What Causes Blocked Ear Sensation While Suffering From Cold?

Posted on Fri, 23 Oct 2015

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

Fri, 23 Oct 2015 Answered on

Mon, 9 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had a cold for about 4 days now. Two days ago my ear began to feel the sensation of being full of cotton, ringing and some pain. I took Advil Cold and Sinus and regular Advil it helped, but the cotton stuffy feeling and ringing are still persisting. It's causing a mild case of virago as well. Will this go away as my cold cycles? Is there any over the counter ear products that will help me? While it could be an infection, I just don't think thats what I'm dealing with. My cold seems to be the culprit.
additional information:

I've had a very slight cough with this, but has not travelled to my chest as respiratory problem. My mucus is clear. Not yellow or green.
I had a sore throat that has cycled and gone. However, when I swallow the stuffy feeling in my ear is pronouned.

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Symptomatic treatment advised.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for your query at the HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.

As per your symptoms it seems you are having upper respiratory tract infection probably by virus like RSV, parainfluenza, adenovirus, etc. In most of the cases the infection is self limiting and illness resolves in a week. Till that you only need to take symptomatic treatment. You can take acetaminophen if fever, nasal decongestant and chlorhexidine mouth washing 5-6 times a day. If you develop dizziness or experience fainting with vertigo then I would suggest you to visit a physician nearby for proper evaluation. No need to put any medicine in ear. Your symptoms will resolve within a week.

Hope I answered your query
Rating and review will be appreciated
Dr Sheetal Verma

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar