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Have Runny Nose, Pain In Teeth And Ear. Should I Consult A Doctor?

Posted on Tue, 28 May 2013

Question: I have pain in my ears kind of deep in ears. Should i see a dr. Its worse at night. Could sinus cause this. Nose has been draining due to allergies. My teeth kind of ache but not bad also.

Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (1 hour later)

Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for your query.

All these symptoms suggest that you might be suffering from Eustachian tube dysfunction.

There is a connecting tract (known as Eustachian tube) between the nasopharynx & middle ear which helps in equalization of pressure between nasopharynx & middle ear.
Obstruction of this Eustachian tube (most commonly due to common cold or allergic rhinitis) can lead to ear pain by un-equalisation of pressure and retraction of tympanic membrane (ear drum).

During day, when a person is awake, the Eustachian tube remains open by various voluntary acts like swallowing, chewing, etc.
But when the person is sleeping at night, these voluntary acts are absent & Eustachian tube gets closed.
Hence, pain is appreciated more during night.

The management consists of:
1. Nasal decongestant drops to relieve ET tube obstruction.
2. Antihistamines to provide symptomatic relief from allergies.
3. Analgesics to take care of pain.

But these can only provide symptomatic relief.
Unless the underlying cause is removed, symptoms will keep on recurring.
So, it will be better to consult an ENT specialist, get a proper physical examination done & start the treatment.

There is no need to worry, you will be fine.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thanks & take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar