Persistent Left Ear Discomfort: Allergies and Sinus Issues

Q: Persistent Left Ear Discomfort: Allergies and Sinus Issues

Hello： The common cause of a feeling of ear fullness is often related to dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, which is associated with nasal allergies. <br>If you have already been examined and ruled out nasopharyngeal tumors, and there are no significant hearing abnormalities, it

I have been experiencing a feeling of fullness and discomfort in my left ear for almost a month?

In February 2016, I underwent surgery for nasal allergies, which involved cutting the right-side nerve and performing bilateral inferior turbinate reduction.
After the surgery, my nasal congestion significantly improved, but I continued to experience a runny nose.
Since I am studying away from home, it is inconvenient to return to the northern part of Taiwan for medical appointments, so I only visit the doctor every one to two months.
Each time I get checked, I am told it is nasal allergies.
I have caught colds several times, and around June of this year, after taking cold medication, I finally saw some improvement.
However, at the end of June, I suddenly started experiencing some symptoms again, initially with a runny nose that had blood streaks.
I went to a large hospital where the doctor used an endoscope to examine my nasal cavity and found no growths.
The diagnosis was likely nasal allergies, and I was prescribed allergy medication.
I took it, but one day I suddenly felt like my ear was blocked.
The next day, it still hadn’t improved, so I visited a nearby ENT clinic.
The doctor checked my ears and said everything looked fine, suspecting it might be eustachian tube inflammation.
I was prescribed medication, which provided some improvement, but it seemed to cause palpitations as a side effect, making me very uncomfortable, so I stopped taking it.
I then went to another ENT clinic, where I was told that post-nasal drip was causing eustachian tube blockage.
I was given medication, which helped, but after a while, the symptoms recurred.
Due to my upcoming two-month trip abroad, I asked the doctor for a few extra days' worth of medication, which I took, but it didn’t lead to significant improvement.
Currently, my left ear feels stuffy, my throat feels like it has a lot of phlegm, but I can’t cough much.
I’m not sure if coughing too hard is causing chest pain.
My nasal discharge is minimal (it feels like it’s all post-nasal drip), but I have a lot of nasal crusting.
My left neck also feels stiff, and recently, I have experienced occasional pain below my left rib cage.
I’m unsure if this is related to nasal allergies.
I apologize for the lengthy message, but I’m worried that if I wait too long, my condition might worsen, so I wanted to describe everything clearly.
By the way, I am currently interning in Malaysia, and the food here is very different in terms of oil, salt, and sweetness compared to Taiwan.
I’m not sure if the rib pain is gastrointestinal or related to nasal allergies, so I included both concerns.
Thank you in advance for your response, as I am genuinely worried about having a serious illness and have been overthinking it.
I’m relieved to finally find a place to ask for advice.

Xiao Han, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/07/19

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: The common cause of a feeling of ear fullness is often related to dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, which is associated with nasal allergies.
If you have already been examined and ruled out nasopharyngeal tumors, and there are no significant hearing abnormalities, it is recommended to continue managing the allergies, as most cases will gradually improve.
Wishing you peace and health.
Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Zheng Jue-Yi.

Reply Date: 2016/07/19

More Info

Persistent discomfort in the left ear, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, and throat irritation, can indeed be linked to allergies and sinus issues. Given your history of nasal surgery for allergies and the ongoing symptoms you've described, it seems likely that your current discomfort is related to a combination of factors, including allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and possibly Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Understanding the Symptoms
1. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and helps equalize pressure. When you have allergies or sinus issues, inflammation can cause the Eustachian tube to become blocked, leading to a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. This can also cause discomfort and even pain, as well as a sensation of muffled hearing.

2. Post-Nasal Drip: Allergies can lead to excessive mucus production, which may drip down the back of your throat. This can cause irritation and a feeling of needing to clear your throat, as well as potentially leading to a cough. If the mucus is thick or discolored, it may indicate a sinus infection, which can exacerbate ear discomfort.

3. Nasal Congestion: Your history of nasal surgery suggests that you may have a predisposition to nasal congestion. When the nasal passages are blocked, it can lead to pressure changes in the ears, contributing to discomfort and a feeling of fullness.

4. Chest Pain and Rib Discomfort: The pain you describe in your chest and under the left rib may not be directly related to your ear and sinus issues. It could be due to muscle strain from coughing or even gastrointestinal issues, especially if your diet has changed significantly since moving to Malaysia. Foods that are higher in fat, salt, or sugar can sometimes lead to digestive discomfort.

Recommendations
1. Consult an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist: Since you have ongoing symptoms that have not fully resolved with medication, it would be wise to see an ENT specialist. They can perform a thorough examination, possibly including imaging studies like a CT scan of the sinuses, to assess for any underlying issues such as chronic sinusitis or structural problems.

2. Allergy Management: Continue to manage your allergies with antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids as prescribed. If you find that certain medications cause side effects like palpitations, discuss alternatives with your doctor. There are many different classes of allergy medications that may be more suitable for you.

3. Hydration and Humidity: Staying well-hydrated can help thin mucus, making it easier to clear from your throat and sinuses. Additionally, using a humidifier in your living space can help keep your nasal passages moist, which may alleviate some of your symptoms.

4. Avoid Irritants: Try to avoid known allergens and irritants, such as smoke, strong odors, and certain foods that may trigger your symptoms. Keeping a food diary may help identify any dietary triggers.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including when they worsen or improve, and any potential triggers. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider in determining the best course of action.

6. Consider Lifestyle Adjustments: If your diet has changed significantly, consider gradually reintroducing foods that are more familiar to you. A balanced diet can help support your immune system and overall health.

Conclusion
Your symptoms are likely interconnected, stemming from your history of allergies and sinus issues. While it is understandable to be concerned about serious health issues, many of the symptoms you describe can be managed effectively with the right medical care and lifestyle adjustments. It is important to seek further evaluation from a specialist who can provide a comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plan. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are effective strategies to help you feel better.

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