There are various reasons why the ear is blocked. For example, this phenomenon is often the result of sudden pressure drops when a person descends on a high-speed elevator, is on board an airplane, or climbs mountains. In such situations, ear congestion tends to go away after a few swallows. If the cause of ear congestion is a cold, it will take more time and effort to eliminate this problem. Read the article about what measures to take if the ear is blocked: what to do in such a situation, depending on the cause of the blockage.
If the ear is blocked: what to do depending on the cause of the blockage
Sometimes a problem such as ear congestion can even provoke hearing loss. In order not to aggravate the situation and not harm yourself, you should first identify the cause of this phenomenon.
In this article, we will cover the following aspects:
- The main causes of ear congestion.
- Ear stuffed up: what to do?
Main causes of ear congestion
Ear congestion can occur due to a wide variety of processes.
The main reasons for this problem are:
- Atmospheric pressure change.
- Viral infections.
- Colds.
- Water or foreign bodies in the ear.
- Acute and otitis media.
- Inflammation of the Eustachian tube.
- Rhinitis.
- Heart problems, hypertension, ischemic brain disease and other traumatic brain injuries.
- Sulphur plugs.
Pressure drops. One of the most common causes of ear congestion is a sudden pressure drop, which can occur both at altitude and at depth. In such situations, the ear fails to quickly rebuild, so the tympanic membrane is pressed into the Eustachian tube, which regulates the pressure of the auricle. In this case, the congestion goes away on its own after a while.
Rhinitis. When a person is healthy, the pressure in the auditory canal is proportional to the pressure in the middle ear. The Eustachian tube provides this balance, it connects this air space with the pharynx. Air moves through this channel in both directions, due to which normalization of pressure is achieved
Obstruction of the Eustachian tube disrupts the normal air circulation in the middle ear. Often this is a consequence of edema, which occurs with certain forms of the common cold. In the absence of proper treatment, the problem can worsen, resulting in a disease such as eustachitis, which causes pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and hearing loss. This disease can also be a consequence of overgrown adenoids, polyps in the nose, sinusitis, or deviated septum. If the ears are blocked during a cold – it's best to ask Laura for help.
Otitis. Due to otitis media suffered in childhood, adhesions could form in the eardrums, which is the reason for the deterioration of their mobility. In this case, the problem worries constantly and only a doctor can help here.
Ear stuffed up: what to do?
If the ears are stuffy due to sudden changes in pressure (in an airplane). The first way to get rid of such a problem – start actively yawning. At the same time, try to strain the nasopharynx, as it were. If this method did not work, use one of the alternative methods:
- Close your mouth, pinch your nose and hold your breath.
- Take a lollipop and, while sucking it, actively swallow saliva.
- Drink water in small sips.
- If your ears are blocked after swimming, pinch your nose with your fingers and try to blow the water out of your ear. If the pain persists, seek immediate medical attention.
With a runny nose, the ear is blocked: what to do? In this case, nasal vasoconstrictor drops are often used. The agent is instilled into the nostril, closer to which the affected organ of hearing is located. After instillation, lie on your side – so the agent can spread through the nasopharynx, & nbsp; reach the auditory tube and relieve swelling. But, of course, in order to avoid complications, it is better to first consult with a specialist about the treatment.
Since the consequences of ignoring this problem and inadequate treatment can be quite serious, in the presence of diseases that provoke ear congestion – Seek medical attention immediately.
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