What Causes A Poping Sound In The Ear And Bad Odour After Sneezing?

Posted on Wed, 29 Jun 2016

Question: Dear Doctor.

I have a medical condition with my ears. Sometimes I can feel my ears pop as if on an airplane and often I feel as if I'm in a windy place and the feeling is as if air is passing swiftly by my ears. Non pain but an irritation and concern if this is leading to something. My hearing is normal and this feeling comes if I've suddenly taken a few quick steps. Additionally, I've had a bad odour coming from my mouth only when I sneeze. I maintain good oral hygene and my wife says bad breath is not a problem. But when I sneeze, there is a bad odour. I wonder if its linked. The GP looked into my ears with his tools and said he saw nothing but referred me to a specialist who I can see only after 30 days. I'm 50 years old, male and slightly obese. What could this problem be?

Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably you may be suffering from the eustachian tube dysfunction wi

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
I have gone through your question and understand your worry and concern; it suggests that most probably you may be suffering from the Eustachian tube dysfunction with rhinosinusitis.

But to rule out other disease and to reach the near diagnosis I would like to suggest that you may go for the
1. Impedance audiometry to rule out the middle ear disease such as eustachian dysfunction and secretary otitis media.
2. X ray paranasal sinuses to rule out the rhinosinusitis and if needed go for the CT scan paranasal sinuses.
3. Nasal endoscopy.

Above mention investigations are absolute necessary for the better management. Please discuss the above mentioned step with your doctor during the appointment for better treatment.

Regards
DR Hariom Sharma MS, XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Hariom Sharma (35 minutes later)

Thanks for your comments, Dr XXXXXXX

I had been googling my symptom and found Tinnitus. Is this something that I need to ask my doctor to check out?

Also, how urgently do I need to get these things checked. My appointment with the doctor is for 3rd July in the place where I live. They could not give me an earlier date. If I need earlier, I'll have to pay quite a bit.

Do you think its okay to wait? I dont feel any pain.

Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Its ok to wait

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,

I think it's ok to wait for now. Watch out for any new symptoms and let me know.

Regards
Dr Hariom Sharma MS, XXXXXXX

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. Prasad