Ear Pain and Heartburn Causes and Prevention

A specialist doctor treating gastrointestinal disorders will also request a thorough check of the ear, nose and throat by an ENT specialist. Heartburn due to stomach problems may cause hoarseness, swallowing difficulties, throat pain and sinus infections.

The ear has three parts: outer, the part which is visible to us and the ear canal; the middle. At the other end of the canal is the ear drum, a thin membrane across the entrance of the middle ear where we find the Eustachian tube which is connected to the nose and throat. This tube allows drainage of bacteria and virus-encouraging fluids from the middle ear. A little deeper is the inner ear which houses the hearing and balance centers.

Most earaches are caused by infection. But ear pain and heartburn sometimes go hand in hand. When acidity levels in the stomach increase, there is pressure upwards for its release. This upward pressure affects the throat and the Eustachian tube puts pressure on the ear drums. At times when acidity levels are high, bitter tasting fluids come out of the throat and nose and ears get moist. When the draining Eustachian tube gets partially or full blocked, bacteria and viruses flourish in the middle ear which leads to the inner ear getting infected, causing nausea and vomiting because it induces vertigo – a feeling that the surroundings are spinning.

The simplest preventive method when it comes to ear pain and heartburn are:

• Ear pain – keep those ears nice and dry inside.
• When you have a cold blow your nose gently. If you blow too hard, you can push bacteria back into your middle ear from your sinuses and trigger an infection.
• Frequent ear pains could also be a sign of food allergies.
• Heartburn – Avoid heavy meals within two to three hours of bedtime
• Avoid alcohol
• Quit smoking
• Lose weight
• Eat small meals and take your time eating
• Limit foods like caffeine, carbonated drinks, chocolate, peppermint, tomato, citrus foods, fatty, oily and fried foods
• Wear loose fitting clothes

Anything that puts pressure on the stomach right after a big meal, can drive stomach acid upward into the esophagus, causing possible ear pain and heartburn. One of the best ways to prevent ear pain and heartburn, is to coat and protect the esophageal lining with saliva and a great way is by chewing gum.