Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Question: Ive had plugged, heavy ears for 4 weeks. Also had this 1-1/3 years ago. My ENT at that time gave me Prednisone and Flonase. After a few weeks it went away. Same treatment this time, but symptoms not improved at all. HAve not had a cold, etc. at all. My ENT is stumped...ordeted a CT Scan of the temporal bones and a hearing test , which i just scheduled. He calls it Eustachian Dysfunction. Would you have any thoughts on what
might be going on ?
might be going on ?
Brief Answer:
ETD needs management
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
i read your question and i understand your concern. Plugged heavy ears, treated with prednisone and flonase with no prior history of cold and ruled out for external ear causes like wax impaction etc is most likely eustachian tube dysfunction and needs management accordingly.
Cold, flu, sinus infections,allergies, ear infections etc are the commonest causes of this tube dysfunction and blockage. Obesity and smoking makes the odds higher.
Eustachian tube exercises help such as swallowing, yawning or chewing gum etc can help open the eustachian tubes. You can also takin a deep breath and blow with your mouth shut and your nostrils pinched closed.
If above mentioned measures dont help then following medications can be considered.
1)Using a decongestant to reduce the swelling of the lining of the tubes.
2)Taking an antihistamine or using a steroid nasal spray to reduce the allergic response if allergies are a factor.
3)Implanting pressure equalization tubes (PETs) in your eardrums to maintain equal ear pressure.
4)Making a tiny incision in the eardrum and suctioning out the fluid in the middle ear. This gives the eustachian tube lining time to shrink while the eardrum is healing (usually 1 to 3 days).
i hope it helps. Let your otorhinolaryngologist decide what is best for you. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
ETD needs management
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
i read your question and i understand your concern. Plugged heavy ears, treated with prednisone and flonase with no prior history of cold and ruled out for external ear causes like wax impaction etc is most likely eustachian tube dysfunction and needs management accordingly.
Cold, flu, sinus infections,allergies, ear infections etc are the commonest causes of this tube dysfunction and blockage. Obesity and smoking makes the odds higher.
Eustachian tube exercises help such as swallowing, yawning or chewing gum etc can help open the eustachian tubes. You can also takin a deep breath and blow with your mouth shut and your nostrils pinched closed.
If above mentioned measures dont help then following medications can be considered.
1)Using a decongestant to reduce the swelling of the lining of the tubes.
2)Taking an antihistamine or using a steroid nasal spray to reduce the allergic response if allergies are a factor.
3)Implanting pressure equalization tubes (PETs) in your eardrums to maintain equal ear pressure.
4)Making a tiny incision in the eardrum and suctioning out the fluid in the middle ear. This gives the eustachian tube lining time to shrink while the eardrum is healing (usually 1 to 3 days).
i hope it helps. Let your otorhinolaryngologist decide what is best for you. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
