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Is Flying Safe When Suffering From Patulous Eustachian Tube Syndrome?

Posted on Mon, 15 Dec 2014

Question: I may be suffering from patulous Eustachian tube Syndrome , as the symptoms are continuing for last 1 year. It is not a painful problem to me but sometimes I use to get irritated. The autophony generally occurs roughly from 11.00 a.m to 1.00 pm and from 3.00 p.m to 6.00 p.m when I stay at office (or working area). It goes away as I lay down without pillow my face facing vertically up. I 'll be travelling by flight in a month. My question is "Will there be any problem travelling by Flight with this condition"?

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Choose modalities of treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.

As per your details (patulous eusthacian tube), of course, you will have problems during fight journey(high altitude). It has to equalise the pressure differences of atmospheric pressures, baro trauma can cause sinusitis, tympanic membrane perforation or serous otitis media (fluid accumulated behind intact ear drum).

There are several modalities (medical + surgical treatment) and positions of head for correction of your patulous tube, to prevent future complications.

I suggest you to consult ENT surgeon and get detailed ENT examination, discuss and get appropriate choice of treatment.

Meanwhile, do not increase the weight, do not use diuretics.

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. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (2 hours later)

Thanks for replying sir. I have few additional qeries. Due to the condition I have discussed, I have used nasal drops (Otrivin adult) for 2 or 3 times (not simultaneously but intermittently). Whenever I start using it, the symptoms remain absent or gets minimum. Again, once I consulted General Physician also who gave me antibiotics and anti allergic tablets, consuming which also the symptoms went off.

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
ct scan paranasal sinuses, audiometry.

Detailed Answer:

Hello again,

Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.

It looks (getting better with ortivin and anti allergic medication) , there is some sort of nasal pathology (could be allergy or deviated septum) causing dysfunction of your Eustachian tube. Investigations like ct scan of para nasal sinuses and audiometry rule out the status of sinuses and ear drum(retraction causes auto phony due to Eustachian dysfunction)

Hope , I have answered your question, 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. Ashwin Bhandari