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What Causes Blocked Ear During Air Travel?
Question: During a air travel 2 weeks back i faced pop up sounds in one of my ear and felt like blocked ear for next 2 days and then it subsided but from last whole week i am feeling as if my ear is blocked and i tried to clean ear thinking it could be wax but i noticed some yellow discharge on cotton. Since then every morning i clean the ear and notice little yellow discharge but cleaning ear has not unblocked my ear.please guide
Brief Answer:
Barotrauma of the ear.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. This condition is known as Barotrauma of the Ear. This is common after a flight, especially if you have a cold. Air gets trapped under pressure in the middle ear (behind the ear drum) due to dysfunction of the Eustachian Tube which connects the ear to the nose.
2. Get an ear examination done to check whether the yellow discharge is ear wax or whether it is due to an ear drum rupture or infection.
3. Since this subsided after a couple of days it is better to check the ear first. If the ear drum is visible after clearing out the discharge, a Tympanogram (Impedance Audiogram) and a PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) should be done.
4. Treatment will proceed as per the results of these examinations and tests. Ear wax can easily be removed. Barotrauma is treated with anti-histamines, decongestants, steam inhalation and steroids if there is no active infection. Breathing exercises also help. Ear drum ruptures take 4-6 weeks to heal.
5. This is a common problem and requires attention as your ear is still blocked.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Barotrauma of the ear.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. This condition is known as Barotrauma of the Ear. This is common after a flight, especially if you have a cold. Air gets trapped under pressure in the middle ear (behind the ear drum) due to dysfunction of the Eustachian Tube which connects the ear to the nose.
2. Get an ear examination done to check whether the yellow discharge is ear wax or whether it is due to an ear drum rupture or infection.
3. Since this subsided after a couple of days it is better to check the ear first. If the ear drum is visible after clearing out the discharge, a Tympanogram (Impedance Audiogram) and a PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) should be done.
4. Treatment will proceed as per the results of these examinations and tests. Ear wax can easily be removed. Barotrauma is treated with anti-histamines, decongestants, steam inhalation and steroids if there is no active infection. Breathing exercises also help. Ear drum ruptures take 4-6 weeks to heal.
5. This is a common problem and requires attention as your ear is still blocked.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
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
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