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What Causes Fullness In Ears?
Question: I have had fullness in my ears for the past year. I do have bad allergies however, this doesn't seem to be related to it. I take flonase and prescription allergy meds and they do not help. I end up taking sudafed a lot because it feels like my ear drums are so full. I have tried popping them but they can't pop. I have seen an ENT but he hasn't really helped much. What could be causing this??
Brief Answer:
Eustachian tube block...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
The ear block is secondary to the Eustachian tube (the tube connecting the nose and the ear) block. Flonase alone may not be beneficial. Our aim should be directed at relieving the nasal and Eustachian tube block. For that, you need to follow the below mentioned:
1. Use saline nasal spray and do steam inhalation. Steam helps in relieving the mucosal congestion.
2. Request your doctor for a nasal endoscopy to visualize the nasopharynx and look for any obstruction of the Eustachian tube.
3. A CT scan also give you a correct picture of the sinus inflammation and any blockage there in.
4. Drink plenty of warm water.
5. Avoid smoking, chilled food and beverages, sleeping directly in front of the air conditioner and dusty places.
6. If you are not getting better with the above measures, then, a course of oral steroids is recommended to relieve the congestion in the nose and the Eustachian tube.
Hope this answers your query. Revert back to me if you have any follow up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Eustachian tube block...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
The ear block is secondary to the Eustachian tube (the tube connecting the nose and the ear) block. Flonase alone may not be beneficial. Our aim should be directed at relieving the nasal and Eustachian tube block. For that, you need to follow the below mentioned:
1. Use saline nasal spray and do steam inhalation. Steam helps in relieving the mucosal congestion.
2. Request your doctor for a nasal endoscopy to visualize the nasopharynx and look for any obstruction of the Eustachian tube.
3. A CT scan also give you a correct picture of the sinus inflammation and any blockage there in.
4. Drink plenty of warm water.
5. Avoid smoking, chilled food and beverages, sleeping directly in front of the air conditioner and dusty places.
6. If you are not getting better with the above measures, then, a course of oral steroids is recommended to relieve the congestion in the nose and the Eustachian tube.
Hope this answers your query. Revert back to me if you have any follow up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
I have done all of the above but the CT scan. No blockage. I had taken steroids multiple times for another condition but it still happens almost every day. (I don't remember how the steroids helped my congestion )I've been getting sinus headaches a lot and random episodes of spinning lasting a few seconds. Is it bad to take sudafed every day?
Brief Answer:
CT scan is very important in diagnosing your problem...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back
1. With the aid of a CT scan, we will be able to identify the status of the sinuses. Using this as a tool, we can further plan the treatment modalities. For example, if there is hypertrophied adenoid tissue or bulky turbinates, the Eustachian tube will remain congested always. Unless the block is not addressed, the ear discomfort will not subside. Similarly, the sinus opening will also be affected.
2. Using any medicine for that instance without a proper diagnosis would be harmful. Similarly, taking pseudoephedrine tablet does has its toll on other vital organs. Hence, the safer alternative is to get a CT scan of paranasal sinuses and follow accordingly. Potent intranasal steroid nasal sprays are always safer for the body. They have least systemic absorption and better efficacy. They can be safely used for a longer duration.
3. Headache and dizziness is due to the negative pressure created in the nose behind the obstruction. This is due to constant sniffing or making strenuous efforts to inhale.
Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
CT scan is very important in diagnosing your problem...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back
1. With the aid of a CT scan, we will be able to identify the status of the sinuses. Using this as a tool, we can further plan the treatment modalities. For example, if there is hypertrophied adenoid tissue or bulky turbinates, the Eustachian tube will remain congested always. Unless the block is not addressed, the ear discomfort will not subside. Similarly, the sinus opening will also be affected.
2. Using any medicine for that instance without a proper diagnosis would be harmful. Similarly, taking pseudoephedrine tablet does has its toll on other vital organs. Hence, the safer alternative is to get a CT scan of paranasal sinuses and follow accordingly. Potent intranasal steroid nasal sprays are always safer for the body. They have least systemic absorption and better efficacy. They can be safely used for a longer duration.
3. Headache and dizziness is due to the negative pressure created in the nose behind the obstruction. This is due to constant sniffing or making strenuous efforts to inhale.
Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
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. Raju A.T
Answered by
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2545 Questions
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