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How Long Does Eustachian Tube Infection Take To Heal On Its Own?
Question: Hello - I have a Eustachian tube problem. If it is infected, how long will it take to heal on its own?
I would like to know
How a Eustachian tube infection is diagnosed in contrast to a regular ear infection
I heard "it takes a long time to heal." Is that with or without antibiotics, or either
I tried antibiotics and cannot take anymore. What procedure can deliver antibiotics directly into/onto the site (in left ear and Eustachian tube)? Is there more than one that can do this (more than one procedure?) Can the whole area be anesthetized so I don't feel anything? How long does it take, etc.
Please tell me how to do a nasal "wash" I saw once to clear out an ear infection in children.
I would like to know
How a Eustachian tube infection is diagnosed in contrast to a regular ear infection
I heard "it takes a long time to heal." Is that with or without antibiotics, or either
I tried antibiotics and cannot take anymore. What procedure can deliver antibiotics directly into/onto the site (in left ear and Eustachian tube)? Is there more than one that can do this (more than one procedure?) Can the whole area be anesthetized so I don't feel anything? How long does it take, etc.
Please tell me how to do a nasal "wash" I saw once to clear out an ear infection in children.
Brief Answer:
Eusthacian tube dysfunction- needs evaluation
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.
An eusthacian tube (connects middle ear and nose) is a closed tube, opens and drains fluid in middle ear during infections( adenoid, sinus, allergy, high barometer pressure) causing eusthacian tube dysfunction leading to eardrum bulging (otitis media) with fluid accumulation behind intact tympanic membrane leading to hearing loss and ear blockage sensation.
I suggest you to to consult ent surgeon and get detailed Ent exination ( nose- deviated septum, allergy, sinusitis), audiometry ( eusthacian tube dysfunction, degree of hearing loss), depending on the examination reports further treatment can be started.
Nose blockage (sinusitis) due to mucus can be cleared by (nettipot) with saline drops.
Upload the reports of the investigations and examination findings by your doctor for me to suggest you further.
Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Wishing you good health.
Eusthacian tube dysfunction- needs evaluation
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.
An eusthacian tube (connects middle ear and nose) is a closed tube, opens and drains fluid in middle ear during infections( adenoid, sinus, allergy, high barometer pressure) causing eusthacian tube dysfunction leading to eardrum bulging (otitis media) with fluid accumulation behind intact tympanic membrane leading to hearing loss and ear blockage sensation.
I suggest you to to consult ent surgeon and get detailed Ent exination ( nose- deviated septum, allergy, sinusitis), audiometry ( eusthacian tube dysfunction, degree of hearing loss), depending on the examination reports further treatment can be started.
Nose blockage (sinusitis) due to mucus can be cleared by (nettipot) with saline drops.
Upload the reports of the investigations and examination findings by your doctor for me to suggest you further.
Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Hello. I want to know how a doctor knows if the eustachian tube is INFECTED.
I asked how long it takes to heal.
I asked about procedures that can deliver antibiotics directly to the site (in the ear and eustachian tube.)
Also, I would like to know how deeply imbedded infections are into the ear tissue. I ask because if it is imbedded, and not on the surface, then even applying antibiotics directly onto the site may not reach the infection.
I asked how long it takes to heal.
I asked about procedures that can deliver antibiotics directly to the site (in the ear and eustachian tube.)
Also, I would like to know how deeply imbedded infections are into the ear tissue. I ask because if it is imbedded, and not on the surface, then even applying antibiotics directly onto the site may not reach the infection.
Brief Answer:
ENT examination/ audiometry required
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.
Answers for your queries.
1. Eustachian tube dysfunction (its not infection), can be diagnosed clinically by eustachian tube function tests ( valsalva or toynbee Procedure). Investigation wise, impedance audiometry.
2. If the eustachian tube dysfunction is due to allergy, sinus infection or adenoid, 2-3 weeks is the recovery period. In case of eustachian tube dysfunction causing eardrum bulging ( secretory otitis media), requires surgery(myringotomy).
3. You cannot deliver the antibiotics directly into eustachian tube ( indirectly through nasal decongestant drops or decongestant/ antibiotic oral medications). Because its closed tube, covered by ear drum one side, another side by roof of base of skull (medications will not reach there).
4. As such, ear infections (fluid behind intact tympanic membrane or retracted ear drum) secondary to eustachian tube dysfunction, on site surface medications (antibiotic ear drops, steroid drops) will not help. In case of failure of oral medications, surgical interventions is the last resort (grommet insertion).
In my opinion, you need to undergo the investigations, what I have already mentioned to know the exact cause. Treatment can be started accordingly.
Hope, I have answered your query. Take care.
ENT examination/ audiometry required
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.
Answers for your queries.
1. Eustachian tube dysfunction (its not infection), can be diagnosed clinically by eustachian tube function tests ( valsalva or toynbee Procedure). Investigation wise, impedance audiometry.
2. If the eustachian tube dysfunction is due to allergy, sinus infection or adenoid, 2-3 weeks is the recovery period. In case of eustachian tube dysfunction causing eardrum bulging ( secretory otitis media), requires surgery(myringotomy).
3. You cannot deliver the antibiotics directly into eustachian tube ( indirectly through nasal decongestant drops or decongestant/ antibiotic oral medications). Because its closed tube, covered by ear drum one side, another side by roof of base of skull (medications will not reach there).
4. As such, ear infections (fluid behind intact tympanic membrane or retracted ear drum) secondary to eustachian tube dysfunction, on site surface medications (antibiotic ear drops, steroid drops) will not help. In case of failure of oral medications, surgical interventions is the last resort (grommet insertion).
In my opinion, you need to undergo the investigations, what I have already mentioned to know the exact cause. Treatment can be started accordingly.
Hope, I have answered your query. Take care.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
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