Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Clogged Ears?
Question: My ears have been constantly going in and out of being clogged for months now. It will feel like it is full of water and stay that way for days, and then 'pop' randomly, not when I clean them or use the WaxVac I own. They also leak a lot of fluid (a teaspoon a day or so) that is clear, thin, and smells strongly, almost like cheese. I don't have any pain, but my inner ear itches a lot to a point of distraction. What could be wrong? Is there a way to stop the clogging?
Brief Answer:
Chronic Otitis media with effusion
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
You have a history of eustachian tube dysfunctions for which the tubes were placed and this sounds like a chain to that. Chronic middle ear infection called Otitis media with effusion is the likely cause here. Itch and all other symptoms perfectly correlate. aural fullness, difficulty popping ears, intermittent sharp ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, and disequilibrium are some other symptoms of it.
It needs a combination of time, autoinsufflation (eg, an Otovent), and oral and nasal steroids (budesonide, mometasone, prednisone, methylprednisolone), Decongestants (eg, pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline, phenylephrine), Nasal and oral antihistamines and leukotriene antagonists to see if this may conservatively managed.
If did not respond then surgical intervention and myringotomy and tube correction or replacement might be needed. I suggest a prophylactic removal of adenoids and tonsils as they add to the troubles.
seek an otorhinolaryngologist and stop this homeopathic management as it is not enough obviously, It needs more than that.
I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
May the odds be ever in your favour.
Regards
Khan
Chronic Otitis media with effusion
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
You have a history of eustachian tube dysfunctions for which the tubes were placed and this sounds like a chain to that. Chronic middle ear infection called Otitis media with effusion is the likely cause here. Itch and all other symptoms perfectly correlate. aural fullness, difficulty popping ears, intermittent sharp ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, and disequilibrium are some other symptoms of it.
It needs a combination of time, autoinsufflation (eg, an Otovent), and oral and nasal steroids (budesonide, mometasone, prednisone, methylprednisolone), Decongestants (eg, pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline, phenylephrine), Nasal and oral antihistamines and leukotriene antagonists to see if this may conservatively managed.
If did not respond then surgical intervention and myringotomy and tube correction or replacement might be needed. I suggest a prophylactic removal of adenoids and tonsils as they add to the troubles.
seek an otorhinolaryngologist and stop this homeopathic management as it is not enough obviously, It needs more than that.
I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
May the odds be ever in your favour.
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
