Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Forum - Relieving stopped up ears

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Q: Relieving stopped up ears

asked by: DoctorQuestion on September 18th, 2009

I have chronic sinus problems and have developed asthma over the years from allergies. My ears usually have lots of pressure in them. I live on a mountain, the 2nd highest in the state and my ears stop up everyday when I drive home. Is there something I can do to stop this? I have been sick with sinus crud for abou 6 weeks, took 2 rounds of antibiotics and steroids but I still feel stuff in my head, especially on the right side of the head above the ear and my right ear has lots of pressure, above the eyes and cheeks too. I am one of those who reacts to rain so that makes it worse for me,and it has been raining a lot here lately. I just want to make sure that the "fluid" (for lack of a better word) I feel on the right side of my head is sinus congestion. I have been to dr so much lately if I can avoid it that is what I want to do. Any suggestions?

Replies(2)

Dr. Murray Grossan , MD

replied on September 21st, 2009

Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Answer A7301

The ear pressure you feel as ‘ears stop up everyday when I drive home’ can be relieved by chewing a piece of chewing gum on your way home. The other thing you can do to remove the ‘stuff in my head, especially on the right side of the head above the ear and my right ear has lots of pressure, above the eyes and cheeks’ is take steam twice a day.

This should be followed up with the valsalva maneuver (done by taking a deep breath and blowing while pinching your nostrils and closing your mouth).

If the symptoms persist then please consult an ENT specialist as the pressure sensation could also be due to nasal polyps, nasal congestion, internal ear problems, or due to temporal arteritis.
It is difficult to comment beyond this without examining you. Hope this helps. Take care!

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Dr. Murray Grossan , MD

replied on September 27th, 2009

A chronic sinus condition will swell the openings to your eustachian tube and cause the blocked ears. Clear the sinus- try HUGE amounts of hot tea, lemon and honey. This stiulates the nasal cilia - these are the oars that that move the bacteria out. If that doesn't do it, try pulaatile irrigation. That also stimulates the cilia and removes thick phlegm that may be slowing the cilia.

Comments (1)

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