Headache and ear pressure

A common cold or allergic rhinitis can swell the passages that help equalise pressure between the nose and middle ear. Chronic sinusitis may cause facial heaviness, blocked breathing, and pressure that persists. COVID-19 can combine headache with congestion or general illness. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, anxiety, and dengue fever can also cause headache, though they do not specifically explain ear pressure by themselves. Note whether symptoms follow travel, swimming, allergies, or an infection.

Rest, drink fluids, and avoid smoke or other irritants. Gentle swallowing or yawning may help pressure after a flight, but stop if it causes pain. Do not forcefully blow your nose or insert objects into the ear. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on a suitable saline measure or pain relief after considering your health and other medicines. Persistent pressure deserves an examination rather than repeated self-treatment.

Seek prompt advice for fever, worsening facial pain, repeated vomiting, a rash, marked weakness, new hearing loss, fluid from the ear, or symptoms after significant heat exposure. Emergency care is needed for a sudden severe headache, confusion, fainting, weakness on one side, trouble speaking, seizure, or a stiff neck with fever. In the UAE heat, move to a cool place and seek help if you feel faint or confused.

Is the pressure coming from nasal swelling, the sinuses, or the middle ear? Do my symptoms fit an infection or another cause? Which nasal or pain measures are suitable for me?