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What Do Stuffy Sensations In The Ears Indicate?
Posted on
Fri, 23 Dec 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 23 Dec 2016
Answered on
Fri, 13 Jan 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : I have travelled recently, about a week ago and I had a 8 hour long flight. After the flight I am having a feeling of fullness or some liquid in my ear. Although I can hear from the ear but this stuffy feeling Is not going away from the ear. I also had cold previously but, I took over the counter decongests (Sudafed) and the cold is cured now, but still my ear has that feeling. Its like a numb feeling where some liquid is inside. Please suggest what to do, as I am travelling and I don't have any immediate doctor here that I can visit. Also, I am in United Kingdom, so I am also not getting any antibiotics here.
Brief Answer:
Ear barotrauma.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Steam inhalation for 15-20 minutes at a time should help. You are already using Otrivin nasal spray and Sudafed. Antibiotics are not required. An OTC anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory medication (such as Lemsip) and a nasal steroid spray may help.
2. Ideally, a PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) and an Impedance Audiogram (I/A) should be done and co-related with the eardrum findings. Oral steroids also are useful.
3. Avoid the Sudafed as it has a rebound effect. Use at least 5 to 8 drops of Otrivin along the sides of the nose while lying down with your head thrown back with a pillow under your shoulder. Try chewing gum and auto-inflation exercises.
4. Any treatment beyond this requires medical supervision. If you are returning soon, this can be done once you are back.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I'll be available to answer them.
Regards.
Ear barotrauma.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Steam inhalation for 15-20 minutes at a time should help. You are already using Otrivin nasal spray and Sudafed. Antibiotics are not required. An OTC anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory medication (such as Lemsip) and a nasal steroid spray may help.
2. Ideally, a PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) and an Impedance Audiogram (I/A) should be done and co-related with the eardrum findings. Oral steroids also are useful.
3. Avoid the Sudafed as it has a rebound effect. Use at least 5 to 8 drops of Otrivin along the sides of the nose while lying down with your head thrown back with a pillow under your shoulder. Try chewing gum and auto-inflation exercises.
4. Any treatment beyond this requires medical supervision. If you are returning soon, this can be done once you are back.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I'll 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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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