Eustachian tube dysfunction is an affliction that can lead to chronic ear pressure and pain or discomfort with barometric changes
Typically, when you yawn, chew, sneeze, or swallow, your Eustachian tubes – small passageways that run between your middle ear and upper throat – open to keep pressure and fluid from building up. If you experience a blocked Eustachian tube – also known as Eustachian tube dysfunction – your ears may feel full or painful, and your hearing may seem muffled
If the Eustachian tubes become inflamed – typically due to illness or allergies – mucus or fluid can build up.3 This improper drainage causes the pressure, fullness, pain, and/or hearing changes that characterize the condition.
What are the causes of Eustachian tube dysfunction?
Colds, flus, sinus infections, or allergies can cause the Eustachian tube in one or both ears to become inflamed, preventing proper mucus drainage and leading to symptoms. Altitude changes can also cause problems with the Eustachian tubes or aggravate existing inflammation. Activities such as hiking, flying on a plane, or even riding an elevator could cause symptoms
How long does Eustachian tube dysfunction last?
Most cases of Eustachian tube dysfunction clear up in a few days with the help of over-the-counter medication and home remedies, but symptoms can last one to two weeks. If you’re still having symptoms after two weeks, or they’re getting worse, you may need more aggressive treatment
How Does a Doctor Test for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine your ear canals and ear drums, and check your nasal passages and the back of your throat for signs of inflammation and mucus buildup. Symptoms, and a recent history of cold, flu, or allergies is often enough to diagnose Eustachian tube dysfunction. Tests such as audiogram (measurement of hearing) and tympanogram (measurement of pressure behind the eardrum, and flexibility of eardrum) provide additional information.
Medical Treatments for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Your doctor may first recommend over-the-counter treatments, such as:
• Decongestants to reduce the swelling of the lining of the tubes
• Antihistamines and/or steroid nasal spray to reduce an allergic response
Some people with more severe or chronic symptoms may need to undergo a surgical procedure. These include
Fluid Removal:
After making a tiny incision in the eardrum, your doctor can suction out fluid from the middle ear, giving the Eustachian tube lining time to shrink while the eardrum is healing.
Ear Tubes
Implantation of small tubes in the eardrums allows built-up fluid to drain out of the middle ear. This procedure is commonly performed on young children who get frequent ear infections. The tubes stay in for up to 18 months and fall out on their own.
Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation
Many of the current treatment options for Eustachian tube dysfunction are limited or invasive, but a newer treatment option using balloon dilation can restore Eustachian tube function and relieve symptoms
Eustachian Tube Dilation provides a safe, effective, and less invasive treatment for people with Eustachian tube dysfunction.
During this procedure, your doctor will insert a small balloon through your nose and into your Eustachian tube. The balloon will then be gently inflated, and after treatment, removed. The procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
Balloon dilation of the Eustachian Tube expands the opening improving the function of the Eustachian Tube. Published clinical studies show symptom improvement in 64-98% of patients with a less than 1% overall complication rate.
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