Ear
Pressure
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Ear Pressure
Basics
"Ear pressure" is a commonly used term for a
condition you feel when there's a difference between the
pressure inside your ear and the atmosphere outside. It's
the feeling you often get on airplanes, or when
you go quickly from one altitude to
another.
There are several medical names for this
condition: Eustachian tube dysfunction, ear barotrauma,
barotitis media and simply barotrauma. It's also known by
non-medical people as "ear popping."
Usually, barotrauma generally won't cause
serious pain, and swallowing or yawning equalizes the air
pressure on both sides of the eardrum.
But under certain circumstances, differences in
pressure can get pretty uncomfortable. If you have
allergies, colds, a swollen throat or a respiratory
infection, the Eustachian tube can become blocked, and
simple measures like yawning or swallowing won't
work.
Ear Pressure
Symptoms
Symptoms of an ear pressure condition are fairly
obvious: discomfort or pain in one or both ears. But
there are some other symptoms including a slight loss of
hearing and dizziness.
There can also be long term effects to severe or
prolonged barotrauma, including a ruptured eardrum.
moderate to severe hearing loss, nosebleeds, and pain
that can be similar to the pain you feel from an earache
or ear infection.
In fact, it can be difficult to tell the
difference between a severe case of barotrauma and an ear
infection.
Getting Treatment or Relief
from Ear Pressure Problems
The first step is always to try to find a way to
open the Eustachian tube and relieve the pressure. In
mild cases, you can do this by yawning, chewing gum or
sucking candy. You can also try inhaling, and then
exhaling while holding your nostrils closed and keeping
your mouth shut.
If you're in an airplane, avoid sleeping during
descent.
Certain over-the-counter medications may relieve
nasal congestion and allow the Eustachian tube to open.
These include antihistamines and decongestants, taken by
mouth or by a nose spray.
When these simple measures don't work, or
discomfort goes on for several hours, you may need to see
a medical professional. Antibiotics may prevent ear
infection if barotrauma is severe.
Call a doctor right away if ear pain becomes
severe, if you start to get a fever, or there's drainage
or discharge from the ear.
Preventing Ear Pressure
Problems
Common sense measures generally apply. If
possible, try to avoid flying, driving in the mountains,
or scuba diving when you have an upper respiratory
infection or a flare-up of allergies.
You can also try taking nasal decongestants or
antihistamines if you know you're going to be in a
situation where altitude changes are
unavoidable.
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