Hello,
The following are few causes of blocked ears or eustachian tube dysfunction:
1) Allergic cold
2) Flu
3) Throat infection
4) Gastroesophageal reflux disease
5) Flight
6) Scuba diving
Most of the times it resolves by itself. Treatment depends upon the cause.
Home remedies include:
- Chew gum
- Yawn
- Swallow
- Try the
Valsalva maneuver (breathing out forcefully while closing your mouth and pinching your nostrils)
- Use a saline spray to clear out nasal passages
- Medications include Antihistamines like
Cetirizine and
diphenhydramine help ease symptoms.
- If clogged ears are associated with pain,
acetaminophen or tab. Ibuprofen can help.
- Infections are to be treated with antibiotics
- Severe inflammation can be treated with corticosteroids
- If your problem persists even after all the above treatment, you may need to go for surgery.
Various surgical techniques are:
- Myringotomy
- Pressure equalization tubes
- Eustachian tube balloon dilatation
You may discuss the above mentioned treatment options with your ENT doctor.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist