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How to Clear My Eustachian Tubes
Your Eustachian tubes are tubes that connect your middle ear to your nose, and can become blocked due to allergies, a cold or an ear infection. When your Eustachian tubes are blocked, sounds are muffled and can cause ear pain in extreme cases. According to the Mayo Clinic, your Eustachian tubes will open up within a few days or a few weeks, or you can relieve some of the pressure using medication or natural remedies 1.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Inhale deeply to take in air and pinch both nostrils shut with your fingers. Close your mouth and force air through your nose by blowing.
Yawn deeply. The muscles in your jaw will cause the Eustachian tubes to temporarily open up, which can relieve pressure you may be experiencing.
Drink plenty of fluids. The muscle movement that occurs when you swallow aids in clearing the Eustachian tubes. Gulping fluids exaggerates this movement.
Take over-the-counter medication. Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines and allergy relief medication reduce the swelling that occurs in your middle ear and allow your Eustachian tubes to open. Follow the directions prescribed with over-the-counter nasal sprays to relieve swelling caused by allergies.
Visit your doctor. If you continue to experience pain or blockage in your Eustachian tubes, you may have an ear infection or something more serious. Your doctor can properly diagnose the problem and prescribe medication accordingly.
Warnings
According to MedicineNet, you should not travel by plane if you are experiencing ear pain as it can exacerbate the problem.
Your Eustachian tubes are tubes that connect your middle ear to your nose, and can become blocked due to allergies, a cold or an ear infection. Take over-the-counter medication. Over-the-counter antihistamines and allergy relief medication reduce the swelling that occurs in your middle ear and allow your Eustachian tubes to open.
- Non-prescription antihistamine medication
- According to MedicineNet, you should not travel by plane if you are experiencing ear pain as it can exacerbate the problem.
- ear image by Connfetti from Fotolia.com