Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)

 

I see patients every week who have stuffed up ears.  Especially during allergy season, the Eustachian tubes can get “stuffed up” and make our ears feel pressure, and sometimes pain.

First, let’s start with how to pronounce Eustachian.  It’s “you-stay-shun”.  OK, now that we can do that, let’s talk about what it is and what goes wrong with it.  

The  Eustachian tube connects the middle ear (the space under your ear drum where the tiny ear bones are) and the back of your nose, where your nose connects to your throat, called the nasopharynx.  When we “pop” our ears on an airplane or elevator, we are opening it up so that the ear pressure will be equal to the pressure all around us.  This is especially important when SCUBA diving, and many beginner divers struggle with keeping their ears equalized since there is so much pressure change as we descend under the water.

Since the Eustachian tube is at the back of your nose, nasal problems, like allergies, colds, and sinus infections can cause it to become dysfunctional.  When that happens, the ears can feel like they’re always “on the plane” and can’t get the pressure to go away.  

There are several treatment options for ETD.  Let’s start with the simplest one: over the counter meds. Reducing swelling with antihistamines and nasal steroids is a simple thing to try. See my post about the ones I like the best here. Remember, you have to give nasal steroids at least 3-4 weeks before giving up on them.  If you’re still having pressure, give me a call at (817) 261-3000.  There are several more things we can talk about if you’ve already tried them.  

 
 
 

click below for all you ever - and never - wanted to know about ENT

Ear, Daily Life, Highlighted PostsErin Shellenbergerear, eustachian tube, ETD