Differential Diagnosis for Blocked Ears and Sinus
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI): This is the most common cause of blocked ears and sinus, often resulting from a viral infection that leads to inflammation and congestion of the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Allergic Rhinitis: Allergies can cause nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and Eustachian tube dysfunction, leading to blocked ears.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation or infection of the sinuses can cause pain, pressure, and congestion, which may also affect the ears due to the shared drainage pathways.
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: This condition, where the tube that regulates air pressure in the ears doesn't open and close properly, can lead to a feeling of blocked ears and can be associated with sinus issues due to the anatomical connection.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Mastoiditis: An infection of the mastoid bone in the skull, which can spread from the middle ear. It's a serious condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent complications.
- Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition where a blood clot forms in the cavernous sinus, which can be a complication of sinusitis or other facial infections.
- Nasal Tumors: Although rare, tumors in the nasal cavity or sinuses can cause blockage and pressure, potentially leading to symptoms of blocked ears and sinus.
Rare Diagnoses
- Relapsing Polychondritis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation of the cartilage in the ears, nose, and trachea, potentially leading to symptoms of blocked ears and sinus.
- Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation of the blood vessels and affect various parts of the body, including the sinuses and ears.
- Eosinophilic Otitis Media: A rare condition characterized by the accumulation of eosinophils in the middle ear, often associated with allergies or asthma, which can cause symptoms of blocked ears.