Most Common Causes Of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (2024)

FAQs

Most Common Causes Of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction? ›

What causes Eustachian tube dysfunction? The most common cause of Eustachian tube dysfunction is when the tube become swollen (inflamed) and mucus or fluid builds up. This can be caused by a cold, the flu, a sinus infection, or allergies. Some people are at greater risk for Eustachian tube dysfunction.

What causes Eustachian tube dysfunction? The most common cause of Eustachian tube dysfunction is when the tube become swollen (inflamed) and mucus or fluid builds up. This can be caused by a cold, the flu, a sinus infection, or allergies. Some people are at greater risk for Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction - Patients can experience pain in the temporomandibular joint secondary to bruxism or clenching, resulting in otalgia (which can be mistaken for eustachian tube dysfunction)

But if symptoms linger for several weeks and are left untreated, it could lead to serious health problems, such as hearing loss, tinnitus or damage to your eardrum and middle ear. If you notice that symptoms don't go away on their own in a week or two, it's important to schedule a visit with your healthcare provider.

Long-term blockage of the Eustachian tube leads to the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear space that further increases the pressure and hearing loss. This is called serous otitis media.

Some vitamins are beneficial

“Vitamin A, C and E, along with some minerals like zinc have been touted for their potential benefits in maintaining ear health,” Dr.

Eustachian tube dysfunction usually resolves in a few days to two weeks without treatment. You can take certain actions to open up the tubes, such as swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum.

Treatment for Obstructive Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Surgical treatments include: Tympanostomy tubes (ear tubes) Balloon dilation of the eustachian tube. Adenoidectomy (removal of adenoids in the back of the nose)

Treatment of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Usually first-line treatment for the is condition is use of decongestants like Afrin or Sudafed for up to 3 days only, antihsitamines, and valsalva maneuvers to pop your ears.

Elevation (aka sleeping upright)

As long as you're upright enough to allow the ears to drain more successfully, you should notice an improvement in symptoms and be able to sleep much easier.

What clogs the eustachian tube? ›

Swelling from a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection can keep the eustachian tubes from opening. This leads to pressure changes. Fluid may collect in the middle ear. The pressure and fluid can cause pain.

Although ETD symptoms are common, they are often mild and generally resolve after a few days. Simple actions such as swallowing, yawning, chewing or forced exhalation against a closed mouth and nose can help to equalise pressure in the middle ear and resolve symptoms.

Yawn or open your mouth widely as if you were yawning. Eating and drinking may also mobilise the Eustachian tube to allow some air travel through the tube. Valsalva and Toynbee manoeuvres can be done to push some air into middle ear, take a deep breath, pinch your nose and close your mouth, and gently pop your ears.

If your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this doesn't work, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut. If you hear a popping noise, you know you have succeeded.

Treatment of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Usually first-line treatment for the is condition is use of decongestants like Afrin or Sudafed for up to 3 days only, antihsitamines, and valsalva maneuvers to pop your ears.

A common course of treatment for Eustachian tube dysfunction is the use of decongestants or antihistamines. In some cases, this treatment may make the condition worse. If decongestants or antihistamines do not provide relief, contact your doctor. You may need to see an ear, nose and throat specialist for treatment.