What to do about ear pressure?

Question

I recently got a cold and didn't know that I shouldn't fly on a plane and now my left ear is plugged and been like that for about 6-8 hours. I've taken decongestants, antihistamines, tried chewing gum, and holding my nose & blowing to pop my ears, but nothing. What should I do? Should I go to the emergency room? It's 1:20am here...

Answer 1

nah. don't go to the emergency room for the following reasons...

1. it's SUPER expensive
2. it will most likely go away soon.... not immediately, but soon
3. it's normal with a cold and flying
(there's no rule that you shouldn't fly... )

so... here's what you do... if it's actual ear pain, or if you start loosing your balace or something like that.. go to the doctor. not ER. it could be an ear infection and it can wait til morning or the next day...

if it's just pressure... then decongestants, antihistamines, etc. it will eventually go away

Answer 2

If the eustachian tube is blocked, the air pressure in the middle ear is different than the pressure on the outside of the eardrum, causing barotrauma.

Many people experience barotrauma at some time. Barotrauma commonly occurs with altitude changes, such as with flying, scuba diving, or driving in the mountains. If you have a congested nose from allergies, colds, or upper respiratory infection, barotrauma is more likely. Blockage of the eustachian tube could also be congenital (present before birth), or may occur because of swelling in the throat.


Treatment:



To relieve ear pain or discomfort, first attempt to open the eustachian tube and relieve the pressure. Suck on candy, chew gum, or yawn. Or inhale, then gently exhale while holding the nostrils closed and the mouth shut.

When flying, do not sleep during the descent. Frequently open the eustachian tube by these measures. Allow infants and children to nurse or sip a drink during descent.

Divers should descend and ascend slowly. Diving while you are suffering with allergies or a respiratory infection is dangerous, because barotrauma may be severe.

If self-care attempts are unsuccessful at relieving discomfort within a few hours, or if barotrauma is severe, medical intervention may be necessary.

Medications recommended may include decongestant nasal sprays, oral decongestants, or oral antihistamines. These medications may relieve nasal congestion and allow the eustachian tube to open. Antibiotics may prevent ear infection if barotrauma is severe.

If the tube will not open with other treatments, surgery may be necessary. An incision is made in the eardrum to allow pressure to equalize and fluid to drain (myringotomy). However, surgery is rarely necessary. Occasionally, tubes will be surgically placed in the eardrum if frequent altitude changes are unavoidable, or if you are susceptible to barotrauma.

Symptoms:


Ear discomfort or pain in one or both ears
Hearing loss, slight
Sensation of fullness or stuffiness in the ears
Dizziness
If severe or prolonged:
Hearing loss, moderate to severe
Feeling of pressure in the ears (as if underwater)
Nosebleed
Ear pain

Signs and tests:

During an inspection of the ear, the doctor may see a slight outward bulge or inward retraction of the eardrum. If the condition is severe, there may be blood behind the eardrum. Severe barotrauma may be difficult to distinguish from ear infection.

Answer 3

If it is really driving you crazy, I would go to the ER and have it checked out. Maybe you have a wax build-up going on there as well. Good luck.

Answer 4

yes go to er now ears and eyes are not to be played with

Answer 5

if it is painful, and you cant take it, go to the hospital, if not, wake up early, try popping it again and all, and then go to the hospital if all fails and they should fix that small problem up quickly

Answer 6

if there is no pain,there's no need to worry.it will go off.keep trying those.