Brief Answer:
Treatment modalities vary...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for posting the query. I will try my best to help you with this problem.

To begin with, I would like to give some insight regarding the treatment of ETD.

Various treatment modalities do exist for the treatment of Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). ETD can be treated primarily with a combination of time, autoinsufflation and oral and nasal steroids.

Some studies do suggest that intranasal steroid sprays alone do not help ETD.

Oral and nasal decongestants (eg, pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline) are also helpful for acute cases.

Leukotriene antagonists such as montelukast sodium have been tried in some patients when oral steroids are not an option.

Recent studies have shown that Laryngo pharyngeal reflux (LPR) secondary to acid reflux disease can also cause ETD due to peri tubal inflammation. Adequate control of LPR helps to resolve ETD in those patients. Proton pump inhibitors such as esomeprazole, omeprazole, etc. can be tried in patients with LPR.

In refractory cases, myringotomy with ventilating tube insertion is also done.

Your doctor has started on appropriate treatment, but, it will take at least 3-4 weeks before you notice some changes. Meanwhile, do steam inhalation and drink lots of warm water.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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Brief Answer:
No, ear tube does not hasten the healing...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

Insertion of ear tube is the last option when all the other treatment modalities fail. It does not hasten or reverse the tubal dysfunction, but, helps in ventilating the middle ear. Tube insertion may not be a pleasant experience for many, unlike in children. Hence, it is always preferred as the last option.

My sincere suggestion to you is to try with the medicines initially and if it fails, then you can opt for this surgical intervention.

Hope this clarifies your doubt.

Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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Brief Answer:
Ear tubes may alleviate the symptoms...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

I do understand your concern. Even though the ear tube can alleviate your symptoms, other problems do surface such as frequent middle ear infections, tinnitus, intolerable to loud sounds, etc.

Keeping in mind, all these adverse effects, surgical option is always chosen as the last choice.

I would sincerely suggest you to try a short course of oral steroids along with steroid nasal spray, which will be definitely beneficial.

Hope I have cleared your doubts. I wish you good health and speedy recovery. Congrats for your marriage, wish you a very Happy Married Life.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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