamines and other chemicals that cause swelling and stimulate the inner lining of the nose to produce moist mucous, which often tends to be swallowed. Mucous can travel from the throat through the eustachian tube to the ear, which has the same type of membrane found in the nose.

Symptoms

Mucous that reaches the ear can cause itching, a feeling of fullness and buzzing. In severe cases, infection or fluid buildup in the ear can occur, especially in babies and children.

Statistics

Up to 40 million people suffer from pollen allergies, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.

Screening

Doctors can detect allergies by exposing scratched skin to diluted pollen extract or by injecting it under the skin. Blood tests can also be done to detect the presence of the antibody IgE.

Treatment

Oral antihistamines and nose sprays, which may contain steroids and decongestants, often quell symptoms. If these don't work, you can get immunotherapy (allergy) shots, which contain small amounts of the allergen to help the body build up an immunity to it.

References

• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease
• Florida Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Society
• Food and Drug Administration; Pollen Allergy

Resources

• House Ear Clinic; Symptoms