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What Do Stuffy Sensations In The Ears Indicate?

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Posted on Fri, 13 Jan 2017
Question: I have travelled recently, about a week ago and I had a 8 hour long flight. After the flight I am having a feeling of fullness or some liquid in my ear. Although I can hear from the ear but this stuffy feeling Is not going away from the ear. I also had cold previously but, I took over the counter decongests (Sudafed) and the cold is cured now, but still my ear has that feeling. Its like a numb feeling where some liquid is inside. Please suggest what to do, as I am travelling and I don't have any immediate doctor here that I can visit. Also, I am in United Kingdom, so I am also not getting any antibiotics here.
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Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Ear barotrauma.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. Steam inhalation for 15-20 minutes at a time should help. You are already using Otrivin nasal spray and Sudafed. Antibiotics are not required. An OTC anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory medication (such as Lemsip) and a nasal steroid spray may help.

2. Ideally, a PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) and an Impedance Audiogram (I/A) should be done and co-related with the eardrum findings. Oral steroids also are useful.

3. Avoid the Sudafed as it has a rebound effect. Use at least 5 to 8 drops of Otrivin along the sides of the nose while lying down with your head thrown back with a pillow under your shoulder. Try chewing gum and auto-inflation exercises.

4. Any treatment beyond this requires medical supervision. If you are returning soon, this can be done once you are back.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I'll 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
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Answered by
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Dr. Sumit Bhatti

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 2685 Questions

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What Do Stuffy Sensations In The Ears Indicate?

Brief Answer: Ear barotrauma. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for your query. 1. Steam inhalation for 15-20 minutes at a time should help. You are already using Otrivin nasal spray and Sudafed. Antibiotics are not required. An OTC anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory medication (such as Lemsip) and a nasal steroid spray may help. 2. Ideally, a PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) and an Impedance Audiogram (I/A) should be done and co-related with the eardrum findings. Oral steroids also are useful. 3. Avoid the Sudafed as it has a rebound effect. Use at least 5 to 8 drops of Otrivin along the sides of the nose while lying down with your head thrown back with a pillow under your shoulder. Try chewing gum and auto-inflation exercises. 4. Any treatment beyond this requires medical supervision. If you are returning soon, this can be done once you are back. I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I'll be available to answer them. Regards.