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What Causes Severe Cold With Congestion And Buzzing Sound In The Ear?
Question: i have had a bad head "cold" for 2 weeks now and when i woke up this morning, i have a blocked echoing robotic sound in my left ear, i am due to fly on a plane later today, will i be ok to fly do you think?
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Most likely some of the drainage down your throat caused fluid to back up into your eustachian tube.
The best you can do at this point is take the pseudo ephedrine as you are doing, and drink while landing when there are the greatest air pressure changes. Sucking on candy and yawning is helpful too.
I can't guarantee that you will be ok, but I can say that I had the same worries when my 13 yr old daughter traveled like this and she was fine. We recommend with babies and young children who have true ear infections that air travel be postponed as the pressure changes can be uncomfortable and even cause eardrum rupture. It doesn't sound as though you necessarily have an ear infection but this is a consideration.
Until you leave later today, try to gently clear your nasal passage (not by blowing your nose which can back up fluid into your ears) but with a steamy shower or inhaling steam or using a saline spray. The less that's going on in your sinuses and throat, the less chance of backing up into your ears. But don't blow your nose.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can answer further questions you may have.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Most likely some of the drainage down your throat caused fluid to back up into your eustachian tube.
The best you can do at this point is take the pseudo ephedrine as you are doing, and drink while landing when there are the greatest air pressure changes. Sucking on candy and yawning is helpful too.
I can't guarantee that you will be ok, but I can say that I had the same worries when my 13 yr old daughter traveled like this and she was fine. We recommend with babies and young children who have true ear infections that air travel be postponed as the pressure changes can be uncomfortable and even cause eardrum rupture. It doesn't sound as though you necessarily have an ear infection but this is a consideration.
Until you leave later today, try to gently clear your nasal passage (not by blowing your nose which can back up fluid into your ears) but with a steamy shower or inhaling steam or using a saline spray. The less that's going on in your sinuses and throat, the less chance of backing up into your ears. But don't blow your nose.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can answer further questions you may have.
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
Answered by
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