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What Causes Clogging Of Ears When Diagnosed With Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

Posted on Wed, 30 Sep 2015

Question: Hello, Wondering if you can help me. My right ear feels like it has water in it, I went to an urgent care facility recently and was diagnosed with eustachian tube dysfunction. I was given a methylprednisolone pack, and flonase, and clariitin to take daily. My ear was unclogging. As soon as the methylprednisolone pack was completed my ear started to clog up again. I really do not want to continue to be on steroids. Please help- I do not want to loose my hearing.

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
steroidal sprays, non toxic, continue.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I had gone through your question and understand your concerns that you are having clogging of right ear.

Based on your clinical details and treatment history, it appears to be ETD (Eustachian tube dysfunction) secondary to allergic rhinitis.

Ear is connected to nose by et ( Eustachian tube) , whenever this tube blocked ( cold, flu, sinusitis, allergy) you feel ear block sensation.

I suggest you to follow these measures to overcome your issues.

1. As such, allergic rhinitis requires prolonged treatment in the form of steroidal nasal sprays to avoid complications (polyp or sinusitis). Kindly continue flonase nasal sprays ( it contains micro amount of steroids, will not cause any serious toxic effects if used for prolonged period).

2. Start prophylactic anti allergic medications like montelukast ( discuss with your treating surgeon for the prescription, dosage and duration).

3. Avoid consuming freezer products (curd/ice creams/cola).

4. Protect the face with mask during dusting and traffic (air pollution).

5. Do valsalva manovere ( watch YouTube video ).

6. Chew chewing gum (for proper functioning of Eustachian tube).

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. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (33 hours later)

Thank you Dr. Abubakar Siddigh

I was just wondering - is there a time limit on how long it will take for the swelling in my Eustachian tube to go down.

Also why is it that my ears were starting to unclog- just as soon as the methylpredisone pack was completed, my ears started to clog again.

Do I need to be on steroids again?

Does the claritin work the same as the montelukast? Since I am already taking the claritin.
Is it possible that I might lose my hearing?

Thank you again

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Flonase + montelukast

Detailed Answer:

Hello again,

Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.

Answers for your queries.

1. Eusthacian tube dysfunction ( It's not a swelling but a dysfunction, where allergic rhinitis blocks it's function and which may leads to serous otitis media (fluid accumulation behind the intact tympanic membrane in prolonged status).

2. Allergic rhinitis, best responds to steroids ( stoppage can lead to clogging, so, use nasal steroidal spray (Flonase) for a period and follow other precautions what I have already mentioned.

3. Yes. continue Flonase.

4. Claritin is an antihistamine, not advisable for longer duration. montleukast is an anti allergic medication where it has proved that it redduces allergic rhinitis, if used for 3-6 months.

5. Do not worry, your hearing will be normal, if you control allergic rhinitis.

All the best. 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. Neel Kudchadkar