{"id":6641,"date":"2019-05-31T09:38:15","date_gmt":"2019-05-31T09:38:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=6641"},"modified":"2021-06-10T12:56:40","modified_gmt":"2021-06-10T12:56:40","slug":"14-ways-to-treat-eustachian-tube-dysfunction-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-ways-to-treat-eustachian-tube-dysfunction-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Ways to Treat Eustachian Tube Dysfunction at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Eustachian tube dysfunction occurs when the tubes become plugged or infected. It is a condition that can be treated at home if it\u2019s caught early. The reason the eustachian tubes are plugged or infected is that they are closed. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only way to open them up is by using a home remedy. The home remedy that you choose to use may not work right away. It\u2019ll take some time for the remedy to kick in. The more you use the home remedy, the quicker you will notice results. One remedy that you should not use is cotton swabs. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cotton swabs can do major damage to your ear canal and cause permanent hearing loss. You also don\u2019t want to place any foreign objects or your fingers in your ears to help treat eustachian tube dysfunction. If there is any inflammation or pain, it\u2019ll be much worse. There are eight ways to treat Eustachian tube dysfunction at home.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Swallowing <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Is a way to treat Eustachian tube<\/span><\/a> dysfunction at home. The swallowing action activates the muscles in the back of the throat to allow for the eustachian tubes to open. Swallowing can come from eating and drinking. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every time you swallow when you drink or eat, your eustachian tubes are working to open just a little more. Since swallowing is a natural motion, it doesn\u2019t cost you anything and can be done at any time of the day or night. The more you swallow, the more you will help your eustachian tubes to open. You can even try swallowing without eating or drinking anything. You don\u2019t necessarily have to swallow 24 hours a day to get your eustachian tubes to open. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to opening the eustachian tubes it will take some time and patience. It all depends on how severe the condition is. As long as you haven\u2019t done anything to the ear canal itself, it shouldn\u2019t take too long for the tubes to open<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Chewing sugar-free gum <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Is a way to treat Eustachian tube dysfunction at home. Sugar-free gum is inexpensive and all you need to do is chew it to see results. The chewing action causes the eustachian tubes to want to open the more you do it. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you chew, you have to swallow as well. It works best if you try to keep your mouth closed when you chew. When the chewing of the gum starts working, you may hear a popping sound, letting you know that the eustachian tubes are beginning to open. You don\u2019t necessarily have to chew gum all day, but it\u2019s a good idea to chew it for a couple of hours and give yourself a rest. Sooner or later, the chewing action will pay off. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re resting or not chewing, your hearing will go back to normal, especially if one of your symptoms <\/a>was partial hearing loss.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Yawning <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It can be done at home to treat Eustachian tube dysfunction. Yawning activates the muscles <\/a>better. You may have to make yourself yawn, but when you do, it\u2019ll help with your eustachian tube dysfunction. You\u2019re hearing a popping sound when you yawn. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is letting you know that the eustachian tubes are trying to open. Yawn for a few times and then rest. There is no need to continuously yawn, but when you have the urge to do it, do so. The more times you do it, it\u2019ll help your eustachian tubes to open. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, your eustachian tubes may open up when you wake up in the morning just by yawning before you go to bed. If you had been yawning a few times the day before and while you slept, your eustachian tubes had time to heal. The next time you have problems with your eustachian tubes consider yawning first.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Blow your nose and pinch it gently with your mouth closed <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Is a treatment <\/a>that can be done at home to heal your eustachian tube dysfunction. When you do this action, it causes the eustachian tubes to open. It may not open the first time you do it, but you should start to notice that your hearing becoming clearer. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will work also when you have a cold or sinuses. The eustachian tubes can become closed and the only way to get them to open is by blowing your nose. You will hear a popping sound when it\u2019s trying to open. You don\u2019t have to blow your nose constantly because it can you to have pain. Just blow it one or two times and let the eustachian tubes try to open. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By trying the home remedy and resting in between allows the tubes to open up on its own.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Saline nasal spray <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Is another treatment you can use at home to treat Eustachian tube dysfunction. Saline nasal spray<\/a> helps with nasal congestion, which will help to open up the eustachian tubes. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The nasal spray works so well that once the body gets used to it, it doesn\u2019t seem to work anymore. So, it\u2019s best to use it for no more than three days. The eustachian tubes may be open by then. The reason saline nasal spray works so well is that it will drain any fluid that is in the ears into the throat, which will be eliminated. Once the fluid is eliminated, the eustachian tubes are allowed to open. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you use a nasal spray, use it according to the package directions. If you use it more often than directed, it can cause more problems. Using it more often isn\u2019t going to make your eustachian tube dysfunction go away quicker.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Such as Ibuprofen <\/a>can be taken at home for eustachian tube dysfunction. Ibuprofen helps with pain and swelling. There may be pain and swelling when you have Eustachian tube dysfunction if it has been lingering for a long time or you have been placing foreign objects in the ear. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the prescribed amount of Ibuprofen for a few days to allow the swelling and pain to go away. If it doesn\u2019t go away, you\u2019ll need to speak with your doctor who will give you a prescription medication for eustachian tube dysfunction. Once the pain and swelling go away, the eustachian tubes will begin to open. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pain may cause you to stay home from work and\/or school because you won\u2019t be able to hear anyone talking. You\u2019ll hear yourself, but no one else. Depending on how you react to Ibuprofen, it may cause drowsiness and the inability to complete your work.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Warm compress <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It can be placed over the nose, throat, and ear area to help treat Eustachian tube dysfunction at home. When it comes to a warm compress, use a clean washcloth and warm water. You can add Epsom salt<\/a> to the warm water to help in the healing process. By placing the warm compress on the nose, throat, or ear area, it allows the eustachian tubes to open. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place the warm compress over the area a couple of times a day until you notice your hearing has cleared. When you place the warm compress over the ear, it helps to alleviate any ear pain and swelling. The more times you do it, the swelling and pain will eventually go away. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When placed over the nose, the pressure between the ears is allowed to force the eustachian tubes to open. Any fluid that is in the nose will drain out as well, which is good when you have Eustachian tube dysfunction.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Benadryl <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It can be helpful for someone with allergies to take when they are being treated for eustachian tube dysfunction. Benadryl <\/a>will alleviate the pressure in the ears, which will allow the eustachian tubes to open. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benadryl causes drowsiness, so you will want to take this at night unless you\u2019re going to be home during the day. It is also good to take Benadryl for nasal congestion. This is a common symptom when you have Eustachian tube dysfunction. Allergies can bring on a lot of ailments, such as causing the Eustachian tubes to close. Everything will become stuffy, including your nose and ears. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you have allergies, you may have some itchiness in the ear area. It\u2019ll cause you to have the urge to place your fingers in your ears to relieve yourself of the itchiness. Once you do that, you\u2019ll cause bacteria to become trapped in the ear, which will cause an infection.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9.    Sinus Stretching<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Congestion<\/a> in the sinus may lead to blockage in the Eustachian tubes, resulting in dysfunction. Patients with sinusitis can benefit from stretching the sinus to relieve the pressure and congestion causing dysfunction in the Eustachian tubes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To complete this stretch, take your right thumb and push it underneath your right cheekbone. Using the index finger on the left hand, pull on the bridge of your nose, at the spot where the cartilage meets the bone. Pull toward the left side of your face while placing pressure under the cheek with your thumb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hold the stretch for three seconds, and then release. You should notice an immediate clearing of the sinus, and you should recover the function of your Eustachian tubes as well. Repeat the treatment on both sides of the face. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using this stretch, you never have to worry about sinus congestion during seasonal changes, and it’s remarkably effective at relieving symptoms of dysfunction in the Eustachian tubes as well.
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10.    Neck Massage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Eustachian tubes connect the ear canal to the throat<\/a>, allowing fluids to drain from the ear to avoid blockages that may cause infection. If you have Eustachian tube dysfunction, you may find that you develop symptoms of a sore throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To relieve the symptoms, you can try this exercise. Lubricate the middle and index fingers of your right hand with some baby oil. Then, starting behind the ear, press your fingers into the soft tissue, and drag them down toward the front of your throat. Repeat this action until you begin to feel relief from the congestion in your Eustachian tubes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The forceful downward action of dragging your fingers along the throat helps to remove any blockages in the Eustachian tubes, providing relief. If you do not experience any relief from your symptoms, or inflammation of the throat increases, then you could be dealing with an infection \u2013 seek medical advice.
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11.    Ear Candles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the more controversial treatments for resolving Eustachian tube dysfunction \u2013 is ear candling. This homeopathic practice uses a hollow beeswax <\/a>candle, tipped with petroleum, to draw earwax and particles that may be causing the blockage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practitioners make the patient lay down on their side, with the affected ear pointing to toward the ceiling. They insert the candle into the ear canal and light the tip. The heat causes suction, drawing out all of the wax or blockage from the ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, while ear candling is effective, medical practitioners are against its use. Doctors state that ear candling is dangerous, and may result in hot wax entering the ear canal, causing hearing loss or permanent damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, provided that you use the assistance of a professional, the chances are that ear candling will not result in any form of injury to your ear canal. After the procedure, you should notice a significant improvement in your symptoms.
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12.    No Treatment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, Eustachian tube dysfunction resolves on its own, with no medical intervention necessary. The Eustachian tubes may need time to drain and remove the blockage. Provided that the tubes do not experience bacterial or viral infection, the patient should recover from the condition in a few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, should the Eustachian tubes experience an infection with a viral or bacterial pathogen, they ruin the risk of the bacteria <\/a>migrating up the tube into the ear canal where it may cause infection of the inner or middle ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a Eustachian tube dysfunction, give it 24-hours before you decide to visit your doctor, you might find that the blockage resolves itself while you sleep. If your symptoms do not show any signs of improvement after 72-hours, it’s best to visit your doctor for an examination and diagnosis of your condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the state of the dysfunction, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to stop the bacterial infection from spreading to the ear canal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Stop Smoking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you come down with Eustachian tube dysfunction, you may want to check your lifestyle habits for causes of the disorder. Cigarettes <\/a>contain over 7,000-harmful chemicals, including benzene, and formaldehyde. Many of the toxins in cigarette smoke remain unstudied due to the pressure of tobacco lobbyists on Capitol Hill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite numerous warnings from public health authorities, people continue to smoke, with little thought about the health implications involved with their habit. Most people who smoke realize that the practice is bad for them, but they refuse to quit, due to addiction to nicotine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, smokers are at a higher risk of developing adverse health conditions and diseases, such as bronchitis, COPD, and lung cancer. Smoking also has many other harmful effects on the body, and the smoke may harm the tiny hairs in the ear canal, as well as lead to infection and dysfunction of the Eustachian tubes.
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14.    Risk Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some people are predisposed to develop ETD than others. We have already discussed how smokers are at a higher risk of damaging the tiny hairs in the throat and ears, resulting in recurrent infections and bouts of ETD. If you find yourself mentioned among the high-risk groups below, make the necessary lifestyle adjustments to reduce your risk of developing the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overweight or obese <\/a>individuals are also at a higher risk of developing Eustachian tube dysfunction. Fatty tissue deposits in the throat may interfere with the normal function of the Eustachian tube, compressing it to a point where it becomes dysfunctional and starts to produce symptoms of inflammation and irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those individuals with allergies may also experience instances of ETD more frequently as well. Allergies increase mucus production and congestion in the sinus and throat, resulting in ETD. Specific activities may also increase your risk of developing ETD, including events like rock climbing, high-altitude hiking, skiing, and scuba diving may all place pressure on the Eustachian tubes, resulting in the onset of ETD.
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