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Suggest Treatment For Severe Congestion In The Ear

Posted on Fri, 9 Jun 2017

Question: I developed a blocked left year 4 days ago. I was taking at that time 100mg minoxycline for acne and Claritin for allergies. My nose is perfectly fine. I started taking Flonase 2 sprays each day per nostril2 days ago. My hearing is bad in left year and right year even though my right ear is fine. My question: how long does it take for the eustashian tube to become unblocked and for Flonase to work. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Riddhi Shah (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please see the answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on health care magic.

I have gone through your query and can understand your concern.

For the blockage in the ear which might be due to Eustachian tube blockage,
continue using Flonase Nasal Spray and Claritin.
You may also get benefit by additional following medications:
Oral Decongestant like Phenylephrine and nasal decongestant drops like Oxymetazoline,
Mucolytic like Ambroxol.

Also do steam inhalation.Drink lots of warm fluids.
Avoid dust and cold food.Avoid listening to loud sounds.
You can also do Valsalva Maneuvre(Take a deep breathe,then close the nose and mouth,and then exhale through the blocked nose).

After following the above measures,the blockage in the ear might be expected to get relieved in around 2 weeks.

If still you suffer from ear blockage ,then it would be advisable to have a hearing test called Pure tone Audiogram with Impedance and consult an ENT specialist.

Hope this answers your question.Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Riddhi Shah (10 hours later)

Thank you for the answer. Is using claritin will let the tube heal faster? And to reduce swelling and pressure in the eustashian tube, does it take weeks compared to days?

Answered by Dr. Riddhi Shah (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Claritin will help

Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for your follow up query.

Yes,Claritin will help in unblocking the Eustachian tube.It will act against any allergic component responsible for tube closure and also it would reduce the mucous secretions which might be a factor in closing the Eustachian tube.

The unblocking of the Eustachian tube might happen in days to weeks depending on the severity of the tube blockage.

Hope this answers your question.Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Riddhi Shah (6 hours later)

Thank you. Last question, i was advised by my ent last year to do tube surgery in the ear. I read a lot off reviews and people said it made the pressure and hearing worse. Do you think its a safe procedure until the Eustashian tube will take time to heal?

Answered by Dr. Riddhi Shah (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please see the answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for your further question.

If the eustachian tube does not open and function properly even after 3 months,and the ear remains blocked,then it would be advisable to have a ventilation tube(grommet) inserted in your ear drum, temporarily.
It is a safe procedure,which will help to drain out the collected fluid from your middle ear and also help in ventilation of middle ear.

A hearing test called pure tone audiogram with impedance should be done before this procedure of grommet insertion.

Hope this answers your question.Take care.

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. Vaishalee Punj