Understanding And Preventing Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

The small passageway that joins together your throat and middle ear is called your eustachian tube. During the process of yawning, swallowing and even sneezing, your eustachian tubes open up. This clever technique is useful in that it prevents fluid and air pressure from building up inside your ear. In some cases, a eustachian tube may become blocked up, which is when a eustachian tube dysfunction occurs. This can sometimes cause ear pain and it may make some sound feel distorted too. So, how do you know if you have eustachian tube dysfunction, and when should you visit an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor? Here is everything you need to know.

Main Symptoms of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

You may not always know if you have eustachian tube dysfunction, but some of the most common symptoms include, feeling very full or bunged up ears or hearing muffled sounds. Similarly, you may also feel a popping or clicking inside your ears or experience some level of discomfort. Tinnitus is also a very common symptom of eustachian tube dysfunction, which is when you have a ringing sensation in your ears.

Keeping your balance may also be difficult when you have eustachian tube dysfunction. If your symptoms get worse when you change altitudes, such as flying in an airplane, riding in an elevator, going diving or driving through mountains, this is also a common sign of eustachian tube dysfunction.

The Causes of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

When the tube becomes inflamed or swollen, this is when eustachian tube dysfunction is commonly caused. This can then cause a buildup of mucus or fluid, which causes the blocked up feeling in the ears. In many cases, eustachian tube dysfunction is caused by a cold, a sinus infection, the flu or everyday allergies. Depending on your current health situation and age, you may be more susceptible to eustachian tube dysfunction. Children are especially vulnerable to eustachian tube dysfunction as their tubes are much straighter and shorter than adults.

These shorter tubes can make it much easier for germs to get to the middle of the ear and for fluid to become trapped in there; children also have much weaker immune systems so it is much harder for them to fight the infections themselves. Smokers are also more likely to have eustachian tube dysfunction, because smoking damages the small hairs that move mucus away from the middle ear to the back of the nose. This means that mucus can gather more easily and build up in the tubes.

How to Prevent Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Preventing eustachian tube dysfunction is possible, as long as you are able to discover the underlying causes of the blockage. In most cases, eustachian tube dysfunction will be caused by the flu, the common cold or a potential allergy. Keep a diary and write down any commonalities you find between the symptoms and your health. This will help you when you have an appointment with your ENT doctor, so they can discover the root of the problem with you.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Treatment

In most cases, eustachian tube dysfunction will usually solve itself without any invasive or medical treatment. There are a number of at-home exercises you can do to open up the tubes, such as yawning or chewing on a piece of gum. If you have an uncomfortable feeling of fullness inside the ear, you may be able to relieve this by pinching your nostrils closed and making a blowing motion with your mouth still closed. In young infants, a pacifier can help to relieve eustachian tube dysfunction as this encourages them to swallow.

Always consult your ENT doctor before trying any at-home remedies, but these are some of the options they may suggest improving symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunction. You may be advised to use a decongestant to reduce the swelling of the lining of the tubes or take an antihistamine to reduce allergic responses. There are also other procedures which can allow the fluid to drain out of the middle of the ear, which your ENT doctor will be able to talk you through if necessary.

When it comes to learning about ENT, there are a whole host of different ways to get informed. Whether you have a question about yourself or a loved one, you may benefit from learning more about ENT Specialists and how we can help you specifically. Call us today at (402) 983-9948 if you have any questions or you would like to make an appointment with one of our ENT doctors. Our team is here to help you gain the best possible advice so that you have peace of mind with regards to your ear, nose and throat health.