Is Persistent Pressure In The Right Ear For Several Months Apart From Developing Swollen Glands And Jaw With Throat Pain A Serious Issue?

Posted on Mon, 27 Aug 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 Answered on

Tue, 5 Apr 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm a 51 year old male who has had pressure in my right ear for several months now. It feels like I have a golf ball in my ear. Recently, I have also developed swollen glands, jaw and throat pain. What could this be?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Air connection to middle ear blocked

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

It seems that the problem is due to your catching cold which resulted in swollen glands, sore throat and thereby blocked Eustachian tubes. There is a thin tube on each side connecting between the inner throat and the middle ear (Eustachian tubes). The purpose of these tubes is to equalize the air pressure inside the middle ear cavity. Mucus block of these tubes leads to pressure imbalance in the middle ear cavity leading to a feeling of golf ball in your ear. Steam inhalation (through your mouth and nose) should help as water in form of vapor will reach deep inside. It would help in diluting the mucus, thus providing relief. Also take some antiallergic like cetirizine once daily for the next few days.

Let me know if I could help further.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D