Ear Congestion

Ear Congestion

Ear blockage is one of the most annoying diseases that people experience from time to time. Ear congestion can occur due to otitis media, water leakage, pressure changes seen on airplane trips, colds and many other reasons. Ear congestion is generally not a serious problem and can be resolved with simple methods such as ear drops or just waiting. But for ear congestion lasting more than five to seven days, you may need to see a doctor.

The first cause of ear congestion is water getting into the channels. You can use ear drops to remove the water, or you can lie on your ear with water in the evening. Apart from that, sinusitis, allergic reactions, earwax accumulation, ear infections, migraine, flu, pressure changes, objects that will block the ear canal can be counted among the causes of ear blockage.

In most cases, the blockage goes away on its own. Sometimes just yawning or swallowing may be enough to clear the ear congestion. In some cases, standing in a steamy environment and breathing or taking a hot shower may also work. Sometimes, putting a heating pad on the blocked ear can be enough to relieve the ear congestion. In some cases, these types of homemade treatments can work.

Outer ear and outer ear canal: The plug is not really dirt. It is the secretion of the skin in the external ear canal. This secretion is intended to protect the skin in the external ear canal from infections and traps dust and other particles coming from the outside. It is thrown towards the auricle with outward movements on the outer ear canal skin. Darkness of the ear secretion, being in dusty environments or factors that prevent the secretion of the epidemic lead to accumulation.

The outer ear consists of the auricle and the external auditory canal. The external ear canal is the name given to the tunnel-shaped part between the auricle and the eardrum.

Our ear is divided into three parts as outer, middle and inner parts. The middle ear, which is filled with air and consists of 3 small bones, transmits sound waves to the inner ear and stimulates the nerves associated with hearing. It is the task of the Eustachian tube to equalize the pressure in the middle ear and outside. Problems that may occur in the Eustachian tube can affect hearing and lead to obstruction.

Acute Otitis: Due to diseases transmitted by bacteria or viruses, the middle ear may become infected, fluid accumulation and swelling may occur. The ability to hear in the ear decreases and the movement of the eardrum is restricted. Acute otitis is usually accompanied by pain. A common infection among infants and young children occurs after a cold.

Serous Autism: It is a condition that occurs as a result of the accumulation of uninfected fluid in the middle ear (known as water leakage into the ear). As a result of fluid accumulation, the Eustachian tube is blocked and fluid drainage is not possible. It usually goes away on its own, but if it does not go away, it may be necessary to drain the fluid with the intervention of a doctor.

Nasopharyngeal Tumor: Rarely occurring tumors in the part of the throat opening behind the nose may cause ear congestion. These tumors, which are usually seen in adults, may need to be surgically removed. In addition, it is important to check whether the tumors are benign in order to take precautions against more serious diseases.

Ear Congestion Treatment

Treatment methods vary depending on the cause of the blockage.

Antibiotics: Antibiotic treatment is usually applied to relieve otitis media caused by water leakage. These antibiotics can be taken orally or applied to the ear in liquid form. As a result of the treatment of the infection, the ear will most likely open.

Decongestants: Since swelling in the sinus tissue can cause ear congestion and fluid accumulation, medications that make breathing easier by reducing the moisture in the nose can be used in the form of sprays or tablets. When the swelling in the tissue causing the obstruction is reduced by the effect of the drug, the ear congestion will also pass.

Ear Tubes: Ear tubes allow the accumulated fluid to be removed by direct intervention. It is a simple surgical procedure that is usually performed in children with recurrent otitis media. Thanks to drainage, future infections can be prevented or their severity can be reduced.