Ear and Nasal Issues: Symptoms, Concerns, and Treatments

Q: Ear and Nasal Issues: Symptoms, Concerns, and Treatments

Hello, the issues you mentioned may be due to： 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction： This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing the nose or bending over. <br>2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. <br>3) Otit

Ear problems

I previously had a problem with nasal congestion, which was quite uncomfortable.
I rolled up a tissue into a cone shape to try to suck out the mucus deep in my nose.
While I did manage to clear some mucus, some of it seemed to flow back, and then I started to hear a water-like sound in my ears.
I tried tilting my head to see if that would help, but nothing worked.
Although I no longer have nasal congestion, I'm concerned that it might be related to what I'm experiencing now.
Currently, when I exhale forcefully or eat, I hear a sound of my eardrum vibrating.
I also pressed my palm against my ear and quickly pulled it away, which produced a similar vibrating sound, making me feel quite anxious.
Is this normal? Additionally, regarding my nasal congestion, I have been using a nasal spray daily.
Are there any side effects or potential dangers associated with this?

An, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/11/06

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello, the issues you mentioned may be due to: 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing the nose or bending over.
2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
3) Otitis media: a) Acute otitis media: often occurs alongside upper respiratory infections (such as colds) and sinusitis, and in severe cases, there may be ear discharge.
b) Chronic otitis media with acute exacerbation: usually occurs when there is a pre-existing perforation in the eardrum, which can become inflamed due to unclean water or improper ear cleaning.
All of the above conditions can be appropriately treated with medication through medical consultation.

Regarding allergic rhinitis, the underlying constitution and environmental allergens are the main triggering factors.
If one parent has allergic rhinitis, the likelihood of their children developing it is four times higher.
Treatment typically starts with oral medications and nasal sprays, and surgery may be considered if necessary.
The primary medications include oral antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroid sprays, and depending on the situation, local antihistamines/decongestants or oral leukotriene receptor antagonists may be used.
If symptoms do not improve with medication and there is significant structural obstruction, such as a deviated septum, enlarged inferior turbinates, or nasal valve narrowing, appropriate surgical intervention can be performed to improve the condition.

To avoid allergens, it is advisable to reduce irritants by wearing masks, regularly cleaning bedding, avoiding drastic changes in temperature/humidity, and minimizing exposure to air pollution.
Although allergic rhinitis can be bothersome, with appropriate medication or combined surgery, and by avoiding allergens and irritants as much as possible, it can be well controlled, significantly enhancing the quality of daily life.
Wishing you peace and health.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Chi Chao-Yun,
Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2018/11/06

More Info

Understanding ear and nasal issues can be quite complex, especially when symptoms overlap and persist. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of nasal congestion and ear discomfort, which can often be interrelated due to the anatomy of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT).

Symptoms and Concerns
1. Nasal Congestion: You mentioned having nasal congestion and using a tissue to try to clear your nasal passages. This method can sometimes lead to irritation or even injury to the nasal mucosa, potentially causing further issues like bleeding or infection. It’s important to use gentle techniques for nasal clearing.

2. Ear Discomfort: The sensation of your ear "popping" or the sound of your eardrum moving when you perform actions like blowing air or swallowing is often related to the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. When you experience nasal congestion, this tube can become blocked, leading to pressure changes in the ear, which may explain the sounds you hear. This is not uncommon, especially if you have had recent nasal issues.

3. Nasal Spray Use: You mentioned using a nasal spray daily. While decongestant nasal sprays can provide quick relief from nasal congestion, they should not be used for more than a few days consecutively. Prolonged use can lead to rebound congestion, where your nasal passages become more congested once you stop using the spray. This condition is known as rhinitis medicamentosa. If you find yourself relying on the spray daily, it may be worth discussing alternative treatments with your healthcare provider.

Recommendations for Treatment
1. Consult an ENT Specialist: Given your ongoing symptoms, it would be beneficial to consult an ENT specialist. They can perform a thorough examination, including nasal endoscopy, to assess the condition of your nasal passages and Eustachian tubes. This will help identify any underlying issues such as chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or Eustachian tube dysfunction.

2. Nasal Irrigation: Consider using saline nasal irrigation (like a neti pot or saline spray) to help clear mucus and allergens from your nasal passages. This can be a gentle and effective way to relieve congestion without the risks associated with overusing decongestant sprays.

3. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Management: If your symptoms are related to Eustachian tube dysfunction, techniques such as the Valsalva maneuver (pinching your nose and gently blowing) can help equalize pressure in the ears. However, this should be done carefully to avoid damaging the eardrum.

4. Avoid Irritants: Stay away from known irritants such as smoke, strong odors, and allergens that can exacerbate nasal congestion and ear discomfort.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including any changes in hearing, pain, or the frequency of your nasal congestion. This information will be valuable for your healthcare provider.

Conclusion
In summary, while some sounds and sensations in the ear can be normal, especially during changes in pressure, persistent discomfort warrants further evaluation. Daily use of nasal sprays can lead to complications, so it’s essential to explore other options for managing nasal congestion. Consulting an ENT specialist will provide you with a clearer understanding of your symptoms and the best course of action for treatment. Remember, your health is paramount, and addressing these issues early can prevent more significant problems down the line.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Ear and Nose Issues: Symptoms and Possible Solutions

Hello Dr. Chi, my symptoms are as follows: - My nose feels congested when I speak, and I also notice that I cannot breathe through my nose while sleeping at night. - I experience tinnitus in both ears, with a decrease in hearing ability and resonance. 1. Tinnitus: The left ea...

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the issues you mentioned could be due to: 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over. Symptoms may be more pronounced in patients with n...

Understanding Ear, Nose, Throat, and Oral Health Issues: Symptoms and Concerns

Hello Doctor, I have a history of allergic rhinitis and vocal cord atrophy. Since April, I have occasionally experienced a sensation of heat in my left ear, followed by persistent tinnitus in the left ear. Occasionally, I also experience reduced hearing in the left ear, pain in t...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if you are experiencing pain, you can first use acetaminophen to manage it, as it generally has a lower risk of causing allergic reactions. Additionally, it is advisable to drink plenty of water and avoid consuming irritating spicy foods. Since there are no typical symptom...

Understanding One-Sided Ear Congestion and Headache: Causes and Treatments

For the past month, I have been experiencing unilateral ear fullness and unilateral headache, with occasional facial numbness during severe episodes. The same side of my eye also feels pressure and swelling. The symptoms fluctuate, which is why I haven't sought medical atten...

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the issues you mentioned could possibly be due to: 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over. 2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (com...

Understanding Your ENT Symptoms: When to Seek a Second Opinion

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing frequent headaches and ear pain lately, along with continuous postnasal drip. Sometimes I can even taste a strange flavor. Additionally, I have pain at the back of my neck, specifically behind my ears. I visited an ENT specialist who said th...

Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology
Tony: Your issue is likely due to a deviated septum, which can also cause headaches. However, please come to the clinic for a detailed endoscopic examination to gain a clearer understanding of your condition. Attached is an article for your reference titled "The 'Cure-A...