Eustachian tubes are small tubes that run between the middle ears and the upper throat. They are responsible for equalizing ear pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear, the part of the ear behind the eardrum. The eustachian tubes are usually closed except for when we chew, swallow, or yawn.
These passageways are small in size and can get plugged for a variety of reasons. Blocked eustachian tubes can cause pain, hearing difficulties, and a feeling of fullness in the ears. Such a phenomenon is referred to as eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).
ETD is a relatively common condition. Depending on the cause, it may resolve on its own or through simple at-home treatment measures. Severe or recurring cases may require a visit to the doctor.
Symptoms of ETD may include:
The length of time that ETD symptoms last depends on the initial cause. Symptoms from altitude changes, for example, may resolve once you get back to the altitude you’re used to. Illnesses and other causes of ETD may result in longer-lasting symptoms.
Allergies and illnesses like the common cold are the most common causes of ETD. These conditions may cause our eustachian tubes to become inflamed or clogged with mucus. People with sinus infections are more likely to develop plugged eustachian tubes.
Altitude changes can also cause problems with ears. They may experience the effects of altitude change from:
Belladonna - Useful for eustachian tube blockage with earache beginning suddenly with intense pain, with few prior symptoms of a cold (no thick or colored nasal discharge) Confirmatory symptoms.There is bright red outer ear, ear canal, or eardrum without pus formation.There is sudden high fever.Useful when ear pain extending down into the neck, or accompanied by sore throat or facial pain.
Ferrum phos - Useful for eustachian tube blockage in early stages of earaches before pus has formed.
Hepar sulph - There is sharp, severe earache accompanied by thick, colored discharge from nose or ears.There is irritability confirmatory symptoms.Useful for chilliness and aversion to the cold or uncovering.There is desire for warmth.Useful for earache worse in cold or open air or from cold applications better from warmth and worse at night
Pulsatilla - Useful for mild disposition.Useful for Yellow to green thick discharge from the nose or ears .There is ear pain which is worse at night and in a warm room.
Chamomilla - Useful for eustachian tube blockage with extreme irritability.There is severe ear pain more during teething.very useful when symptoms are worse when stooping or bending over and improved by warmth or being wrapped in warm covers.There is clear nasal discharge usually of watery consistency.