Right Ear Congestion: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help

Q: Right Ear Congestion: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help

Hello： 1. <br>Ear fullness may be related to issues with the external auditory canal, middle ear cavity, Eustachian tube, or inner ear. <br>2. <br>If symptoms do not show significant improvement, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic or hospital for examination. <br

Feeling of fullness or pressure in the right ear?

Dear Dr.
Cheng,
Hello.
Recently, I have been experiencing occasional pressure and discomfort at the upper edge of my right eye extending to the area near my right temple.
Subsequently, I have also started to feel a sensation of fullness in my right ear.
This has been ongoing for about a week, but there is no significant pain (only occasional sharp pain in the right ear, which is infrequent).
I would like to ask Dr.
Cheng the following questions:
1.
Based on the symptoms described above, in your opinion and experience, what condition is most likely affecting me?
2.
I visited a general Western medicine clinic (not an ENT specialist) due to a cold two days ago and mentioned the above symptoms to the physician.
However, after taking the prescribed medication for two days, there has been no significant improvement (the sensation of fullness in the right ear persists, while the left ear is unaffected).
Should I see an ENT specialist for further evaluation and treatment?
3.
I have a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Is there a potential connection between GERD and the symptoms I am experiencing (i.e., could GERD cause the sensation of fullness in the right ear)?
Thank you, Dr.
Cheng.

Axiang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/18

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: 1.
Ear fullness may be related to issues with the external auditory canal, middle ear cavity, Eustachian tube, or inner ear.
2.
If symptoms do not show significant improvement, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic or hospital for examination.
3.
Gastroesophageal reflux may cause Eustachian tube dysfunction leading to ear fullness, but other factors must be ruled out to confirm the diagnosis.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2020/04/18

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your detailed description of your symptoms. Based on your account, it seems you are experiencing a combination of ear congestion and discomfort that has persisted for about a week. Let's break down your concerns and provide some insights.

1. Possible Conditions: The symptoms you describe, particularly the sensation of fullness or congestion in the right ear, could be indicative of several conditions. One common issue is Eustachian tube dysfunction, where the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose does not open properly, leading to a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear. This can occur due to allergies, colds, or sinus infections. Another possibility is that you may be experiencing a mild case of otitis media, which is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear. However, since you mentioned that there is no significant pain and only occasional sharp sensations, this may lean more towards Eustachian tube dysfunction rather than a full-blown infection.

2. Seeking Specialist Care: Given that your symptoms have not improved with the medication prescribed by a general practitioner, it would be advisable to consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. An ENT can perform a thorough examination, including checking for any signs of fluid in the middle ear, assessing the Eustachian tube function, and ruling out other potential issues such as allergies or structural problems in the ear. They may also conduct hearing tests to evaluate if there is any impact on your auditory function.

3. Connection to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): You mentioned having a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While GERD primarily affects the esophagus and stomach, it can have indirect effects on the ear, nose, and throat region. Acid reflux can lead to irritation of the throat and potentially affect the Eustachian tube, contributing to feelings of fullness or discomfort in the ears. However, it is less common for GERD to directly cause ear congestion. It would be beneficial to manage your GERD symptoms as well, as this may help alleviate some of the discomfort you are experiencing.

In summary, your symptoms of right ear congestion and occasional sharp pain could be related to Eustachian tube dysfunction or possibly mild otitis media. Since your current treatment has not yielded improvement, seeking an evaluation from an ENT specialist is a prudent next step. They can provide a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options. Additionally, managing your GERD may also contribute positively to your overall ear health.

I hope this information helps you understand your situation better, and I wish you a swift resolution to your symptoms!

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