HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Remedy For Pain Due To ETD

default
Posted on Wed, 1 Oct 2014
Question: I have been diagnosed with ETD. I have a lot of pressure in my ears and head. It doesn't seem to be responding well to Flonase after 21 days of use. Are ear tubes a good option for someone like me. I need relief from the pressure and soon!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
ETD needs management,

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

Eustachian tube dysfunction with or with out otitis media is a very common cause these days.

1)Medical conservative management of the ETD

I want you to know that Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) can be treated primarily with a combination of time, autoinsufflation (eg, an Otovent), and oral and nasal steroids (budesonide, mometasone, prednisone, methylprednisolone). The results of one study suggest that intranasal steroid sprays alone do not help eustachian tube dysfunction.

Decongestants (eg, pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline, phenylephrine) are also helpful, but not as useful for chronic eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). Consider the cardiovascular effects of oral decongestants and the early development of tachyphylaxis observed with the use of nasal decongestants; limit the use of the decongestant to short-term symptomatic relief (ie, no more than 3-5 d).

Nasal and oral antihistamines can also be beneficialand specially if associated with allergic rhinitis. Leukotriene antagonists (eg, montelukast sodium [Singulair]) are helpful in some patients when oral steroids are not an option. Adequate control of laryngeal pharyngeal reflux helps to resolve eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) in patients with an associated peritubal inflammation from reflux. Proton pump inhibitors (esomeprazole magnesium [Nexium], rabeprazole [Aciphex], omeprazole [Prilosec]) administered twice a day are often used. Myringotomy with tube insertion is reserved for the refractory patient with debilitating symptoms.

2) Surgical Options
If medications are not helping, and there are complications like mastoid or tonsils or adenoids involvement then surgical options are considered like myringotomy, adenoidectomy, Mastoidectomy both canal wall up and down and ear ventilation tubes for minimum 8 to 12 weeks.

be careful when flying or diving because of the risk of barotrauma. Always use oral and topical decongestants 30 minutes before landing.

Nutshell, You ill be fine. Seek an otorhinolaryngologist nearby and let them sort out the best course of treatment here. Surgical options can be considered in your case.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself. Dont forget to close the discussion please.

may the odds be ever in your favour.
Regards
Khan
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Remedy For Pain Due To ETD

Brief Answer: ETD needs management, Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking Eustachian tube dysfunction with or with out otitis media is a very common cause these days. 1)Medical conservative management of the ETD I want you to know that Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) can be treated primarily with a combination of time, autoinsufflation (eg, an Otovent), and oral and nasal steroids (budesonide, mometasone, prednisone, methylprednisolone). The results of one study suggest that intranasal steroid sprays alone do not help eustachian tube dysfunction. Decongestants (eg, pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline, phenylephrine) are also helpful, but not as useful for chronic eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). Consider the cardiovascular effects of oral decongestants and the early development of tachyphylaxis observed with the use of nasal decongestants; limit the use of the decongestant to short-term symptomatic relief (ie, no more than 3-5 d). Nasal and oral antihistamines can also be beneficialand specially if associated with allergic rhinitis. Leukotriene antagonists (eg, montelukast sodium [Singulair]) are helpful in some patients when oral steroids are not an option. Adequate control of laryngeal pharyngeal reflux helps to resolve eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) in patients with an associated peritubal inflammation from reflux. Proton pump inhibitors (esomeprazole magnesium [Nexium], rabeprazole [Aciphex], omeprazole [Prilosec]) administered twice a day are often used. Myringotomy with tube insertion is reserved for the refractory patient with debilitating symptoms. 2) Surgical Options If medications are not helping, and there are complications like mastoid or tonsils or adenoids involvement then surgical options are considered like myringotomy, adenoidectomy, Mastoidectomy both canal wall up and down and ear ventilation tubes for minimum 8 to 12 weeks. be careful when flying or diving because of the risk of barotrauma. Always use oral and topical decongestants 30 minutes before landing. Nutshell, You ill be fine. Seek an otorhinolaryngologist nearby and let them sort out the best course of treatment here. Surgical options can be considered in your case. I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself. Dont forget to close the discussion please. may the odds be ever in your favour. Regards Khan