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Suggest Treatment For Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Question: I have been suffering with full ears since August 4th, 2016 and today is October 27,2016. I have been to 15 doctors, which 4 doctors were ENT's. I had a CT Scan and MRI early on, found nothing wrong on any of my tests. I am sparing you the drama there is alot more that has happened between the onset and today but I would write a book if I told you everything.
Well last Monday my oral surgeon decided to do another 3 dimensional CT and low and behold both of my inferior turbinates were almost 100% swollen.
Not one ENT mentioned that as they had been examining my nose. According to my oral surgeon when my turninates are that swollen they form a suction and do not let my Etubes drain.
Well he has to be right because when my right ear feels clogged I can move my nose to the left and blow which must move the swollen tissue to allow for release of the pressure in my ear and it clears up for a short amount of time and I have to do it again.
My question is have you heard of this problem with swollen turbinates and Etubes? I can't seem to find this combination of problems on the internet.
Well last Monday my oral surgeon decided to do another 3 dimensional CT and low and behold both of my inferior turbinates were almost 100% swollen.
Not one ENT mentioned that as they had been examining my nose. According to my oral surgeon when my turninates are that swollen they form a suction and do not let my Etubes drain.
Well he has to be right because when my right ear feels clogged I can move my nose to the left and blow which must move the swollen tissue to allow for release of the pressure in my ear and it clears up for a short amount of time and I have to do it again.
My question is have you heard of this problem with swollen turbinates and Etubes? I can't seem to find this combination of problems on the internet.
Brief Answer:
ETD, Hypertrophic nasal turbinates. Needs further investigation.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Your symptoms are consistent with a Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) and hypertrophied nasal turbinates which is common.
2. Get a plain CT PNS (Para Nasal Sinuses) Scan done with pre and post decongestion study with 0.1% Xylometazoline (Otrivin) nasal drops. Use up to 5-8 drops per nostril after the first scanning and wait for at least 15 minutes before the second scan. Both Scans should take about a minute and are charged as one Scan Study. The radiation settings must be reduce to half. Upload the images here for an accurate assessment. Also let me know about any change in your symptoms after using these drops for the Scan.
3. Get an Impedance Audiogram (Tympanogram) done when the ears are blocked and after it settles down. The maneuver you describe is similar to Cottle's test which indicates an internal nasal valve obstruction.
4. New treatment options such as Coblation, Radio-frequency are available to reduce the volume of the nasal turbinates, in addition to medication.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
ETD, Hypertrophic nasal turbinates. Needs further investigation.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Your symptoms are consistent with a Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) and hypertrophied nasal turbinates which is common.
2. Get a plain CT PNS (Para Nasal Sinuses) Scan done with pre and post decongestion study with 0.1% Xylometazoline (Otrivin) nasal drops. Use up to 5-8 drops per nostril after the first scanning and wait for at least 15 minutes before the second scan. Both Scans should take about a minute and are charged as one Scan Study. The radiation settings must be reduce to half. Upload the images here for an accurate assessment. Also let me know about any change in your symptoms after using these drops for the Scan.
3. Get an Impedance Audiogram (Tympanogram) done when the ears are blocked and after it settles down. The maneuver you describe is similar to Cottle's test which indicates an internal nasal valve obstruction.
4. New treatment options such as Coblation, Radio-frequency are available to reduce the volume of the nasal turbinates, in addition to medication.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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