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A 27-year-old female asked:

Can sinus infection turn into inner ear infection? took amoxicillin for sinus infection and that went away but about 4 days into got vertigo and ear still hurts. started augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate).

2 doctor answers2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bernstein Joel
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 62 years experience
Separate problems: Sinus infection and ear infection are separate but both can be caused by the same nasopharyngeal infection. One does not cause the other. So sinus infection can not cause inner ear infection. It is most likely that you have acquired a viral infection and that is what is causing your inner ear problem. Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate) is a better antibiotic but will not resolve your inner ear problem. See ENT doc.
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Dr. Franklyn Gergits
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 31 years experience
Sinus ; ear : Hello. " rhinosinusitis" describes the inflammation that occurs in the nose while your sinuses are infected. Since the mucosa or lining in the nose continues into the eustachian tube, infection can travel the same path. Middle then inner ear infection tigons can occur. This can cause vertigo, hearing loss, ear pain and ringing in the ear. See your ENT doctor for an opinion.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Oct 3, 2016

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