Ear Congestion Remedy

Ear congestion gives a stuffy or full sensation in the ear but usually does not cause pain. It can also be accompanied by crackling or popping noises and muffled hearing. The condition is most often caused by blocked Eustachian tubes. Eustachian tube is a small tube that connects the middle ear to the pharynx, and its main functions are to ventilate the middle ear, maintain the pressure inside the ear, and drain accumulated secretions and debris from the middle ear. When this tube gets blocked, the ear can feel congested and stuffy.

Ear Congestion Causes

As we know, ear congestion is often the result of blocked Eustachian tubes, and this blockage can be caused by various factors. Typically, it follows nasal congestion, which can be caused by allergies, cold and flu. It can also result from ear and sinus infections and congestion. Many times, a sudden increase or decrease in air pressure can give a sensation of fullness in the ear for a while. This happens more frequently while descending from a mountain and during air travel. Apart from these, build up of earwax can be another cause.

Ear Congestion Treatment

The treatment basically depends on the underlying causes or the factors that can block the Eustachian tubes. Nevertheless, a few simple remedies have been found to be very effective in clearing up this problem, especially if it is not severe. These remedies are

• Activities like, swallowing and yawning are known to regulate the functions of the Eustachian tubes. Therefore, swallowing and yawning more frequently can relieve congestion from ear.
• Chewing gum is an excellent way to increase clear up ear congestion. Young children can be given to suck lollipops, in order to relieve the congestion of the ear. Another remedy is swallowing water or any other fluid while pinching the nose closed.
• Steam inhalation and application of warm compress on the congested ear are some other effective remedies. A hot bath can also prove beneficial in relieving congestion, as it can help to open up the Eustachian tubes.
• If this condition is due to allergies, then antihistamines would be required for its treatment.
• If sinus congestion is the main cause of this problem, you can use sinus cleansers. Decongestants and nasal sprays can also help to unclog the sinuses and the ear.
• If your ears are blocked due to the build up earwax, then you can use warm olive or baby oil for earwax removal. Just put a few drops of warm oil into the congested ear, and let it sit for a few seconds, so that it can melt the wax. Then tilt your head to let the oil and the wax to drain out.
• To prevent ear congestion during air travel, try to swallow and yawn when the plane takes off and lands. Putting cotton plugs in the ear can also help to prevent popping of the ear due to a sudden change in atmospheric pressure.

If these remedies fail to relieve the congestion and improve the symptoms, then it is better to get the condition properly evaluated by a physician. This is particularly applicable, if you are experiencing ear pain along with the other symptoms of ear congestion such as, muffled hearing or slight hearing loss, popping noises, headache and tinnitus. Many times, fluid can build up in your inner ear due to sinus or ear infections. For inner ear congestion remedy, consult your physician. As far as pain and inflammation of the ear are concerned, acetaminophen can be used. But, presence of infection may necessitate the use of antibiotics. Physicians usually recommend amoxicillin for both ear and sinus infection treatment. To find out whether ear congestion is caused by infection, allergies or any other condition, talk to your physician and follow his or her advice regarding the use of medications and the various remedies.