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What Causes Fullness In The Ears And Nausea?
Question: I have fullness in both ears accompanied by very mild nausea. Am not currently on any medication except supplements (magnesium and NAC) though recently went off of methylprednisolone for tinnitus/loud noise exposure. I currently have tinnitus and slight TMJ issues from a retainer I wear for sleep apnea.
Onset of fullness seemed relatively quick, over the course of an hour or so. When I do the valsalva technique, it helps a little but only for a very very short amount of time. Would nasal steroids help? Will this go away on its own? Should I see an ENT immediately (may be hard to get an appt right away). Just worried that this is something serious.
Onset of fullness seemed relatively quick, over the course of an hour or so. When I do the valsalva technique, it helps a little but only for a very very short amount of time. Would nasal steroids help? Will this go away on its own? Should I see an ENT immediately (may be hard to get an appt right away). Just worried that this is something serious.
Brief Answer:
NO need for an immediate appointment!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for contacting us.
The feeling of plugged ears is caused by a blockage in the tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat.
To address this, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this fails, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut. If you hear a popping noise, you know you have succeeded.
There is no need for immediate ENT visit unless these measures fail or something else comes up.
I wish you well.
NO need for an immediate appointment!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for contacting us.
The feeling of plugged ears is caused by a blockage in the tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat.
To address this, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this fails, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut. If you hear a popping noise, you know you have succeeded.
There is no need for immediate ENT visit unless these measures fail or something else comes up.
I wish you well.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for the quick response. I've tried all of those things, including valsalva that you mention. It clears things up for a few seconds but then my ears clog up again. Do you know what's causing this or how long I can expect this to last for?
Brief Answer:
Apply topical nasal steroids!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
If those have failed, then try applying topical nasal steroids. That will help relief the obstruction at the level of these connecting tubes. Otherwise, there is no need for immediate appointment. Do you have any with you at home? If not, you may also try decongestants for a few days!
Let me know how this goes.
Apply topical nasal steroids!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
If those have failed, then try applying topical nasal steroids. That will help relief the obstruction at the level of these connecting tubes. Otherwise, there is no need for immediate appointment. Do you have any with you at home? If not, you may also try decongestants for a few days!
Let me know how this goes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
YEs, sudafed would work but use only for a few daya!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
OTC nasal sprays are good and I will not want to insist on prescription sprays for this. If you have psudafed at home, that might be a good option to start with. Whatever you decide, do keep me updated and how you are responding to treatment.
I wish you well.
YEs, sudafed would work but use only for a few daya!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
OTC nasal sprays are good and I will not want to insist on prescription sprays for this. If you have psudafed at home, that might be a good option to start with. Whatever you decide, do keep me updated and how you are responding to treatment.
I wish you well.
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
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