How is eustachian tube dysfunction treated?
Symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunction usually go away without treatment. Eustachian tube exercises, such as swallowing, yawning or chewing gum, can help open the eustachian tubes. You can help relieve the “full ear” feeling by taking a deep breath and blowing with your mouth shut and your nostrils pinched closed.
If you think your baby may have eustachian tube dysfunction, give him or her a bottle or a pacifier to encourage the swallow reflex.
If these strategies don’t help, your doctor may suggest other options. These can include:
- Using a decongestant to reduce the swelling of the lining of the tubes.
- Taking an antihistamine or using a steroid nasal spray to reduce the allergic response if allergies are a factor.
- Implanting pressure equalization tubes (PETs) in your eardrums to maintain equal ear pressure.
- Making a tiny incision in the eardrum and suctioning out the fluid in the middle ear. This gives the eustachian tube lining time to shrink while the eardrum is healing (usually 1 to 3 days).
The. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against the use of ear candles. Ear candles can cause serious injuries and there is no evidence to support their effectiveness. For more information, please visit the FDA Web site.
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff