EUSTACHIAN TUBE DYSFUNCTION (ETD)

Overview & Facts

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction refers to the blocking of the Eustachian tube, small tubes that run between your middle ears and the upper throat. They are responsible for equalizing ear pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear. The Eustachian tubes are usually closed except for when you chew, swallow, or yawn.

Several reasons can plug your Eustachian tubes and it may cause pain, hearing difficulties, and a feeling of fullness in the ears. Call your health care provider to be advise what to do.

Types & Symptoms

Symptoms of ETD may include:

  • Fullness in the Ears
  • Changes to your Hearing
  • Clicking or Popping Sounds
  • Ticklish Feelings in the Ears
  • Feeling Like your Ears are “Plugged”
  • Pain Ringing in the Ear, Also Known as Tinnitus

Symptoms can last depending on the initial cause.  Illnesses and other causes of ETD may result in longer-lasting symptoms. Call your doctor if your symptoms are severe or last for two weeks or longer.

Children have higher risk of getting ear infections and so need to see a doctor. The pain from ETD can mimic the pain from an ear infection.

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose ETD, your doctor might perform a physical exam and ask for the kind of symptoms you are experiencing.

Sometimes ETD may be mistaken for other illness involving the ears. One example is abnormal patency of the Eustachian tubes wherein the tubes frequently open on their own.

 

TREATMENT

ETD usually resolves on its own and without treatment. Talk to your doctor about treatment options if your symptoms are severe or persist for more than two weeks.

Treatment for ETD depends on both the severity and cause of the condition, and may include:

  • Home Remedies
    • Chewing Gum
    • Swallowing
    • Yawning
    • Breathing out with your Nostrils and Mouth Closed
    • Using a Saline Nasal Spray to Help Clean out Passageways
  • Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medications
    • Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or Cetirizine (Zyrtec, Aller-Tec, Alleroff
  • Prescription Drugs
    • Antibiotic
    • Oral Corticosteroids
    • Pressure Equalization Tubes (PETs)

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