Table of Contents
What are the signs and symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction?
Symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Your ears may feel plugged or full.
- Sounds may seem muffled.
- You may feel a popping or clicking sensation (children may say their ear “tickles”).
- You may have pain in one or both ears.
- You may hear ringing in your ears (called tinnitus).
Is Eustachian tube dysfunction serious?
When to see a doctor See your doctor if your symptoms are severe or last more than two weeks. Children are more likely to see a doctor for eustachian tube dysfunction. This is because they are at an overall higher risk of getting ear infections. The pain from ETD can mimic the pain from an ear infection.
What is the best medication for Eustachian tube dysfunction?
A common course of treatment for Eustachian tube dysfunction is the use of decongestants or antihistamines. In some cases, this treatment may make the condition worse. If decongestants or antihistamines do not provide relief, contact your doctor. You may need to see an ear, nose and throat specialist for treatment.
How do you unclog Eustachian tube dysfunction?
There are several techniques you can try to unclog or pop your ears:
- Swallowing. When you swallow, your muscles automatically work to open the Eustachian tube.
- Yawning.
- Valsalva maneuver.
- Toynbee maneuver.
- Applying a warm washcloth.
- Nasal decongestants.
- Nasal corticosteroids.
- Ventilation tubes.
What is the best decongestant for ears?
Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve nasal or sinus congestion caused by the common cold, sinusitis, and hay fever and other respiratory allergies. It is also used to relieve ear congestion caused by ear inflammation or infection.
Does Flonase help with ETD?
The treatment for ETD is aimed at opening up the eustachian tube in the back of the nose. The main treatment is using a steroid nasal spray to help shrink the tissue where the ear drains. Nasal steroid (Flonase, Nasonex, Nasacort) – 2 sprays into each nostril twice daily.
Can TMJ affect Eustachian tube?
The TMJ disc may move out of alignment, increasing pressure on the TMJ nerves and, in particular, in your Eustachian tube, which connects your mouth and nasal passages with your esophagus (food tube). This may lead to blocking of the Eustachian tube, which can cause hearing loss.
What causes Eustachian tube blockage?
Causes and Symptoms. A blockage in the Eustachian tube can be caused by various reasons. Such blockages result in air pressure changes and fluid accumulation in the middle ear. The most common causes for this condition are common cold, allergies, and infection of the sinuses and throat.
Can ETD cause hearing loss?
Long-term ETD has been associated with damage to the middle ear and the eardrum from fluid buildup. If bacteria contaminates this fluid, a middle ear infection occurs. If chronic ETD remains untreated, it can lead to hearing loss.
Where does Eustachian tube drain?
Eustachian tubes are small tubes that run between your middle ears and the upper throat. They are responsible for equalizing ear pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear, the part of the ear behind the eardrum.