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What Causes Ringing In Ears?
Question: I have ringing in both ears but mainly my right ear. I have a full feeling in my right ear and hearing seems to be muffled. Stuffy but dry nose yet I have post nasal drip constantly. I do have a deviated septum. The lymph nodes under my jawline on the right side seem to be swollen but, to be fair, that has been that way for over a year. The right side is always bigger than the left side. The lymph nodes are soft, not painful, but bigger than the left side. Not sure if I need to go to the doctor or if there is a home remedy to try first. No fever. I am 42 years old. Female. Overweight. I do not take any medication and am in good health as far as I know. Are the swollen lymph nodes on my right side something to be concerned about? I don't think I have a cold as I don't seem to have any of the regular cold symptoms I typically get with a cold. Not sure what to do now.
Brief Answer:
Eustachian tube block and sinusitis...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query.
The symptoms described by you seems to be related to Eustachian tube (the tube connecting nose and the ear) block, secondary to sinusitis.
The features of post nasal drip, deviated nasal septum and stuffy nose are most commonly associated with sinusitis. In the presence of the nasal congestion, the opening of the nasal end of the Eustachian tube gets blocked, thus creating negative pressure inside the middle ear. The presence of negative pressure leads to ear block and tinnitus. The presence of lymp nodes in the neck and tinnitus is totally unrelated. Do not worry! The enlarged lymph nodes are harmless. OTC pain relievers would suffice.
My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water - this will keep the mucosa moist and helps in decongestion of the nose,
2. Do steam inhalation- warm air increases the blood circulation, opens up the clogged nose and the Eustachian tube.
3. Use saline nasal spray - this keeps the nasal mucosa moist and decongests the nose and sinuses.
4. If the post nasal secretions are thick, then medicines like ambroxol or bromhexine helps in easy clearing of the secretions
5. Avoid coffee/chilled food and beverages/smoking, if any.
With the above measures you should be alright. If you don't get better, it would be wise to consult your doctor for a complete evaluation.
Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Eustachian tube block and sinusitis...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query.
The symptoms described by you seems to be related to Eustachian tube (the tube connecting nose and the ear) block, secondary to sinusitis.
The features of post nasal drip, deviated nasal septum and stuffy nose are most commonly associated with sinusitis. In the presence of the nasal congestion, the opening of the nasal end of the Eustachian tube gets blocked, thus creating negative pressure inside the middle ear. The presence of negative pressure leads to ear block and tinnitus. The presence of lymp nodes in the neck and tinnitus is totally unrelated. Do not worry! The enlarged lymph nodes are harmless. OTC pain relievers would suffice.
My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water - this will keep the mucosa moist and helps in decongestion of the nose,
2. Do steam inhalation- warm air increases the blood circulation, opens up the clogged nose and the Eustachian tube.
3. Use saline nasal spray - this keeps the nasal mucosa moist and decongests the nose and sinuses.
4. If the post nasal secretions are thick, then medicines like ambroxol or bromhexine helps in easy clearing of the secretions
5. Avoid coffee/chilled food and beverages/smoking, if any.
With the above measures you should be alright. If you don't get better, it would be wise to consult your doctor for a complete evaluation.
Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
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. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2542 Questions
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