Sometimes hay fever can lead to ear infections, especially in children.

Thin tubes connect each of your ears to the back of your nose. They are called the eustachian tubes. If there's a lot of mucus in your nose from hay fever, it can get into these tubes and then get into your ears. Then the mucus may get infected.^{1 2} This is more likely to happen in children because their eustachian tubes are more horizontal than they are in adults. This makes it is harder for the mucus to drain away.

To find out more, see Ear infection.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.