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Ear congestion with a runny nose is a symptom of multiple diseases of the upper respiratory tract, such as sinusitis, otitis media, which occur due to damage to the mucous membranes by viruses and bacteria.
Most often this occurs during an exacerbation of colds. The connection of ear congestion with a runny nose is due to the close location of the hearing organs relative to the respiratory organs. Therefore, inflammatory processes occurring in the nasal cavity often give a complication to the hearing aid even in the initial stages.
Causes of ear congestion with a runny nose
One of the unpleasant consequences of a runny nose is ear congestion caused by swelling of the tissue due to inflammatory processes. Formed in the nasal cavity, the edema passes into a canal called the Eustachian tube, which connects the nasopharynx with the tympanic cavity. Edema narrows the channel, which creates a feeling of congestion, which causes great discomfort. To eliminate this unpleasant sensation, you need to know the mechanisms of its development and causes.
So, the hearing aid consists of the inner, middle and outer ear. The outer and middle ear are separated from each other by the tympanic membrane, and the latter communicates with the nasopharynx through a channel – the Eustachian tube, through which air enters from the nasal cavity to the ear. Air circulation maintains normal pressure. When the canal swells and its lumen narrows, the pressure in the middle ear increases, the eardrum arches, and a feeling of congestion appears, which disrupts the functioning of the hearing aid.
The reasons that cause ear congestion with a runny nose include both viral and bacterial infections, and the presence of polyps (Read more: Polyps in the nose – how dangerous? Can it be cured without surgery?) And tumors, as well as functional disorders of the hearing organs. This ailment must be treated, since prolonged congestion indicates inflammation, which is fraught with various complications, up to complete hearing loss.
What to do if the ear is stuffed up with a cold?
If ear congestion is caused by a runny nose, then treatment should be aimed at eliminating both symptoms. And since they are the result of another disease, most often of an infectious nature, the therapy of this disease should also be carried out in parallel. In other words, treatment is carried out in a complex manner.
To eliminate the symptoms of ear congestion, apply:
Vasoconstrictor drops to neutralize congestion and swelling in the nasal cavity;
Ear drops to neutralize swelling and relieve inflammation in the ear area;
Compresses for the ear area;
Ear and nose massage;
Exercises to equalize the pressure between the Eustachian tube and the middle ear.
Vasoconstrictor drops from ear congestion
The use of nasal vasoconstrictor drops for the nose is the fastest way to relieve congestion and swelling in the nasal cavity.
The use of these funds is explained by the fact that the removal of edema from the nasal mucosa will reduce the swelling of the Eustachian tube and relieve congestion. But this effect is temporary, and therefore vasoconstrictor drops are used only as a means to relieve symptoms. They should be used for no more than five days, then there is an addiction to the components that make up the funds, which can complicate the patient’s condition.
Anti-inflammatory drops for ear congestion
Ear anti-inflammatory drops are indispensable in the fight against hearing impairment. They should be used with great care, as many remedies are very powerful and are not used at the initial stage of hearing diseases. Therefore, the treatment of ear congestion with drops should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist.
Pressure Equalization Exercises
To equalize the pressure between the Eustachian tube and the middle ear and thereby relieve congestion, you can use swallowing-reflex and breathing exercises. Exercises are based on a deep breath in and out through the nose for ten to fifteen approaches. Another exercise is to try to exhale air by pinching your nose with your fingers, while swallowing. True, the effect of such exercises does not occur immediately, but it helps to eliminate congestion for a while.
Ear and nose massage
You can try to massage the nose and ears. Massage circular movements should be done with the fingertips on the wings of the nose and behind the ears for fifteen minutes.
It is important before carrying out all the described procedures to free the nose from accumulated mucus by blowing your nose. All of these methods of treating ear congestion should be carried out under the supervision of an otolaryngologist who specializes in ear, nose and throat problems.
Answers to popular questions
What should I do if my ear is blocked from a cold? It is necessary to treat ear congestion in any case, but it is advisable to seek help from a specialist, since severe inflammation and swelling of the middle ear and Eustachian tube can lead to hearing impairment and even loss. To alleviate the condition, although it is temporarily possible with the help of vasoconstrictive nasal drops – Naphthyzine, Sanorin, Vibrocil, as well as with the help of ear drops – Rivanol, Albucid, Otipaks. In addition, breathing and swallowing exercises with pinching of the nose can be performed to restore pressure between the Eustachian tube and the middle ear. It is also recommended to massage the ear and nasal area, apply compresses and carry out dry heating.
From what can lay the ear with a cold? Ear congestion during a runny nose is explained by an inflammatory process that causes the formation of a large amount of mucus, swelling of the nasopharynx and the auditory canal associated with it. Due to edema, the walls of the canal narrow, which, together with an abundance of mucus, disrupts the air circulation between the middle ear and the Eustachian tube, and this increases the pressure in the hearing organs and causes eustachitis – ear congestion. Infections, injuries, the formation of polyps, pathological physiology of the respiratory and hearing organs can provoke such a process.
Ear congestion prevention
With a runny nose, Eustachitis can be greatly relieved by regularly clearing the nasal passages of mucus. To do this, use the method of washing the nose with antiseptic agents – saline, herbal infusions of chamomile, calendula, as well as ready-made medicines – Dolphin and others.
To prevent the development of edema and congestion, it is necessary to carry out the prevention of colds:
Dress according to the season and the weather;
Do not overcool and avoid drafts;
Take a walk in the fresh air every day, and ventilate the room before going to bed;
In the season of increasing colds (autumn, winter, spring), it is advisable to avoid public places and wash the nose with saline every day before going to bed;
Take vitamins.
These simple actions will help to avoid colds, congestion and the development of many serious complications, such as meningitis, otitis media.