Globally, chronic ear infections affect millions of people, all of whom might exhibit symptoms ranging from mild to severe pain and irritation in and behind the ear. One common reason for ear irritation is eustachian tube dysfunction. The tiny tubes (eustachian tubes), and the soft tissue and muscles surrounding them lead from the middle ear to the back of the nasal cavity. They help drain fluid and regulate the pressure between the middle and outer ear. Yet, much like the neighboring sinuses, they can face inflammation and dysfunction for a variety of reasons.
What is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
Eustachian tube dysfunction occurs when something blocks the eustachian tubes, making it hard for air to reach the middle ear. When over 6 months of consistent long-term or frequently recurring problems arise, you may have chronic eustachian tube dysfunction rather than the acute type. The problem can leave you feeling plugged up, with trouble getting around. Swimmer’s ear, congestion, and allergic rhinitis — those allergies that trigger symptoms — are all common triggers for eustachian tube dysfunction.
Causes of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Cold or Allergic Reaction
One of the main causes of eustachian tube dysfunction is linked with the common cold. The virus or bacteria that cause the cold can produce a build up of fluid in the middle ear, limiting the movement necessary for healthy eustachian tube function. Sinus infections can also kick off eustachian tube dysfunction because sinus congestion builds pressure and inflammation, causing blockages in the eustachian tubes.
Allergic Rhinitis:
Allergic rhinitis is a response to indoor or outdoor allergens. Symptoms could be triggered by pollen, dander, or dust mites, or from poor reactions to certain foods. Some of the symptoms of adverse reactions to allergens include itchy nose or throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and dark under-eye circles. All of these responses can plausibly lead to eustachian tube dysfunction, likewise, because the inflammation in the nose causes the Eustachian tubes to become blocked.
Complications from Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
When the problem lingers, it can lead to an irritated eardrum and can elevate the potential for recurring infections. Severe eustachian tube dysfunction can cause a structural change in the eardrum leading to it marranately being sucked inward, known as retraction. This scarring scar tissue or thickened areas can then endure a slow behind the eardrum’s retraction, causing dulled hearing or long-term hearing problems. If the chronic eustachian tube dysfunction develops, the eardrum might be damaged from thinning due to persistent low pressure in the middle ear, which is also known as atelectasis.
Treating Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
When it comes to treating eustachian tube dysfunction, it can be a little trickier than treating other triggers for earaches, dizziness, and balance issues. Typically, there is no single treatment that cures the issue. The first step to treating symptoms is requesting the help of an otolaryngologist to help determine the root cause of the dysfunction. The doctor may help by using certain nasal sprays to reduce inflammation and facilitate airflow. Additionally, the doctor may suggest taking OTC antihistamines or prescription allergy medicine to assist with easing allergy symptoms causing the blockage in the eustachian tubes.
Should the symptoms persist, the doctor may consider surgical procedures that make it easier for fluid to drain from the middle ear. However, the potential risks and benefits of surgery should be discussed clearly with a healthcare provider. In some cases, the surgery will not work to fix the underlying problem.
Conclusion
Eustachian tube dysfunction can be a tricky condition to manage. Understanding the causes and taking the time to seek out healthy lifestyle practices that cut down on proendemicges and allergic responses can greatly help avoid dealing with consistent discomfort, dizziness, and hea
