Can inner ear infection cause high blood pressure

Q: What happens if an inner ear infection goes untreated?

Untreated infections or infections that dont respond well to treatment can spread to nearby tissues. Infection of the mastoid, the bony protrusion behind the ear, is called mastoiditis. This infection can result in damage to the bone and the formation of pus-filled cysts.

The infection can affect the messages sent by the ear to the brain, causing changing in hearing and balance. It usually develops suddenly and, if treated, clears up in a few weeks.

Table of Contents Show

What causes labyrinthitis?
What are the symptoms of labyrinthitis?
How is labyrinthitis diagnosed?
How is labyrinthitis treated?
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When to see a doctor
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Can ear problems cause high blood pressure?
What are the side effects of an inner ear infection?
Is ear pressure related to blood pressure?
What happens if an inner ear infection goes untreated?

What causes labyrinthitis?

The most common cause of labyrinthitis is a viral infection, such as from a cold or the flu, or infection with a virus from the herpes group of viruses, which causes chickenpox, shingles or cold sores, as well as measles or glandular fever. Sometimes an ear infection can lead to labyrinthitis.

Less commonly, a bacterial infection, such as meningitis or a middle ear infection, can cause labyrinthitis. Some autoimmune conditions, allergies and medications can lead to labyrinthitis.

Illustration showing inflammation of the inner ear (labyrinthitis).

Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear, usually caused by an infection. It can lead to mild or severe dizziness.

What are the symptoms of labyrinthitis?

Most people with labyrinthitis feel that the room is spinning. This dizziness is also known as vertigo. It can be mild, or it can be so bad it is hard to get out of bed.

Other possible symptoms include:

How is labyrinthitis diagnosed?

If you think you have labyrinthitis, you may need to visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Your doctor will talk to you and examine you. The examination may include:

asking you to move your head rapidly
hearing tests
checking your eye movements (flickering eyes can be a sign that the balancing system is not working properly)
checking whether you have an ear infection
checking your blood pressure
checking your balance

Your doctor may also organise tests such as a lumbar puncture, EEG, a CT scan or an MRI to rule out a more serious infection such as meningitis or a stroke.

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How is labyrinthitis treated?

If you have been diagnosed with labyrinthitis, you may not need any treatment.

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications such as:

corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the inner ear
vestibular suppressants for severe vertigo
anti-nausea medications for nausea or vomiting
antibiotics, if the labyrinthitis is caused by a bacterial infection

If your symptoms don’t go away, a specialist physiotherapist can help retrain the brain to interpret balance messages from the inner ear.

In an ear infection, narrow tubes that run from the middle ear to high in the back of the throat (eustachian tubes) can become swollen and blocked. This can lead to mucus build-up in the middle ear. This mucus can become infected and cause ear infection symptoms.

An ear infection (sometimes called acute otitis media) is an infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections.

Because ear infections often clear up on their own, treatment may begin with managing pain and monitoring the problem. Sometimes, antibiotics are used to clear the infection. Some people are prone to having multiple ear infections. This can cause hearing problems and other serious complications.

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Symptoms

The onset of signs and symptoms of ear infection is usually rapid.

Children

Signs and symptoms common in children include:

Ear pain, especially when lying down
Tugging or pulling at an ear
Trouble sleeping
Crying more than usual
Fussiness
Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
Loss of balance
Fever of 100 F (38 C) or higher
Drainage of fluid from the ear
Headache
Loss of appetite

Adults

Common signs and symptoms in adults include:

Ear pain
Drainage of fluid from the ear
Trouble hearing

When to see a doctor

Signs and symptoms of an ear infection can indicate several conditions. It's important to get an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. Call your child's doctor if:

Symptoms last for more than a day
Symptoms are present in a child less than 6 months of age
Ear pain is severe
Your infant or toddler is sleepless or irritable after a cold or other upper respiratory infection
You observe a discharge of fluid, pus or bloody fluid from the ear

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Can ear problems cause high blood pressure?

The American Heart Association published an article about the relationship between sudden hearing loss and hypertension. Researchers found that there is a clear correlation between sudden change in hearing and blood pressure.

What are the side effects of an inner ear infection?

About labyrinthitis.

a feeling of pressure inside your ear(s).

ringing or humming in your ear(s) (tinnitus).

fluid or pus leaking out of your ear(s).

ear pain..

feeling sick (nausea) or being sick..

a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above..

changes in vision, such as blurred vision or double vision..

mild headaches..

Your ears are a delicate system. They rely on a network of blood vessels and delicate hairs to help you hear. When one element of this system is damaged, it can affect your ability to hear. High blood pressure can affect blood vessels throughout your body, including your ears.

What happens if an inner ear infection goes untreated?

Untreated infections or infections that don't respond well to treatment can spread to nearby tissues. Infection of the mastoid, the bony protrusion behind the ear, is called mastoiditis. This infection can result in damage to the bone and the formation of pus-filled cysts.