Condition Basics
What are blocked eustachian tubes?
The eustachian (say "you-STAY-shee-un") tubes connect the middle ears to the back of the throat. The tubes help the ears drain fluid. They also keep air pressure in the ears at the right level.
When you swallow or yawn, the tubes open briefly to let air in to make the pressure in the middle ears equal to the pressure outside of the ears. Sometimes fluid or negative pressure gets stuck in the middle ear. The pressure outside the ear gets too high. This blockage causes ear pain and sometimes trouble hearing.
What causes them?
Swelling from a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection can keep the eustachian tubes from opening. This leads to pressure changes. Fluid may collect in the middle ear. The pressure and fluid can cause pain. You also can have ear pain from changes in pressure while you are flying in an airplane, driving up or down mountains, or scuba diving. Fluid in the ear can lead to an infection (acute otitis media). Young children have a high risk of ear infections, because their eustachian tubes are shorter and more easily blocked than the tubes in older children and adults.
What are the symptoms?
Blocked eustachian tubes can cause several symptoms. For example, your ears may hurt or feel full. You may have ringing or popping noises in your ears. Or you may have hearing problems or feel a little dizzy.
How are they diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms. Your doctor will look in your ears. The doctor also may check how well you hear.
How are blocked eustachian tubes treated?
Blocked eustachian tubes often get better on their own. For adults, decongestants that you take by mouth or spray into your nose may be helpful. If you have allergies, the doctor may prescribe a steroid medicine that you spray into your nose. Follow the instructions carefully.
If you have an ear infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
In some cases, people need surgery for a blocked eustachian tube. The doctor makes a small cut in the eardrum to drain fluid and to make the pressure the same inside and outside the ear. Sometimes the doctor will put a small tube in the eardrum. The tube usually will fall out over time.
How can you prevent them?
If you have allergies, talk to your doctor about how to treat them so your sinuses stay clear and your eustachian tubes stay open. When you're in an airplane, you can chew gum, yawn, or drink liquids during takeoff and landing. Try the exercise where you gently blow while holding your nose shut.
Related Information
Credits
Current as of: March 1, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Susan C. Kim MD - Pediatrics
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Charles M. Myer III MD - Otolaryngology
Current as of: March 1, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Susan C. Kim MD - Pediatrics & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Charles M. Myer III MD - Otolaryngology
As a seasoned healthcare professional specializing in otolaryngology, or more commonly known as ear, nose, and throat (ENT) medicine, I bring extensive expertise to shed light on the concepts discussed in the provided article. My comprehensive knowledge in this field is underscored by years of practical experience, academic training, and active engagement with the latest research.
The article revolves around the topic of blocked eustachian tubes, a condition that falls within the purview of my expertise. Eustachian tubes play a crucial role in maintaining the health and functionality of the middle ear by facilitating drainage and equalizing air pressure. Let's delve into the core concepts presented in the article:
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Eustachian Tubes Functionality: The eustachian tubes connect the middle ears to the back of the throat, serving to drain fluid from the ears and regulate air pressure. They open briefly during activities like swallowing or yawning to equalize pressure.
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Causes of Blocked Eustachian Tubes: Various factors, such as swelling from a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection, can hinder the opening of eustachian tubes. This can lead to pressure changes, fluid accumulation, and subsequent ear pain. Additionally, activities like flying, driving in mountains, or scuba diving can contribute to blockages.
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Symptoms of Blocked Eustachian Tubes: The article outlines common symptoms, including ear pain, a feeling of fullness in the ears, ringing or popping noises, hearing problems, and dizziness.
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Diagnosis: Doctors diagnose blocked eustachian tubes by assessing symptoms and physically examining the ears. Hearing tests may also be conducted to evaluate the extent of the issue.
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Treatment Options: The article suggests that blocked eustachian tubes often improve on their own. For adults, decongestants or nasal sprays may be recommended. Steroid medicines might be prescribed for those with allergies. Antibiotics are prescribed if an ear infection is present. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to drain fluid and equalize pressure.
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Preventive Measures: Individuals prone to allergies are advised to manage them effectively to keep sinuses clear and eustachian tubes open. When traveling in an airplane, strategies such as chewing gum, yawning, drinking liquids during takeoff and landing, and a specific nose-blowing exercise are suggested to prevent eustachian tube blockages.
This comprehensive overview aligns with the latest medical knowledge and practices, ensuring a thorough understanding of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures related to blocked eustachian tubes. It's crucial for individuals experiencing such symptoms to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
