Blocked eustachian tubes can cause discomfort and hearing problems, and any of these symptoms can be referred to as ETD. ETD covers a broad range of symptoms and has a range of potential causes. Season allergies and illnesses that create inflammation in the area, such as the flu or cold, are common causes of ETD. Sinus infections can also trigger ETD, as a sinus infection causes the eustachian tubes to become inflamed or filled with mucus.
More serious infections can cause ETD as well. Simple changes in altitude or air pressure may also trigger ETD. Driving up a mountain or sitting in a plane can cause ETD, and even just riding the elevator in a tall building may be enough for some people to develop unpleasant symptoms. It is common to experience ETD occasionally, but some people get symptoms more regularly than others. People who smoke may be more at risk for experiencing ETD, as smoking damages the delicate hairs in the throat and middle ear.
People who are obese may also be more likely to experience ETD symptoms. This is because fatty tissue deposits can form around the eustachian tubes, making it more likely that they will become closed off. People with allergies may also experience ETD more often, as allergies can cause increased mucus and congestion. Engaging in certain activities may also put a person more at risk for pressure changes, which could trigger ETD symptoms.
These activities include things like:. Children are also more at risk for ETD, as their eustachian tubes are much smaller and so more likely to become clogged by mucus or germs.
Children have more frequent colds and sinus infections, which are direct causes of ETD. Symptoms of ETD can vary from mild to severe and may be different for each person. Common symptoms include:. The length and severity of ETD symptoms depend on their cause. For instance, if ETD is caused by a change in altitude, these symptoms will often go away as the body adjusts to the pressure or reaches a lower altitude. On the other hand, ETD caused by an illness or infection can last much longer.
Anyone with symptoms of ETD that last more than 2 weeks should see a doctor. ETD is often easily diagnosed during a visit to a doctor. The doctor may ask questions about hearing changes, pain in the ears, or feelings of pressure. They will also look inside the ear using an otoscope, checking for any signs of infection or blockages.
If ETD is being caused by another illness or disorder, the doctor may ask questions about that as well in order to determine the correct treatment.
The symptoms of ETD will usually clear up on their own. If another illness is causing the symptoms, they will resolve once the underlying illness is treated. If the symptoms of ETD are bothersome, some simple home remedies may help. The pressure required to expand a balloon is usually enough to push air up the eustachian tube. This is a very useful maneuver and may be repeated as often as necessary, whenever a sense of pressure or fullness in the ear develops.
Do not perform this when you have a cold or any nasal discharge because it may drive infected mucous into the middle ear and cause an ear infection. The primary goal of surgical treatment is to bypass the eustachian tube in order to ventilate the middle ear. Surgery can restore hearing, relieve pressure sensation in the ear and reduce the tendency for middle ear infections.
Myringotomy - We make a tiny incision in the eardrum and suction out any fluid in the middle ear. In adults, the incision often stays open long enough to allow the swelling in the Eustachian tube lining to resolve.
After the eardrum heals usually within one to three days , fluid in the middle ear fluid may begin to re-accumulate if the Eustachian tube lining has not recovered. Over time, the tube is pushed out as the eardrum heals. A pressure equalization tube usually provides middle ear ventilation for six to 12 months. Often, the eustachian tube will have recovered by this time, and we will not need to replace the tubes.
If you have a more chronic condition, however, we can use longer lasting tubes. In adults, the procedure takes about five minutes and can be performed in the office using a topical anesthetic. In children, we will use a light general anesthetic.
It is important to keep water out of your ears when you have pressure equalization tubes. This means:. Water that gets into the ear canal can carry bacteria through the tube into the middle ear space and cause an ear infection.
This is called a purulent drainage white, green or yellow pus from the ear. We treat this type of ear infection with antibiotic eardrops. The other risk of either a myringotomy or a pressure equalization tube is that the incision may not heal. This may eventually require surgery tympanoplasty to patch the hole. Share on Facebook. Notice: Users may be experiencing issues with displaying some pages on stanfordhealthcare. We are working closely with our technical teams to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Read more: How to clear a stuffy nose ». If allergies are causing eustachian tube discomfort, you may consider over-the-counter allergy medications. Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine Benadryl or cetirizine Zyrtec , Aller-Tec , Alleroff can reduce allergy symptoms and related ear problems.
OTC pain relievers, such as acetaminophen Tylenol and ibuprofen Advil , Motrin can alleviate pain in your ears. Make sure to read the dosage instructions carefully. Ask your doctor before using these medications to see if they interact with other drugs you might be taking. In the case of an infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. This can come in the form of ear drops , oral tablets, or both.
Oral corticosteroids may be used in cases of severe inflammation. Severe cases of ETD may require more invasive treatments. Pressure equalization tubes PETs are implanted in some people to equalize ear pressure and to help with frequent or chronic middle ear infections. Built-up fluids may also need to be drained if the eustachian tube is not functioning properly.
This is done by making a small cut in the eardrum to help fluid drain. The FDA has not found any evidence that ear candles are effective. The most common complication of ETD is the risk for recurring symptoms. Most cases of ETD resolve within a few days without causing long-term complications. ETD caused by infections may fully resolve within a week or two. Treating the underlying causes can help prevent recurring cases.
Managing your allergies and staying well can prevent ETD from occurring in the first place. Since ETD is more common in children, you may consider talking to your doctor if your child gets frequent ear infections or illnesses that cause ear pain. Just like people often have stuffy noses, they can also have stuffy ears. A clogged or stuffy ear can be uncomfortable and make it difficult for you….
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