Stuffy nose, ear pain, what to do

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What to do if your ears are blocked from a runny nose: causes and treatment

The onset of a cold often contributes to the occurrence of unpleasant consequences in the body, such as ear congestion. The reason for this is considered to be a runny nose that appears in the body.

Table of contents:

Due to ear congestion, a person experiences some discomfort and some inconvenience. How to get rid of such unpleasant manifestations of a cold?

Causes of stuffy ears with a runny nose

Causes of stuffy ears

If you carefully study the anatomical structure of the human nasal cavity, you can see that it is closely connected with the auditory system. The existing Eustachian tube is precisely such a connecting link between the cavity of the middle ear and the pharynx.

Thanks to it, the pressure between two such different systems is equalized. When a person has a runny nose, the middle ear cavity also suffers.

Ear congestion can be caused by various reasons. For example, this may be due to inflammation of the lymph nodes when a person develops acute respiratory diseases. These nodes are located in the nasopharynx area, filling its volume during inflammation by greatly enlarging it.

As a result of these changes, characteristic swelling is formed, which is the cause of ear congestion. Since there is some narrowing of the Eustachian tube leading to the cavity of the middle ear.

As a result of the resulting edema, the pressure in the ear and nasopharynx does not normalize, due to which the eardrum slightly changes its shape, bending inward. These changes create a feeling of congestion in the ears.

With the onset of a cold, the body's immune system, which protects the body from various pathogenic particles, is significantly weakened. As a result, the ear canals can be overcrowded with wax secretion, which plays a protective role. Excess wax secretions lead to the formation of wax plugs in the ear canals, which can lead to the development of ear swelling and ear congestion.

Congestion in the ear canals can cause the body to develop a more dangerous disease, such as otitis, which affects the organ of hearing and is accompanied by purulent formations:

  • With the further spread of this disease, the most irreversible consequences for the body may occur. Therefore, it is very important to promptly identify the development of otitis media in the body and prescribe the correct treatment.
  • The occurrence of otitis is accompanied by pulsating manifestations of pain felt in the ear cavity.
  • A characteristic feature of these pain sensations is their gradual increase in the evening and night hours.
  • All this can be accompanied by a sharp increase in body temperature, loss of appetite, dizziness, ear congestion, and even a decrease in hearing sensations.
  • It is important not to start the development of the disease when these symptoms are detected in a person, but to immediately contact a medical institution for help.

Congestion of the ear canals can also be caused by the penetration of viral particles into the body, leading to excessive production of mucus in the nasal cavity. Excess mucus produced leads to a runny nose and filling of the ear canals. At the same time, there is no proper air circulation through the ear canals and, as a result, congestion in the ears occurs.

With the development of inflammatory processes on the facial nerve, some congestion in the ears may also be felt:

  • Most often, a person feels this symptom on the side where the nerve is inflamed. The resulting congestion may be accompanied by a feeling of ear pain penetrating into the temporal area, cheeks and even chin.
  • A person may feel numbness in some areas of the face.
  • All of the above symptoms require immediate seeking help from medical institutions.

Treatment of ear congestion

Treatment of ear congestion due to a runny nose

Due to the existing close connection between the nasopharynx and the ear canal, the resulting ear congestion requires an integrated approach to treatment. Among the wide variety of treatment methods used to relieve ear congestion, the most common is the use of medications.

Modern pharmacy chains sell a wide range of the following types of medicines:

  • Compresses
  • Ear drops
  • Complex exercises leading to pressure equalization
  • Vasoconstrictor nasal medications
  • Inhalers

All of the above remedies should be used only after consulting a doctor, since many of them may have some side effects on the body.

The use of special compresses that can relieve the body of congestion in the ears is effective in most cases and has a long-term healing effect on the body.

Alcohol compresses prescribed by attending physicians are very popular. Such procedures help relieve congestion and restore the functioning of the hearing organ.

Preparing such a compress is quite simple:

  1. You need to take a certain amount of ethyl alcohol and distilled water.
  2. Then you need to mix both components of the compress together in equal quantities.
  3. Moisten a piece of gauze in the resulting alcohol solution and apply it to the sore ear. In this case, the auricle should be free.
  4. You should hold this compress for some time to realize its therapeutic effect in the ear.
  5. In order to enhance the effectiveness of the alcohol compress on the sore ear, you can cover the gauze with cotton wool or a plastic bag. It’s good if a person spends the night in this state, then restoration of his hearing is definitely guaranteed.

The use of ear drops is also beneficial in the treatment of ear congestion:

  • Otium drops, which are available for sale in many pharmacies, have an excellent therapeutic effect. They come with detailed instructions for use.
  • The use of Sulfacyl sodium solution also helps relieve a person from nasal congestion. Its complex action can quickly kill pathogenic microorganisms that have entered the body.
  • To eliminate ear congestion, doctors recommend using a solution of Rivanol or Risorcin, which leads to a decrease in inflammation of the mucous membrane. These ear drops have a comprehensive effect not only on the emerging symptoms of the disease, but also on the cause of their appearance - pathogenic particles.

The use of these drugs in accordance with the prescribed recommendations of a doctor leads to a reduction in swelling in the nasopharynx and middle ear, as well as relieving the patient of nasal congestion. You should not get carried away with taking these drops after the onset of treatment, as this may contribute to the appearance of symptoms of addiction to them.

More information about treating ear congestion can be found in the video.

Performing special complex exercises will help to cope with nasal congestion due to a runny nose. The simplest of these exercises is the following: gently pinch both nostrils with your fingers and try to exhale through your nose in this position. For this exercise to be effective, it should be repeated several times. Due to the pressure equalization that occurs, a person experiences a feeling of lack of congestion in the ear.

The use of special nasal drops that have a vasoconstrictor effect helps relieve the feeling of congestion in the ears. The most popular of them are Naphthyzin and Sanorin. The action of these drops is based on relieving the unpleasant symptoms of nasal congestion and, as a consequence, leading to congestion in the ear itself.

Relieving ear congestion at home

You can cope with ear congestion at home. For example, the use of special massage exercises helps to quickly get rid of this disease.

To do this, use your fingertips to gently massage your nose and ears for fifteen minutes. Then you should tilt your head slightly in different directions. At the end of this massage procedure, you need to inhale deeply through your mouth and hold your breath for a while, swallowing the air in your mouth. This massage is effective and easy for anyone to do.

You can use chewing gum, which should be chewed for a while, or toffee to relieve congestion. Inflating a balloon also relieves ear congestion. The integrated use of these exercises will contribute to the onset of recovery and restoration of hearing.

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Comments (1)

Daniel

03/20/2018 at 23:15 | #

This often happens to me during a cold or flu, and I always have ear drops in my home medicine cabinet; as soon as my ears get clogged, or I start to feel pain or discomfort in my ears, I immediately start using ear drops, it has always helped me.

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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.

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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. 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

Ear hurts when you have a runny nose

Severe pain in the ears and their congestion during a runny nose occur quite often. These symptoms can occur in people of any age. In young children, they cause crying, tantrums, refusal to eat and sleep disturbances. Ear pain can vary in intensity. From mild discomfort to severe shooting pains that are difficult to endure. Treatment in such cases should be selected by a doctor. Correct and timely therapy will help prevent complications and prevent the development of hearing problems.

Why does my ear hurt when I have a runny nose?

Symptoms such as stuffy ears and pain in them during a runny nose are due to the fact that the ENT organs (nose, throat and ears) represent one, closely connected system. Even a mild cold can be accompanied by hearing loss, ear congestion and discomfort. In more severe forms of the disease or in the absence of treatment, the patient may develop otitis media.

Thus, reasons that can cause ear pain include:

A child's ears hurt when he has a runny nose

If a child has an earache due to a cold or runny nose, then it is most likely otitis media. In the early stages of the disease, this disease is characterized by sudden, severe shooting pain in the ear. It can radiate to the temple or jaw. An increase in temperature is also common. In some cases, hearing may be impaired. If treatment is not started at the initial stage of the disease, the disease can develop into a severe purulent form. In this case, the child develops purulent discharge from the ears, a high temperature (38.5 and above) and unbearable pain.

Ear pain, throat pain and runny nose

Ear pain that accompanies a sore throat and runny nose can only be an echo of a sore throat, manifested by an inflammatory process in the tonsils. The reason for this lies in the fact that the ENT organs are connected by branches of the trigeminal nerve. When nerve fibers are damaged as a result of infection and inflammation, pain may occur in other areas of their passage, that is, “referred” pain appears. It can be weak, barely noticeable or quite strong. In some cases, this situation can lead to the development of a secondary disease, that is, otitis media.

In addition, sore throat and ear pain, as well as a runny nose, can occur with diseases such as measles, strep throat, diphtheria, scarlet fever, chickenpox and others.

When you have a runny nose, your ear gets stuffy and hurts.

To find out the reasons why the ear hurts and becomes blocked when you have a runny nose, you need to know the structure of the human ENT organs. The tympanic cavity of the ear is connected to the nasopharynx by special small openings through which some of the air passes when inhaled. Due to this, the necessary pressure is normally created in the tympanic cavity. When the disease occurs, this process is disrupted and the pressure decreases, which gives the effect of ear congestion. The reasons for this are severe inflammation in the nasopharynx, accompanied by swelling of the mucous membrane. In addition, when normal nasal breathing is disrupted, back pressure forms in the nasal cavity and middle ear, which leads to congestion and discomfort in the ears.

If such symptoms appear, you should pay more attention to the treatment of a runny nose. If treatment is started in a timely manner and carried out correctly, then within a few days the inflammation will subside, the swelling will subside, and the discomfort and stuffy ears will disappear. In cases where this does not happen, the pain increases and other signs of illness appear, you should consult a doctor.

Stuffy and sore ear after a runny nose

Often mild pain and congestion in the ears occur after a runny nose. The reasons for this may lie in the resulting sulfur plug. Normally, earwax is constantly produced in the ear. It is necessary to protect this organ from infection. But in some situations, its production may increase, and the natural mechanism of its elimination may also be disrupted. The result is sulfur plugs.

When you have a runny nose, your ear and jaw hurt

Pain during a runny nose in the ear area, radiating to the jaw, may be one of the signs of sinusitis. Its other symptoms are: noise and congestion in the ears, pain, discomfort, hearing loss, impaired nasal breathing and others. Sinusitis in most cases develops as a consequence of a runny nose with improper or insufficient treatment. This occurs as a result of the involvement of the nasal sinuses in the inflammatory infectious process; the maxillary sinuses are most often affected.

My ear hurts when I have a runny nose, what should I do?

If severe pain occurs in the ears due to a runny nose, and the patient also complains of noise and congestion, then he can be given an analgin tablet and rinse his ears. To do this, drop 5-8 drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide into each ear using a pipette, then lie on your side for a few minutes. If both ears are affected, the procedure should be repeated for the second ear. After this rinsing, you can drop a couple of drops of almond or camphor oil or heated boric alcohol into your ears.

If your body temperature remains normal, you can apply a heating compress to the ear. It requires a small gauze bandage in which a hole is cut. This bandage should be well moistened in boric alcohol, which must first be heated, and then gauze is applied to the ear, leaving the ear canal open. Cover the top of the compress with a cloth bandage and leave until it cools completely. The skin around the ear should be lubricated with any fatty cream, this will prevent burns. This procedure must be carried out every day with the permission of a doctor.

You can warm up your ears in case of severe pain and congestion due to a runny nose using salt. It is preheated in a frying pan, and then poured into a thick fabric bag, which is applied to the ear. This procedure will alleviate the patient’s condition and reduce pain.

In any case, if you experience severe pain in the ears that accompanies a runny nose and cold, you should consult a doctor.

How to treat ear pain and runny nose?

Medications

If, with a runny nose, ear pain, noise and congestion appear, then it is advisable to visit a doctor who will prescribe an examination and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Usually in such cases, ear drops are prescribed. The most common ones are:

  • Otipax. They are prescribed for otitis media that occurs as a complication of influenza. They have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic effects, destroy viruses and bacteria and alleviate the patient’s condition;
  • Sofradex. These drops are a broad-spectrum antibiotic. They are prescribed for bacterial infections. Sofradex should be used only as prescribed by a specialist;
  • Otinum. This drug is used for otitis media and externa. The drops have a strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Folk remedies

To relieve ear pain due to colds, folk remedies are also widely used, such as:

  1. Thuja or lavender oil will help cope with unpleasant sensations in the ear during a cold. A few drops of this product should be placed in one or both ear canals. For the same purposes, you can use alcoholic tinctures of mint or calendula.
  2. To eliminate tinnitus and congestion, it is recommended to chew several inflorescences of confectionery cloves.
  3. For ear pain, you can drop a couple of drops of horseradish juice into them. This procedure is repeated three times a day until the pain disappears.
  4. Garlic oil helps in such cases; you can buy it at pharmacies or make it yourself. To do this, 100 ml of vegetable oil is heated strongly, without bringing to a boil, and mixed with crushed 2-3 cloves of garlic. After this, the oil is left to infuse and filtered. A cotton or gauze turunda is moistened in the resulting oil and carefully inserted into the sore ear. This compress is left for 10 minutes.
  5. To eliminate inflammation and pain, you can use geranium leaf. It is ground into a paste and placed in the ear, wrapped in gauze. You can also simply cut off a leaf, roll it up and stick it in your sore ear for a minute.
  6. A compress with onion juice helps a lot with ear infections. For this procedure, a cotton swab is soaked in this product and placed in the ear canal for 20 minutes.

With all the variety of folk remedies, you shouldn’t get too carried away with them. Ear pain and congestion are a reason to visit a doctor. You can also discuss the possibility of using traditional recipes with him. In most cases, specialists prescribe them along with medications.

Source: http://nasmork-rinit.com/lechenie-nasmorka-dlya-vsekh/474-bolit-ukho-pri-nasmorke

What to do if your ear gets stuffy with a runny nose and what reasons lead to this

A runny nose, like all diseases of the ENT organs, causes a lot of trouble and discomfort to the patient - it is impossible to breathe or talk normally, night congestion prevents you from getting enough sleep. But in addition to the listed problems, a person may be bothered by ear congestion that occurs simultaneously with rhinitis. Why this problem occurs, what to do if your ear is blocked due to a runny nose, what medications and methods of getting rid of the unpleasant symptom exist will be discussed today.

Causes of stuffy ears with a runny nose

If a patient contacts an ENT doctor with a complaint that his ears are blocked when he has a runny nose, the cause may lie not only in rhinitis itself, but also in other, more serious diseases. To understand the possible factors that provoke such a complication, you need to understand what the structure of the auditory system is.

It consists of three main sections - the outer, middle and inner ear. The external organ located outside is the auricle, it is where the first section begins.

The canal then continues to the eardrum, followed by the inner ear. This section consists of the Eustachian (auditory) tube and the tympanic cavity.

The Eustachian tube leads directly to the nasopharynx cavity, connecting to it with the help of choanae - openings of small diameter.

The inner ear, also called the labyrinth, is responsible for the function of sound perception, balance and coordination of a person in space and is located in the thickness of the inert tissue of the temple.

When the nasopharynx and ear of a person are in a healthy state, the air pressure in the tympanic cavity and the auditory tube is at the same level. When the normal process of natural outflow of mucus from the nasopharynx is disrupted, or in case of ear diseases, a vacuum is created behind the membrane of the eardrum - it loses its mobility, which leads to blocked ears.

The patency of the Eustachian tube can be impaired for two reasons - swelling of the lymphoid tissue and excessive mucus in the nose.

If your ears are blocked during a runny nose, the reason for this is an increase in the volume of lymphoid tissue, it swells, as a result of which the entrance to the auditory tube becomes blocked.

The etiology of a runny nose can also affect the state of hearing. If the disease is bacterial in nature, pathogenic microorganisms, through the holes connecting the auditory tube and the nasopharynx, penetrate into the ear sections, causing the development of an inflammatory process there.

The most common cause of ear congestion during rhinitis is considered to be improper blowing technique. To avoid unpleasant consequences, you need to pinch one nostril with your finger, while freeing the second from mucus, without creating too powerful an air flow. Next, the second nostril is also cleansed.

If the patient blows his nose at both nasal passages at the same time, using excessive force, a large difference in pressure is created between the nasopharynx and the auditory tube - as a result, the ears become blocked.

Causes that arise as a complication of a runny nose

If your ear is blocked after a runny nose, when the symptoms of the disease have already subsided, and there are no signs of trouble, the problem may be caused by one of the complications of rhinitis and colds.

Wax plug in the ear.

During a cold accompanied by a runny nose, a person’s immunity sharply decreases. To protect the ear canals from infection, the body tries to create additional protection by producing an increased amount of sulfur.

The cavity of the outer ear becomes blocked, creating pressure on the membrane of the membrane, which causes not only congestion, but also severe headaches, accompanied by a feeling of nausea.

Inflammation of the facial nerve.

If a person has suffered a severe runny nose caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an inflammatory process affecting the facial nerve may develop as a consequence of excessive hypothermia.

In this case, a sharp pain occurs in the ear, on the affected side. Pain can reach high intensity and radiate to the temporal region, cheek and chin. The process may be accompanied by numbness of facial tissues.

It occurs as a consequence of a prolonged runny nose, even if mucus in the nose is no longer produced, and the swelling of the mucous membrane has subsided. Viral or bacterial inflammation can be transmitted from the nasopharynx to the ear through the choanae connecting these two cavities, or through the general bloodstream.

The disease is accompanied by fever, ear congestion, pain, weakness, lack of appetite and a general deterioration in well-being.

As you can see, if your ear not only becomes blocked, but also hurts during or after a runny nose, this may be a consequence of untreated rhinitis, or a serious complication that will be difficult to cure on your own. It is better not to delay your visit to the ENT doctor to avoid problems.

How to relieve congestion and relieve the condition?

If for some reason it is not possible to urgently visit an ENT doctor, and congestion in the ears during a runny nose is the only symptom (not accompanied by severe pain and fever), you can try to “unfold” the ears yourself:

  • get rid of excessive amounts of mucus in the nose - to do this, you can rinse with a saline solution using a special system, a rubber bulb or a syringe without a needle. Before the procedure, it is better to relieve swelling of the tissue by instilling a vasoconstrictor drug, this will prevent additional ear congestion;
  • inflate balloons with a straw, squeeze the wings of your nose with your fingers and at the same time blow out a stream of air. Such measures will cause a soft pop in the ears, after which several swallowing movements should be made;
  • massage the wings of the nose, forehead and bridge of the nose - there is a special technique for such acupressure, which involves influencing certain points, due to which the swelling of the nasal mucosa will decrease and congestion in the ears and nose will disappear;
  • get rid of the wax plug - if it is clearly visible in the opening of the external passage, you can rinse your ear with warm water using a soft rubber bulb. It cannot be inserted deeper than 5 mm into the ear, while alternating movements are performed - pressing, relaxing, until the plug comes out along with the flow of water.

Without medical recommendations, you should not inject any medications into your ears, since before treatment you need to identify the cause of the blockage during and after rhinitis.

This could be a bacterial or viral infection, otitis media, or even inflammation of the facial nerve, which requires completely different treatment approaches.

Antibacterial therapy

To eliminate pain, congestion and inflammation in the ears that arise as complications of a runny nose, ENT doctors usually prescribe local medications, physiotherapy, blowing, pneumomassage and oral medications.

If pain is accompanied by an increase in temperature, we are talking about acute otitis media - it must be treated with antibiotics:

  • Amoxicillin is a universal drug for the treatment of pathologies of the upper respiratory tract and ENT organs; it has powerful bactericidal properties. Take the drug three times a day for 7-10 days.
  • Ampicillin is a drug from the group of semisynthetic penicillins. Doctors prescribe it in the form of tablets, suspension or injections, the course of treatment depends on the clinical picture and severity of the disease. With good sensitivity of microorganisms to the drug, a noticeable effect occurs within a day after the start of treatment.
  • Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic from the fluoroquinolone group, which has a powerful antimicrobial effect and is active even against gram-negative strains. The active substance of the drug accumulates at the site of inflammation, leading to a rapid therapeutic effect. More suitable for the treatment of recurrent rhinitis and otitis.
  • Netilmicin is a drug from the antibacterial group of aminoglycosides, administered parenterally into the ear area. It belongs to the third generation of drugs, affects not only bacteria that cause inflammation, but also multiplying microbes.

Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory medications

In parallel with taking antibiotics, doctors recommend instilling systemic drugs into the ears, which have analgesic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. Such means include:

  • Anuaran - drops with an antibacterial component for the treatment of ear infections, used for acute and chronic forms of otitis. They are inserted into the ear canal using a special pipette and are approved for use in children and adults. They have an antimicrobial and analgesic effect due to the addition of icecaine to the composition; it acts against most known bacteria, in particular those that cause inflammatory processes in the ear - staphylococci, fungi and streptococci.
  • Sofradex is a drug in the form of drops with a combined effect. Contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine components, which helps relieve the patient from swelling and itching inside the ear, and stops the proliferation of pathogenic microbes, even such as Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Otipax - drops based on icecaine and phenazone. They have a powerful anti-inflammatory and anesthetic effect, helping to quickly achieve a therapeutic effect. When used correctly, the product does not have side effects; it can be used by children and nursing women.
  • Otinum is a drug for the treatment of ear infections from the NSAID group. It has pronounced anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties, fights bacteria and fungi. The drops also help get rid of sulfur plugs.
  • Otofa - drops with an antibiotic from the rifamycin group. It is used for acute and chronic otitis media, as well as for perforation of the membrane of the membrane. The treatment is fast and effective, thanks to a wide range of effects on the bacterial flora.

The doctor prescribes medications for ear congestion, since each of them has its own side effects, albeit minimal ones. Many doctors recommend that patients instill boric or furatsilin alcohol into their ears, or inject it using turundas.

This method of treatment was widely used in the past, but with a large selection of systemic drugs available, its use is now considered not entirely justified.

For elevated temperature, fever and pain, taking drugs from the NSAID group - Ibufen, Nurofen, Nimesil, Paracetamol - is indicated.

Compresses

Treatment of ear diseases using compresses has been known for many years, and this method has not lost its relevance to this day.

The big advantages of applying compresses are accessibility, simplicity and high efficiency.

To make and install a compress, you need to prepare the necessary items:

  • a piece of gauze or a roll of bandage;
  • polyethylene (cellophane), it is well replaced by compressor paper;
  • a small amount of cotton wool;
  • material for fixing the compress (bandage, scarf or scarf).

Alcohol compress

The prepared piece of gauze is rolled up in several layers so that the piece fits the size of the auricle. Then a hole is made in the gauze through which the ear should pass freely. This piece is moistened with the prepared solution, wrung out and applied to the skin, and the ear passes into the hole.

This layer is covered with polyethylene on top, in which a matching slot is also made, while the sink remains open, and the layers are located around.

Cotton wool is placed next, and the structure is fixed with a scarf or scarf. You need to keep the compress for a certain amount of time, depending on what solution the gauze layer is moistened with.

The most popular compress is alcohol. The heat from the heated alcohol is evenly distributed over the surface of the skin, while the component itself does not penetrate the ears. This reduces inflammation and relieves severe pain. You can keep the alcohol compress for up to 4 hours in a row, leaving it overnight; a speedy recovery is achieved due to the effect of warming up and pain relief.

The second option for a compress on the ears is Dimexide with Novocaine

Dimexide is a drug that significantly increases the penetration of the drug into the tissues, making it possible to achieve a rapid therapeutic effect.

The layers are applied according to the scheme described above, and such a compress cannot be kept for longer than minutes, in order to avoid getting a skin burn. The action of Novocaine directly in the area of ​​inflammation helps the patient get rid of severe pain, ear congestion and sleep peacefully.

It should be clarified that applying compresses is allowed only if the patient does not have an elevated temperature and a purulent inflammatory process in the ears.

Also a contraindication is perforation of the eardrum. Therefore, before using this method, you need to be examined by an ENT doctor so as not to aggravate the situation.

Thermal procedures

Warming up using a wet method, that is, installing compresses, is described in the paragraph above. Now we need to talk about the dry method, which helps get rid of pain and reduce the level of inflammation in the ear.

Under the influence of dry heat, serous outflow from the ear parts improves, which eliminates tissue swelling and normalizes the internal pressure on the membrane of the eardrum, and congestion disappears.

After thermal procedures, it is not recommended to go out into the cold and open windows to avoid drafts.

What can be used for dry heating? This is the common table salt; flaxseeds are also often used.

How the procedure is carried out:

  • salt or flaxseed is heated in a frying pan so that the temperature is comfortable and does not cause a burn;
  • then the material is poured into a cotton bag, on which the patient lies on top of the affected ear;
  • You must spend at least 20 minutes in this position;
  • The ear canal is filled with a cotton swab.

To achieve a positive result, you need to warm your ears three times a day, for 7 days in a row. Contraindications for the procedure are purulent inflammation in the ears and elevated temperature, since additional heat creates favorable conditions for the active reproduction of pathogenic microflora.

Warming up with a Minin reflector

In addition to standard heating with improvised materials, you can carry out the procedure using a “blue lamp,” which is actually called a Minin reflector. This physiotherapy device transmits light rays in the IR (infrared irradiation) range. Heat penetrates deep into the inflamed tissue, helping to eliminate stagnant processes and reduce inflammation.

Also, the use of the device allows you to relieve pain, improve blood circulation, increase capillary tone, resolve foci of infiltration, and get rid of pathogenic bacteria.

Warming up with a “blue lamp” is carried out for 20 minutes, while the device must be at a distance of at least 20 cm from the ear; the optimal distance is determined during the procedure and depends on the patient’s sensations. It is important that the procedure brings only a feeling of comfort. Contraindications – acute inflammatory processes accompanied by the separation of pus and blood clotting disorders.

Pneumomassage

A therapeutic procedure called pneumomassage of the eardrum is indicated for patients with signs of loss of elasticity and the natural properties of this elastic membrane.

This part of the hearing system is the most delicate and vulnerable, and the loss of elasticity that occurs against the background of acute inflammatory processes leads to hearing impairment, a feeling of congestion and a decrease in a person’s quality of life.

When therapy for acute otitis reaches the recovery stage, pneumomassage is necessarily included in the treatment. The essence of the method is to influence the membrane of the membrane using a special device that supplies different pressures to the ear sections.

As a result, the natural elasticity of the membrane is restored, it becomes mobile, which allows you to relieve ear congestion and restore normal hearing function.

The procedure also helps prevent the formation of scars on the surface of the membrane, which often form after an acute inflammatory process.

Modern equipment used for pneumomassage allows you to control the nature and amplitude of the pressure created in the ear, which is important for a positive therapeutic effect and a feeling of comfort for the patient.

Traditional medicine

It is quite possible to alleviate the condition of inflammation and pain in the ear using the available methods of traditional medicine; they are considered safe, in contrast to pharmaceutical drugs, which have a lot of contraindications. However, if the doctor believes that folk recipes alone will not be enough to eliminate inflammation, it is worth combining home procedures with drug treatment.

List of the most popular and effective ways to get rid of congestion and pain in the ears:

Many people are accustomed to perceiving this plant only as a seasoning for various dishes, but the leaves of the bay tree have the ability to relieve inflammation, disinfect and eliminate pain.

They also contain a storehouse of useful minerals and vitamins. The decoction can be instilled and taken orally. Recipe: 4-5 leaves are poured into a glass of water, then the composition is brought to a boil and left in a container with a lid for 2 hours.

After cooling, instill 4 drops three times a day. The infusion is taken orally, 1 tbsp. three times a day to boost immunity.

This recipe allows you to get rid of the signs of otitis externa, reduce pain and reduce inflammation. 3 slices of the root vegetable are crushed into a pulp, then a small amount of camphor oil is added. The finished composition is heated to 35°C, a cotton swab is moistened with it, which is placed in the affected ear.

Helps get rid of pus and pain in the ear. At the pharmacy you can buy a standard alcohol tincture of 30% consistency, instill it in the ear every day, three times, 5 drops each. This way you can get rid of inflammation in just 10 days.

The plant is famous for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Juice from several bulbs and leaves is instilled three times a day, 6-7 drops. It will help get rid of inflammation in otitis externa and otitis media.

Dry ingredients are taken in equal proportions, poured with boiling water, and the composition is infused for 2 hours. Steamed flowers are wrapped in several layers of gauze and applied to the affected ear; this method helps in the early stages of the inflammatory process in the ears.

If self-treatment of the ears at home does not have a positive effect for several days, and the symptoms are accompanied by severe pain and fever, this is a signal to urgently consult a doctor.

This means that the inflammatory process has been aggravated by a bacterial infection, and it cannot be cured only with folk remedies.

Let's summarize

When the ears are stuffy due to rhinitis, this may be the result of improper blowing of the nose or the accumulation of excess mucus in the nasopharynx. But if a person begins to blow his nose correctly, rinses his nose with saline solution, and the problem is not solved, you should not delay a visit to the ENT doctor.

Perhaps the banal consequences of a cold have been supplemented by a bacterial infection, which must be treated with local and antibacterial drugs - timely diagnosis will help to avoid complications and cure inflammation quickly and effectively.

Related materials:

Victor Marchione

MD is a respected leader in the fields of smoking cessation and pulmonary medicine. He has more than 20 years of experience in practicing medicine and treating pulmonary diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

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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?

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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 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