Blocks ears and nose

Stuffy nose and ears: how to treat: causes, complications and treatment methods

A condition where the nose and ears are simultaneously blocked can be a symptom of various diseases. Ignoring painful manifestations can lead to exacerbation of inflammatory processes, complications and deterioration of well-being.

Table of contents:

Discomfort, pain, congestion and unpleasant sensations in the nose and ears require immediate consultation with a doctor, which will allow a timely diagnosis and initiation of adequate therapy.

Causes of the pathological condition

There is often a relationship between rhinitis and ear congestion, due to the peculiarities of their anatomical structure. The Eustachian tube connects the nasopharynx with the middle ear, which is separated from the auricle by the eardrum. Normal condition and uniform pressure ensure its mobility.

Abnormalities in the functioning of the eustachian tube can create a vacuum, making the membrane immobile, resulting in a feeling of congestion. The choice of treatment method largely depends on the medical history and contributing factors of the pathological condition, among which are:

  1. Inflammatory processes. Severe congestion, sinusitis and a large amount of mucus secreted can provoke the spread of infection from the nasopharynx. As a result, otitis media develops, which is accompanied by headaches and complications.
  2. Incorrect nose blowing. Sharp and overly active cleansing of the nasal passages when blowing your nose can disrupt the pressure in the middle ear and cause swelling of the vessels in the nose. The procedure should be carried out with extreme caution, alternately blowing the nostrils, eliminating mucus or purulent contents.
  3. Sulfur plug. A stuffy ear sensation is often caused by a plug in the ear. You should regularly rinse your ear to remove wax buildup.
  4. Inflamed facial nerve. A severe complication can be caused by previous acute respiratory viral infections and colds. The disease is accompanied by a feeling of numbness of the face in the affected area and acute pain in the ear. The pathology requires immediate contact with a medical facility and the prescription of drug therapy.

An otolaryngologist will help you figure out what to do when your ear hurts and your nose is blocked. The specialist will initially perform a thorough external examination. Clarification of the diagnosis may require additional laboratory tests and instrumental examinations. In addition to cerumen plugs, which are visible during examination, performing pure tone threshold audiometry will help identify the presence of more serious pathologies.

Common diseases

Ignoring the symptoms of a blocked ear can lead to partial or complete hearing loss. The cause of symptoms, very similar in appearance to inflammation of the middle ear, may be sensorineural hearing loss. Actively progressing, the disease enters a severe stage. The difference between the diseases is the absence of elevated body temperature with sensorineural hearing loss at night.

What to do if your ear is blocked due to otitis, only an otolaryngologist can help you decide. It is possible to avoid complications only by prescribing adequate drug therapy. A specialist will identify the disease by a number of specific symptoms inherent in inflammation of the middle ear:

  • throbbing, paroxysmal pain;
  • pain in the area behind the ear;
  • decreased hearing quality, congestion;
  • inflammation of the lymph nodes.

The disease provokes severe intoxication, high body temperature is observed. Various warming procedures using lamps with light filters and warming compresses can lead to the development of fever. Otitis media is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic microflora. It is important to identify and eliminate the source of inflammation.

Traditional therapy

The patient, using incorrect treatment, heating, medicine and instillation, can complicate the diagnosis and worsen the condition. It is recommended not to self-medicate, strictly following the doctor's prescription. Traditional medicine should be used only after consultation with a specialist, having found out that there are no contraindications, allergies or side effects.

Treatment for nasal and ear congestion may involve taking antibiotics, antihistamines, and external agents. The purpose depends on the severity of the disease, the characteristics of the body and the general condition of the patient. Basic treatment includes the use of medications and recommendations on what to do in case of a stuffy nose and ears:

  • vasoconstrictor drugs (nasal drops);
  • anti-inflammatory drugs for external use (ear drops);
  • antiviral drugs;
  • a course of antibiotics;
  • alcohol compresses;
  • complex techniques and exercises.

It is important to promptly treat rhinitis and inflammation of the lymph nodes after colds, preventing the accumulation of mucus and the development of pathological processes. Washings based on saline solutions and sea water are successfully used. After the procedure, the nose should be instilled with vasoconstrictor drugs.

Traditional medicine

Mild stages of the disease, when the ear just begins to hurt due to rhinitis, or as a complement to the main therapy, traditional medicine can be used. Consultation with a doctor will allow you to exclude the presence of complications, serious pathologies and contraindications. An integrated approach to treatment is effective due to the right combination of techniques.

Simple recipe and traditional medicine:

  1. Intensive inhalations and exhalations will help relieve the feeling of stuffiness after actively blowing your nose or rinsing (holding your breath by squeezing the wings of the nose, simulating an exhalation, is not recommended, in order to avoid the spread of infection in the internal passages);
  2. A few drops of vegetable oil (olive, almond) before rinsing the ear will help facilitate the removal of wax plugs from the ear.
  3. Fresh geranium leaves placed in a sore ear will help relieve pain.
  4. For congestion and variable pain in the ear due to a cold, use a cotton swab dipped in warm oil. The turunda is placed briefly in the auricle.
  5. A safe way to relieve ear congestion is to hold your breath in combination with drinking water in small sips.
  6. Proper massage with light circular movements in the area of ​​the wings of the nose will help relieve swelling of the mucous membrane and make breathing easier.

The choice of traditional medicine means and techniques is purely individual and can only be used if there are no contraindications. Self-medication is very dangerous, especially against the background of purulent inflammation.

Preventive measures

Viral and respiratory diseases have a negative impact on the state of the human immune system. The best prevention of complications, symptoms of ear and nose congestion, is to maintain the body’s protective properties at the proper level.

Timely and correct treatment of a runny nose is of great importance. The course of therapy should not exceed more than seven days to avoid the development of mucosal edema. Rinse sprays will relieve inflammation and effectively eliminate nasal discharge.

Ear hygiene should be performed regularly without the use of sharp objects, avoiding the possibility of injury to the auricle and eardrum. Damage can affect the quality of hearing or lead to complete loss.

Lack of adequate treatment for ear and nose congestion can lead to complications in which acute inflammatory processes develop into severe chronic forms. Timely, proper treatment, regular hygiene and good immunity will help speed up recovery, eliminating unpleasant consequences.

Source: http://lordok.ru/nos/n-lechenie/zalozhen-nos-i-ushi-kak-lechit.html

Why do my ears and nose get stuffy when I have a runny nose?

Ear congestion is a feeling of blockage of the external auditory canal, which often accompanies the development of ENT diseases. The pathology arises due to the close relationship of the respiratory organs with the auditory analyzer. If your ear is blocked due to a runny nose, the cause of the discomfort may lie in the blockage of the opening of the Eustachian (auditory) tube with nasal mucus or its inflammation.

The inflammatory reactions that occur in the nasopharynx may involve the middle part of the auditory system - the tympanic cavity and the Eustachian tube. Untimely destruction of infection in the respiratory organs leads to inflammation of the mucous membranes and, as a consequence, the development of eustachitis and otitis media. Ear congestion occurs as a result of a decrease in atmospheric pressure inside the middle ear cavity and a decrease in its mobility.

A little anatomy

To find out the reasons why the ear is clogged with rhinitis, you need to understand how the auditory system works. The outer part of the analyzer is represented by the auricle and a short passage that ends in a membrane. Behind the elastic membrane is the tympanic cavity, which in turn communicates with the nasal cavity through the Eustachian tube. The inner ear consists of the semicircular canals, nerves and cochlea.

A persistent sensation of blockage in the ear canal can lead to the development of hearing loss.

Blocks the ears only in cases where the pressure on the elastic membrane from the ear cavity and the external auditory canal becomes unequal. If for some reason the opening of the auditory tubes becomes blocked, a vacuum forms inside the middle ear. That is why the external pressure on the elastic membrane becomes too great, as a result of which it is literally pulled into the tympanic cavity.

Causes

Nasal congestion is one of the main causes of disruption of the drainage and ventilation function of the auditory tube. The respiratory organs are closely related to the auditory system, so inflammation in the respiratory tract often leads to complications in the form of eustachitis and otitis media. The choanae (entrances to the auditory canal) open directly into the nasopharynx. If an infection develops in the nasal cavity, this inevitably leads to an increase in the secretory function of the glands that secrete nasal mucus. An excessive amount of viscous secretion in the nasopharynx clogs the mouth of the Eustachian tube, which subsequently leads to a significant decrease in pressure in the middle ear cavity.

The causes of congestion can be both physiological and pathological. If the pathology is not diagnosed in time, this will lead to the spread of infection inside the auditory analyzer. Damage to the middle and internal parts of the auditory system is fraught with the development of not only otitis media, but also labyrinthitis.

Swelling of the mucous membranes

In most cases, ear congestion during a runny nose indicates swelling of the mucous membranes in the nasal cavity and, as a result, blockage of the choanae. Inflammatory reactions lead to stagnation of lymphoid fluid in soft tissues. Its accumulation entails an increase in the volume of the mucous membranes and a decrease in the internal lumen in the Eustachian tube.

Bacterial inflammation in the nasopharynx is fraught with angioedema and inflammation of the middle ear. Due to the obstruction of the Eustachian canals in the ear, the atmospheric pressure decreases. The growing vacuum in it leads to the fact that the eardrum, under excess external air pressure, is literally drawn into the ear. Stretching the membrane negatively affects its elasticity, so it becomes almost motionless.

If your ear is blocked due to a runny nose, you need to eliminate the swelling in the nasal cavity in time, as a result of which the drainage function of the auditory tube will be restored.

Accumulation of muconasal mucus in the nasopharynx

The reasons for blocked ears may lie in the flow of muconasal mucus into the ear canal. With a severe runny nose (rhinorrhea), nasal fluid does not have time to evacuate from the nasopharynx. The viscous secretion that accumulates in the nasal cavity penetrates the choanae and clogs the auditory canals. As a result, this leads to disruption of ventilation of the ear cavity and the formation of a vacuum in it.

The flow of muconasal secretion into the ear cavity leads to the development of otitis media. To restore the functions of the auditory analyzer, first of all, you need to cure a cold. Thanks to this, rhinitis will go away and, accordingly, inflammation in the mucous membranes of the nose will decrease. Normalizing the secretory function of goblet cells (glands that produce mucus) will facilitate the outflow of fluid from the Eustachian tube.

Formation of sulfur plugs

When considering the causes of blocked ears, one cannot fail to mention the excessive production of wax in the external auditory canal. Any respiratory disease leads to a decrease in overall immunity. This stimulates the production of earwax, which prevents infectious and allergic agents from entering the auditory analyzer through the external auditory canal.

Self-removal of ear plugs often leads to injury and perforation of the eardrum.

According to practical observations, approximately 3 out of 10 patients have blocked ears due to the formation of a wax plug in the ear canal. It creates a barrier to the passage of air, so the external pressure on the eardrum drops. Its protrusion leads to a decrease in elasticity and, as a result, hearing impairment.

Therapy methods

Ear congestion from a runny nose can easily be eliminated with the help of exercises. But before you restore air pressure to the eardrum, you need to eliminate the cause of the problem. To restore the functions of the ENT organs, it is recommended to do the following:

  1. Remove mucus from the nasal cavity. The ventilation and drainage functions of the auditory tubes can only be restored by removing nasal mucus from the nasopharynx. To do this, you need to blow your nose and then rinse the nasal cavity with saline solution;
  2. Eliminate swelling in the mucous membranes. If you have a runny nose and a stuffy ear, you need to take care to eliminate swelling in the inflamed tissues. For such purposes, decongestants (vasoconstrictors) and decongestants are usually used. Restoring the patency of the Eustachian tube will help equalize the pressure on the membrane and, accordingly, eliminate congestion in the ears;
  3. Eliminate infection in ENT organs. When pathological processes develop in the ear cavity, it is necessary to use antibacterial or antiviral medications. In addition, it is necessary to destroy the rhinovirus infection directly in the respiratory tract, which led to disruption of the functions of the auditory analyzer.

If ear congestion persists after stopping decongestants, you should see an ENT doctor. Blocked ears without pain most often indicate the absence of an infection in the middle ear. In this case, simple manipulations will help eliminate the unpleasant symptom:

  • press the wings of the nose with your thumb and index finger;
  • close your mouth and gently try to blow air out through your nose;
  • When you hear a pop, stop the exercise.

It is important to remember that when your nose is stuffy, you cannot blow air with your mouth closed.

Before starting the exercise, you need to clear the nasal passages of mucus. If this is not done, when blowing air, mucus can penetrate inside the auditory tube and provoke the development of tubo-otitis.

Review of drugs

Only an otolaryngologist can prescribe adequate treatment for any ENT disease after examining the patient. If you have a stuffy ear due to rhinitis, the doctor will prescribe complex antiviral or antibacterial therapy, since hearing loss is only a sign indicating inflammation of the ENT organs. Typically, the following drugs are included in the treatment regimen for respiratory diseases:

Ear drops are used only for inflammation of the membrane and tissues in the external auditory canal.

If the ear is blocked on only one side, most likely the cause of the symptom lies in the blockage of the choanae with nasal mucus. To speed up the outflow of nasal secretions from the respiratory tract, you can use mucolytics (Rinofluimucil, Lazolvan). They will help reduce the viscosity of mucus and speed up the process of its evacuation from the nasopharynx.

Conclusion

If you have a stuffy nose and ears, you need to find out the cause of the symptom. Most often, it lies in the blockage of the opening of the Eustachian tube with nasal secretions, which prevents the penetration of air into the auditory analyzer. In case of infectious (septic) damage to the respiratory tract, it is possible that swelling may occur in the mucous membranes not only in the nasal cavity, but also in the ear cavity.

To eliminate the unpleasant manifestations of the disease, it is necessary to destroy the infection in the ENT organs. For this purpose, drugs of either antiviral or antimicrobial action are used. Decongestants, ear drops and solutions for sanitizing the nasal cavity are used as symptomatic medications that help relieve congestion.

Author: Irada Huseynova

Comments and reviews

Causes of stuffy ears

  • What to put in the ear if it is blocked?

  • What to do if your ear is frostbitten?

  • Current prices and products

    A drug made according to an old folk recipe. Find out how it got on the coat of arms of the city of Shenkursk.

    Famous drops for preventing diseases and increasing immunity.

    Monastic tea for ENT diseases

    For the prevention and assistance in the treatment of diseases of the throat and nose according to the prescription of Schema-Archimandrite George (Sava).

    Any use of site materials is permitted only with the consent of the portal editors and by installing an active link to the source.

    The information published on the site is intended for informational purposes only and in no way calls for independent diagnosis and treatment. To make informed decisions about treatment and medications, consultation with a qualified physician is required. The information posted on the site is obtained from open sources. The portal's editors are not responsible for its accuracy.

    Higher medical education, anesthesiologist.

    Source: http://lorcabinet.com/simptomnos/zabit/zalozhilo-uho-pri-nasmorke.html

    Stuffed ear due to runny nose: what to do?

    Ear congestion during a runny nose is caused by the spread of the inflammatory process to the hearing organs. Even at the very beginning of sinusitis, complications may develop, which are manifested by swelling of the internal tissues of the ear.

    Stuffed ear due to runny nose: what to do?

    Causes

    People often complain of a feeling of stuffiness in the ear due to inflammation of the lymph nodes. Typically, this phenomenon occurs at the very beginning of the development of respiratory diseases. If the lymph nodes increase in size, swelling appears, causing a feeling of ear fullness. There is also a risk of narrowing of the eustachian tube, one side of which reaches the middle ear. If even slight swelling occurs, the pressure in the ear area is disrupted, which affects the change in the shape of the eardrum.

    Wax plug in ear

    With a runny nose or cold, a strong weakening of the immune system is observed. As a result, large amounts of wax may accumulate in the ear canals. There is a possibility of the formation of sulfur plugs, which not only affect hearing impairment, but also provoke a feeling of congestion.

    Structure of the human ear

    If ear congestion occurs for too long, urgent treatment measures must be taken. Otherwise, there is a risk of otitis media, characterized by the following features:

    1. If the inflammatory process worsens, there is a risk of developing partial or complete deafness and other dangerous consequences.
    2. At the beginning of the pathological process, a pain syndrome of a pulsating nature occurs.
    3. The pain increases in the evening and at night.
    4. Usually, with otitis media, the general body temperature rises greatly and appetite decreases. Dizziness, a feeling of congestion and hearing loss are also possible.

    To select the optimal treatment regimen for otitis media, you must contact a medical facility.

    On a note! Ear congestion can occur due to a viral infection of the nasal mucosa. With the accelerated formation of mucus, it is manifested not only by a runny nose, but also by congestion in the ear canals.

    Inflammation of the facial nerve can also contribute to the feeling of fullness. This deviation is characterized by the following features:

    1. Patients feel congestion from the inflamed nerve.
    2. There is a possibility of pain that radiates to the temple, cheek, and chin.
    3. Numbness in various areas of the face.

    Acoustic neuritis

    To treat neuritis, you must seek medical help as soon as possible.

    Treatment

    Inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx often affect the ear canals. To get rid of ear congestion caused by bacteria or viruses, it is necessary to apply comprehensive therapeutic measures. Doctors usually prescribe medications to relieve pain and suppress the activity of infectious pathogens.

    Treatment of ear congestion due to toothache

    The following are popular methods of treating ear congestion:

    1. Application of compresses.
    2. Using special drops.
    3. Vasoconstrictor drugs that need to be instilled into the nose.
    4. Carrying out regular inhalations.

    On a note! To reduce the risk of side effects, it is advisable to use the above remedies only after consultation with your doctor.

    Video - Why your ears get clogged

    Alcohol compress

    If you apply a compress, you can get rid of congestion in the ears. You can use this method of treatment only if you are sure that pus has not yet formed as a result of inflammation. Alcohol compresses are often used to remove congestion and also activate the activity of the hearing organs. Apply a compress once a day.

    To make an alcohol compress, you must perform the following steps:

    1. Prepare water and ethyl alcohol in equal proportions.
    2. Mix the ingredients.
    3. Place gauze, folded several times, into the solution and apply to your ear.
    4. Keep the compress on for minutes.

    On a note! To increase the effectiveness of the medicine, you can put cotton wool on the gauze and cover it with polyethylene. This compress can be applied even overnight.

    Making an alcohol compress

    To treat ear congestion, the following drops are often prescribed:

    The exact dose can be calculated by reading the instructions from the manufacturer. It is advisable to choose an individual dosage in consultation with your doctor. If you use ear drops correctly, you can get rid of not only swelling in the ear, but also the inflammatory process in the nasopharynx. It is advisable to use complex therapy prescribed by a doctor. Use medications no longer than prescribed to eliminate the risk of side effects.

    Video - What to do if your ear is blocked?

    Effective exercise

    To quickly get rid of the feeling of stuffiness in your ear, close both nostrils with your fingers and try to inhale and exhale through your nose. As a result, the pressure in the nasal passages is stabilized, which eliminates the feeling of congestion.

    Vasoconstrictor drops

    Use these drugs only if there is severe congestion, as long-term use can negatively affect the structure of blood vessels. Doctors often prescribe Sanorin and Naphthyzin. First of all, the drugs allow you to get rid of nasopharyngeal congestion, which is necessary to relieve similar symptoms in the ear canals.

    Sanorin and Naphthyzin for a runny nose and stuffy ears

    Treatment at home

    Ear congestion often goes away within a few days if effective treatment measures are used. Additionally, you should not go outside without a hat, you must promptly remove water from your ears after taking a shower, and also treat the disease that led to the unpleasant symptom.

    Warmer

    This remedy helps get rid of congestion syndrome in the ear if the disease is caused by a runny nose, neuritis or non-suppurative otitis media. When exposed to heat, sulfur plugs are softened and removed, and blood circulation processes are normalized. To install the heating pad, simply fill the container with heated liquid and place it next to your ear. Hold the heating pad for a minute until the liquid cools. Carry out the procedure daily for 2-3 days.

    Balsam “Star” and glycerin

    Improvement when using the “Star” balm is felt from the first use

    To carry out treatment, it is necessary to mix these components in equal proportions. Place a few drops in each ear, then cover the ear canals with cotton wool. Use a heating pad to increase the positive effect. Patients usually notice a positive effect after the first session. Carry out the procedure once a day for a week.

    Hydrogen peroxide

    This substance allows you to get rid of not only congestion, but also pain. You can also use peroxide to remove large amounts of sulfur buildup.

    To perform rinsing, follow these steps:

    1. Take water and peroxide. Mix these ingredients in equal proportions.
    2. Using a pipette, drop the solution into the ear where you feel swelling. It will take a drop. Wait 5 minutes.
    3. After instillation, move to a horizontal position, turn on your side so that the solution does not leak out.
    4. After 5 minutes, remove the liquid and perform the procedure again.

    Hydrogen peroxide relieves ear congestion and pain

    On a note! Before instillation, it is necessary to warm the solution to room temperature. To hasten the moment of recovery, you should use the medicine 2-3 times a day for a week.

    Inflammatory processes can be eliminated by heating with a warm egg. As a result, you can speed up blood circulation, eliminate swelling, and completely eliminate the infection. To carry out the procedure, you will need one boiled egg. Once you have it ready, wrap the egg in a towel and place it on your sore ear. Wait a minute. It is advisable to repeat the procedure several times a day. Be sure to warm up before going to bed. Carry out the procedures for 3-4 days.

    If you experience unpleasant sensations as a result of pathologies in the structure of the nervous tissue, it is necessary to warm up not only the ear, but also other areas where unpleasant sensations occur. It is advisable to consult a doctor before warming up to exclude the presence of purulent inflammation.

    Warming with an egg accelerates blood circulation, eliminates swelling and infection

    On a note! Warming should not be performed for purulent otitis media, tonsillitis, or chronic sinusitis in the acute stage.

    Olive oil

    If you experience ear congestion due to a runny nose and other cold symptoms, you can relieve the discomfort with olive oil. Heat this ingredient to a temperature convenient for you, drop it into your ear, then cover the hole with a small piece of cotton wool. Cover this area with polyethylene, preferably wrap your head with a scarf or towel. The compress is applied for 30 minutes. To obtain a positive effect, it is advisable to carry out the procedure 3 times a day. This remedy can be combined with almost any other folk remedies. Do the procedures for 3-5 days.

    On a note! After installing the compressor, you should not go outside for an hour.

    Apple cider vinegar and alcohol

    Mix these components in a 1:1 ratio. As a result, you will receive effective drops that will soften the eardrum, eliminate the infection, and also prevent relapses of the disease. Use 3 drops 2-3 times a day. Carry out the procedures for 5-7 days.

    Video - How to treat ear at home with folk remedies

    Inhalations

    When carrying out these procedures, you can get rid of not only congestion in the ear, but also remove a runny nose and inflammatory reactions. An inhaler can be used to carry out the procedures. If you do not have this device, heat the infusion in a saucepan, then tilt your head and breathe in the steam. It is advisable to cover your head with a towel. Do inhalations for 7-10 days.

    To eliminate the feeling of stuffiness in the ear, you can use herbal infusions made using the following plants:

    Inhalations relieve ear congestion and runny nose

    Add 1 tbsp. l. selected plant in a glass of water, boil for 10 minutes, cool. For each procedure, use 2-3 ml of the drug.

    You can also use camphor alcohol, essential oil (2-3 ml each).

    On a note! After inhalation, it is forbidden to stay in a cold room. Immediately after the procedure, avoid drafts. It is advisable to rest for half an hour after inhalation.

    Boric alcohol

    Heat the container with boric alcohol in a water bath to a temperature convenient for you. Take a pipette, drop a few drops into your ear, and cover the passage with a cotton swab. Cover this area with oilcloth, then with a scarf. The compress can be left overnight. After removing the compress, clean your ears. In most cases, the feeling of congestion goes away immediately after the first procedure. If you do not achieve a positive effect after the first session, apply the compress again. Make compresses for 2-3 days.

    Boric alcohol helps to get rid of stuffy ears in a short time

    Camomile tea

    Rinsing the ear with chamomile infusion can be combined with other therapeutic methods. The solution is made using 2 tbsp. l. dried flowers per glass of water. Pour boiling water over the flowers and wait until they cool down. Strain the resulting product, then heat it to 50 degrees.

    Before using the tincture, it is advisable to massage the skin near the ears with gentle movements. To rinse, turn your head so that the affected ear is on top. Draw the solution into a syringe, then direct the liquid into the ear canal. Repeat these steps several times. It is advisable to carry out inhalations 2 times a day. A pronounced positive effect can be noticed after 2-3 days. Use this remedy for a week.

    Before performing any procedures necessary to relieve ear congestion, completely clear mucus from your nasal passages. It is advisable to consult a doctor, focusing on his recommendations to carry out specific treatment measures. This way you can avoid common complications and eliminate the underlying disease in a short time.

    Did you like the article? Save so you don't lose!

    Source: http://med-explorer.ru/otolaringologiya/vosstanovlenie-organizma/zalozhilo-uxo-pri-nasmorke-chto-delat.html

    Ears clog when you have a runny nose: what to do? Treatment at home

    A cold can unsettle even the most resistant person for several days, but if it also causes a stuffy ear due to a runny nose, the onset of recovery is delayed indefinitely. And the patient’s condition leaves much to be desired.

    Often people complain not only about ear congestion, but also about the appearance of acute pain or even deafness. All these are signs of otitis media, a disease that should not be joked with.

    1. The main causes of congestion in the ears during a runny nose
    2. What do we have to do?
    3. Methods for treating congestion
    4. The use of folk remedies
    5. How to quickly relieve ear congestion during a runny nose?
    6. If your ears are blocked after a runny nose: what to do?

    Share with friends

    Add a comment Cancel reply

    Specialty: Otorhinolaryngologist Work experience: 12 years

    Specialty: Otorhinolaryngologist Work experience: 8 years

    Source: http://nasmorkam.net/zakladyvaet-ushi-pri-nasmorke-chto-delat-lechenie/

    Ear congestion due to a runny nose: treatment, possible complications and prevention

    Many people have experienced ear and nose congestion at the same time. During a runny nose and ARVI, the ears become blocked for various reasons. In this case, a “plug” is felt in the ear and the hearing process becomes difficult. This is not an independent disease, but only a symptom of the disease, but it is worth observing and treating, as complications can be quite serious.

    Description and causes of the condition

    Ear congestion - complications from a runny nose

    To understand how a runny nose and ear congestion are related, you need to consider the structure of the ear. The auricle and the external ear canal are separated from the middle ear by the eardrum. The middle ear is connected to the nasopharynx by the Eustachian tube. When air circulation is normal, pressure is uniform, the eardrum remains mobile.

    But as soon as for some reason the Eustachian tube stops functioning, it swells, a vacuum is formed behind the eardrum, which makes it immobile. This creates a feeling of congestion, a buzzing in the head during speech.

    All causes of ear congestion during a runny nose are associated with the patency of the Eustachian tube.

    However, there are significant differences that are important to consider when selecting treatment. Main reasons:

    • Inflammation. Ear congestion with a runny nose can be caused by progressive inflammation that has spread from the nasopharynx to the Eustachian tube and middle ear. This may cause pain in the head and ear. This process is fraught with otitis media and other complications. He must be treated and observed. Often the ear becomes inflamed due to sinusitis, purulent or simply abundant accumulations of mucus in the nasopharynx.
    • Active nose blowing. When you blow your nose sharply and forcefully from both nostrils, the pressure in the blood vessels and middle ear increases, which can lead to an imbalance in this pressure. In this case, exercises to equalize pressure will help. It is worth remembering that blowing your nose increases swelling in the nose, so this must be done carefully and from each nostril in turn.
    • Plug in the ear. A runny nose does not exclude the possibility that congestion is caused by other reasons, such as sulfur plugs. The ENT doctor should examine the ear for plugs and rinse it if necessary.
    • Inflammation of the facial nerve. This is one of the most severe complications of an infectious disease. After a cold or inflammation, the facial nerve can also become inflamed. In addition to ear congestion, pain in the ear, face, and numbness is felt. This is a very serious disease and it is impossible to cope with it using folk remedies. It needs to be treated as early as possible.

    Drug treatment

    Treating a stuffy ear with medications

    Any treatment must be prescribed by a doctor. Since this is a symptom and not a separate disease, treatment begins with antiviral therapy and other methods of eliminating a cold or viral disease.

    Ear congestion is treated symptomatically, but if there is inflammation in the ear and complications, more serious procedures and medications are prescribed.

    • Vasoconstrictor nasal drops. If ear congestion is caused by impaired air circulation in the Eustachian tube, then when the swelling of the nasal mucosa is eliminated, the congestion will also disappear. You can use any drops: Rinonorm, Snoop, Tizin, Nazol, Dlynos, Vibrocil, etc. However, this can hardly be called a treatment; it is only a temporary measure. After 6, or at best 12 hours, the effect of the drops will wear off, and swelling and congestion in the ear will return.
    • Ear anti-inflammatory drops. Drops such as Otinum and Otipax are prescribed for otitis, when there is definitely inflammation. If it's just a matter of congestion, there is no need for such therapy. Drops containing antibiotics (Dexon, Sufradex) are prescribed only when necessary. It is impossible to drip them for any etiology of congestion.
    • Antiviral drugs. Drugs such as Ergoferon, Rimantadine, Kagocel help defeat the virus - the very cause of the disease. They speed up recovery, and as a result, swelling of the nose and ear congestion disappear. However, these drugs must be prescribed by a doctor. They are taken in courses, with the first dosage being several times higher than the subsequent ones.
    • Antibiotics. They are required for severe otitis media, inflammation of the facial nerve and other serious diseases. A course of antibiotics will most likely require further treatment of dysbiosis.
    • Alcohol compresses. Solutions can be instilled into the ear only after consultation with a doctor. Vodka compresses can be prescribed only if there is no inflammation. In some cases, careless handling of drugs causes burns and other unpleasant consequences.

    Traditional treatment

    Traditional medicine recipes

    Treatment of ear congestion due to a runny nose at home without diagnosis and consultation with a doctor is not recommended. An ENT doctor can recommend folk remedies as an addition to drug therapy. In this case, complex treatment can be very effective.

    Simple folk remedies:

    • If during a cold your ear shoots and becomes blocked, traditional medicine recommends moistening a cotton swab in heated oil and inserting it into the ear for a while.
    • To wash out earwax, you can put a couple of drops of warm vegetable oil in your ear, and then rinse with warm water from a syringe over the sink.
    • Some exercises also help. For example, you can inhale and exhale air deeply and intensely for a while. After this, the congestion goes away, but not for long. You can also squeeze the wings of your nose and try to exhale. This will regulate the pressure in the middle ear area. But the effect can also be temporary.
    • Sometimes the ears become blocked after rinsing the nose. Washing that is too intense and with high pressure can increase blood flow to the mucous membrane and swelling. As a result, the ears become blocked. To remove congestion and relieve swelling, you need to use vasoconstrictor drops or do a facial massage that relieves swelling. Washing should be stopped for a while.
    • There is an opinion that you can relieve ear congestion by blowing hard while holding your nose. This opinion is wrong. If there is inflammation in the middle ear and eustachian tube, it will go further, causing more and more complications. The maximum that can be done to clear your ears is to drink water in small sips with your nose pinched. This is the only way that can be safe.
    • Massage can help if done correctly. You need to massage the wings of the nose, without pressing too much, with rotational movements in a clockwise direction, as well as points near the wings, between the eyebrows, temples, earlobes and the area behind the lobes. Massage each point for half a minute. This massage helps relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa and congestion in the ears.

    When choosing folk remedies, it is important to take into account the diagnosis and age of the patient. Even a harmless massage can be harmful if done without determining the causes of congestion.

    Congestion in the ears due to a runny nose during pregnancy

    Treatment of illness during pregnancy

    During pregnancy, ears can become blocked not only during a runny nose and cold, but also due to pregnancy itself. Due to pressure changes, a woman may complain of ear congestion during pregnancy, most often the right one.

    If the cause of congestion is a plug, then there are no contraindications for its removal. The ENT doctor will carefully and painlessly remove the wax plug by rinsing the ear.

    If nasal congestion is caused by pressure changes and swelling of the nasal mucosa, it is not recommended to frequently use vasoconstrictor drops. They will relieve swelling and congestion, but not for long. In addition, the drops affect blood vessels, which can be harmful to the child. Therefore, doctors allow the use of drops in pediatric dosage and in small quantities, in the 2nd and 3rd trimester.

    Sometimes regular chewing gum unexpectedly helps. The chewing process stabilizes the pressure, and congestion goes away. It is not possible to find any universal remedy for ear congestion that would be safe during pregnancy. Everything is selected individually and only together with the doctor.

    If a pregnant woman begins to experience otitis media caused by inflammation of the nasopharynx, the woman will be bothered not only by congestion, but also by a headache.

    As the disease progresses, holes form in the eardrum through which pus can leak. In this case, you cannot self-medicate. During otitis media, a pregnant woman’s temperature may rise, which cannot but affect the condition of the child too.

    Useful video on how to treat ear congestion at home.

    An ENT doctor will examine the woman and prescribe drops, taking into account the risk-benefit ratio for the mother and child. If there is pus, the woman will be asked to visit a doctor regularly to remove the pus and rinse the ear, this will greatly speed up recovery. It must be remembered that ear drops are far from safe. They can affect the fetus and have their own contraindications. A doctor should select all medications, but even in this case, you should independently study the instructions and all the side effects.

    Possible complications and prevention

    The best prevention is to strengthen the immune system. The less often the body is exposed to various viruses, the less likely it is that various complications will arise.

    If a runny nose has already begun, it needs to be treated promptly. You should not trust the popular opinion that any cold lasts 7 days, regardless of treatment. Even if the duration of the disease cannot be shortened, consequences such as sinusitis, otitis media, etc. can be avoided. Inflammation can spread beyond the nasopharynx; it must be stopped in time.

    To prevent ear congestion during a runny nose, it is not recommended to blow your nose too much. It’s better not to blow your nose at all, but just blot your nose from time to time. This will reduce swelling of the mucous membrane. It is not recommended to rinse your nose with a strong stream. It is better to use washing sprays such as Aqua Marisa, Otrivina.

    Regardless of the presence of a runny nose, you need to be very careful about ear hygiene. You cannot pick there with a match, an iron pin or other traumatic objects. The eardrum is easier to damage than it seems. If you constantly irritate it, it becomes less elastic, which reduces hearing.

    A complication of a runny nose is quite often otitis media - in this case, ear inflammation becomes an independent disease that requires immediate treatment.

    Severe inflammation and damage to the eardrum can lead to partial or complete hearing loss. One of the complications of ear congestion with a runny nose is eustachitis. The Eustachian tube becomes inflamed, swollen and closed, resulting in the disruption of normal air circulation in the middle ear. During a cold, acute eustachitis quickly becomes chronic if left untreated.

    Readers liked:

    Share with your friends! Be healthy!

    leave a comment

    Ear diseases

    We recommend reading:

    Our pages

    Discussions

    • Yulia Anatolyevna – I am a fan of antibiotics. – 02/26/2018
    • Tatyana - My daughter got sick in winter. – 02/26/2018
    • Anya - Good advice before oil treatment. – 02/26/2018
    • Katya - Good article. But that's common. – 02/26/2018
    • Tatyana - Garlic is certainly great if you... – 02/26/2018
    • Katya – Educational article. I have a floor. – 02/26/2018

    The medical information published on this page is strictly not recommended for self-medication. If you feel negative changes in your health, immediately contact an ENT specialist. All articles published on our resource are for informational purposes only. If you use this material or a fragment of it on your website, an active link to the source is required.

    Source: http://tvojlor.com/lor/ear/zalozhennost-ushej-pri-nasmorke.html

    Ear congestion due to runny nose

    Ear congestion with a runny nose is a typical symptom of many different diseases, most often associated with organs of the ENT spectrum. This condition occurs due to the close connection between the respiratory and hearing organs, which in turn provokes the development of complications even in the early stages of the disease.

    Description, reasons

    Ear congestion with a runny nose is a persistent sensation of blockage of the ear canal and a significant deterioration in hearing due to inflammation/swelling developing in the organ, induced by a runny nose.

    It should be recalled that the above system consists of three blocks - the inner, middle and outer ear. The latter is separated from the main part of the system by the eardrum. The middle ear is connected directly through the Eustachian tube to the pharynx and under normal conditions this connected system normalizes the air pressure between the two organs. When a person has a runny nose, the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx become inflamed - the swelling can spread to the Eustachian tube, the walls of which narrow significantly and can completely block this channel, forming congestion.

    The cause of congestion in most cases is infectious diseases of the nose, polyps, functional disorders, etc. This condition must be treated urgently! Prolonged ear congestion and “spreading” inflammation is fraught with serious complications - from eustachitis and otitis media to partial or complete functional hearing loss.

    Treatment

    It should be understood that ear congestion during a runny nose is a symptom, and not a separate disease, therefore, accordingly, it is necessary to get rid of it with symptomatic therapy, but do not forget about the causes of this problem and be sure to treat it.

    Basic techniques for neutralizing ear congestion:

    1. Application of vasoconstrictor drops into the nasal passages.
    2. Using ear drops.
    3. Special compresses for the ear area.
    4. Exercises to equalize pressure in the Eustachian tube and middle ear.

    The simplest and most well-known method is instillation of nasal vasoconstrictor drops of direct local action. This could be Sanorin, Tizin, Vibrocil, Naphthyzin. In this case, you need to instill the medicine into the nose - the active components will reduce swelling, which in turn will affect the walls of the Eustachian tube, which will also normalize and allow you to get rid of congestion for a while. It should be understood that this kind of method is only a simple short-term symptom relief - after 5-6 hours the effect disappears and the procedure of introducing the drug into the nose has to be carried out again. In addition, vasoconstrictor drops can be used no more than five days in a row, otherwise you will get the opposite effect.

    Ear drops are an effective way to relieve congestion. The most popular drugs of this type are Rivanol, Otium, Albucid, Otipax, Rizocin. Before using them, be sure to consult with your doctor, since many of the listed drugs contain very active, powerful components that are not advisable to use in the early stages of the development of the problem.

    Also, as an alternative way to get rid of the symptom, salt or vodka compresses are used. In this case, cotton wool is moistened with a 5 percent saline solution or vodka, placed in the ear, and the head is wrapped in a woolen scarf. This procedure is only relevant in the absence of inflammation.

    Among the effective procedures for eliminating ear congestion, we note strong swallowing-reflex measures, thanks to which air pushes through the resulting plug. Another universal remedy is sharp inhalation and exhalation of air through the nose: after several approaches, the membrane usually returns to its original state, although only for a while.

    All of the above measures will help alleviate the symptoms, but be sure to contact an ENT doctor who will find the true cause of this phenomenon and prescribe appropriate treatment.

    Questions

    What to do if your ear is blocked from a runny nose?

    First of all, contact an ENT doctor, especially if you suspect a severe inflammatory process in the middle ear and eustachian tube. Nasal drops Sanorin, Naphthyzin, Vibrocil will help to temporarily get rid of the symptom and relieve swelling. In addition, you can use ear drops Albucid, Rivanol, Otipax, and also perform a series of breathing exercises: inhale air deeply through your nose and exhale it sharply through the same nasal canals, as well as perform swallowing-reflex activities.

    What can cause a stuffy ear when you have a runny nose?

    Physically, the process of ear congestion is associated with swelling of the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear and pharynx - the walls of this channel dangerously narrow or even collapse, thus disrupting air exchange between organs. The cause of this phenomenon is most often a runny nose or other negative process of an infectious, polyp or physiological nature, causing a runny nose with inflammation of the mucous membranes.

    Source: http://www.doctorfm.ru/symptom/zalozhennost-uha-pri-nasmorke

    What to do if your ear is blocked due to a runny nose

    If your ear is blocked due to a runny nose, what should you do in this case? This often happens with colds. Can I help myself or should I see a doctor?

    Ear congestion can persist for a long time. It depends on the reason why the ears are blocked, the presence and severity of inflammation in the auditory tube.

    When your ears get stuffy with a runny nose

    Congestion in the ear(s) occurs with the following ailments:

    • Tubootitis (eustachitis). Often occurs during a runny nose due to inflammation of the auditory tube with subsequent development of otitis media.
    • Otitis media Inflammation of the eardrum causes it to thicken, the sound wave cannot properly reach the auditory nerve, and the perception of sounds is impaired.
    • Ear congestion during a runny nose occurs when the nasal cavity is not properly cleared of secretions (blowing the nose).
    • As a result of increased formation of sulfur during the development of otitis after a runny nose, a cerumen plug is formed - an accumulation of sulfur inside the external ear canal. Removing the wax plug leads to the restoration of normal sound perception.

    The nose and ears are closely related to each other. The middle ear is connected to the nasopharynx through the auditory tube. Normally, this allows you to regulate the air pressure in the middle ear cavity. Why do my ears get stuffy when I have a runny nose? This occurs due to swelling of the nasal mucosa, spreading to varying degrees of severity to the mucous membrane of the auditory tube. As a result, the ear canal narrows, congestion in the ear, and symptoms of inflammation (pain, discharge from the ear) occur.

    Nasal congestion causes congestion in the ears. These symptoms require timely treatment. If your ear is blocked with a runny nose, inflammation may occur, which will lead to serious damage to the hearing aid with the development of hearing loss.

    Treatment of the disease

    What to do if your ear is blocked and hearing impairment occurs? Treatment is aimed at eliminating a runny nose and relieving the symptom of ear congestion.

    To treat a runny nose you can:

    • use vasoconstrictor drops;
    • clear the nasal cavity of mucus (rinsing with saline solutions, blowing your nose).

    Of the vasoconstrictor drops, Nazivin is widely used; it has various release forms, allowing it to be used even in small children. You can instill Vibrocil, Tizin, Sanorin into your nose. Vasoconstrictor drops act directly on the mucous membrane. Before using nose drops, it must be freed of mucus, otherwise the drops will not have their therapeutic effect on the mucous membrane.

    An option for using vasoconstrictor drops can be cotton turundas (cotton swabs), moistened with the drug and carefully inserted into the nasal passages for 2 minutes. This promotes better contact of the drug with the nasal mucosa; the drops are not swallowed, as when instilled. Good contact of the active substance with the nasal mucosa is ensured by nasal sprays.

    Clearing the nasal cavity of mucus

    Bacteria and viruses entering the nose make it difficult for the ciliated epithelium to function. The amount of mucus in the nasal cavity increases, swelling of the mucous membrane occurs and obstruction of air flow. How to properly get rid of excess mucus with pathogenic microbes if your ears are blocked due to a runny nose? You can blow your nose or rinse your nasal cavity with saline solution.

    How to blow your nose correctly to avoid ear congestion when you have a runny nose? This question is especially relevant for children. Often, the mother asks the child to tense up and blow into the handkerchief, simultaneously pressing on both of the child’s nostrils. Adults sometimes do the same. Because the nose is blocked, nasal mucus takes the path of least resistance to where there is less pressure - the auditory tube or sinuses. Otitis and sinusitis develop. The ear becomes blocked already during blowing the nose as a result of blocking the passage of the auditory tube. When blowing your nose in adults and children, you need to close 1 nostril by pressing it with your finger. In children, you can not close your nostrils at all, but only collect nasal discharge in a handkerchief when the child makes an effort to blow his nose. Otherwise, after a runny nose, complaints of hearing loss may appear.

    Nasal discharge may be thin or thick. Naturally, liquid discharge will come out better. When blowing your nose, you should avoid using excessive force to prevent your ear from getting blocked.

    Nasal rinsing

    You can rinse the nasal cavity only when the outflow of secretions from it is not impaired. If nasal breathing is difficult, there is no discharge, if the ear is blocked due to a runny nose, rinsing is not done before consulting an otolaryngologist.

    A saline solution is used for rinsing. It flushes out mucus, removing swelling and inflammation. It is better to use a drug purchased at a pharmacy and specifically intended for these purposes (Dolphin, Salin, Physiomer). The treatment will be more convenient and safe.

    Drops and compresses

    Drops in the ears are used to treat otitis media. If your ear is blocked or inflamed due to a runny nose, use Otipax, Otinum.

    Treatment with warming (vodka) compresses, applying them to the ear area, can only be done after consulting an ENT doctor.

    If your ear is blocked due to a runny nose, compresses can relieve this symptom by reducing swelling. In the presence of inflammation (especially purulent), compresses are contraindicated, as they will lead to increased inflammation and worsening of the condition.

    Sharp inhalations of air through the nose followed by an attempt to exhale with the nose pinched, along with swallowing movements, help equalize the pressure in the tympanic cavity and provide a short-term improvement without eliminating the cause of ear congestion. They are contraindicated for eustachitis, otitis media.

    How to treat when your ear is blocked due to a runny nose to avoid complications? How to carry out treatment most effectively? In order to get complete answers to these questions, you should definitely consult a medical specialist.

    We recommend watching the video:

    1. Select a city
    2. Choose a doctor
    3. Click Register online

    We will be grateful if you share your experience in the comments, this will help other people solve their problem faster.

    ©. BezOtita - everything about otitis media and other ear diseases.

    All information on the site is for informational purposes only. Before any treatment, you should always consult your doctor.

    The Site may contain content that is not intended for persons under 16 years of age.

    Source: http://bezotita.ru/simptomy/zalozhilo-uho-pri-nasmorke.html