{"id":6735,"date":"2019-06-03T03:41:48","date_gmt":"2019-06-03T03:41:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=6735"},"modified":"2020-06-18T06:04:10","modified_gmt":"2020-06-18T06:04:10","slug":"14-most-common-causes-of-eustachian-tube-dysfunction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-most-common-causes-of-eustachian-tube-dysfunction\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Most Common Causes of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The eustachian tube is a canal that connects your middle ear to your throat. Whenever you yawn, sneeze, or swallow, the eustachian tube opens. This keeps air pressure and fluid from building up in the ear. Sometimes the eustachian tube becomes infected and plugged. When this happens, it causes eustachian tube dysfunction. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A person may experience some pain in the ear and sounds will be muffled. They may only be able to hear their own voices. In order to get relief from eustachian tube dysfunction, you\u2019ll need to use a home remedy. In a few days, the eustachian tubes should open. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After you get relief from having eustachian tube dysfunction, you\u2019ll want to know how you got it in the first place. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are eight common causes of eustachian tube dysfunction that you\u2019ll need to know so that you can prevent from getting it again. It may be easy to get rid of, but it can be a pain.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. <\/strong>Children\u2019s immune systems are weaker than adults. <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It can cause them to get eustachian tube dysfunction much easier. Their eustachian tubes are much shorter than adults and germs can get trapped in the middle ear. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important for children to have regular physicals because some children won\u2019t let their parents know that they have an illness. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eustachian tube dysfunction may not cause them any pain. The only way parents will know that something is wrong with the child is if he or she is messing with their ear. That is an indication that the child has an ear infection. It\u2019s important to take the child to see their pediatrician as soon as possible because since a child\u2019s immune systems are weaker than adults, the ear infection can turn into permanent hearing loss. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pediatrician will tell the parents what they need to do in order to clear the infection, along with a written prescription.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. <\/strong>Obesity can cause eustachian tube dysfunction. <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are obese have fatty deposits around their eustachian tubes. It will become difficult for them to hear because their eustachian tubes are blocked. The only way an obese person can get relief is by losing weight. Once he or she loses weight, the fatty deposits will go away. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the eustachian tubes are still closed, the obese person can just yawn, swallow, or chew gum to open them. Being obese is already a serious problem because it can cause death. When it affects your hearing, it will make it difficult to getting treatment because in order to open the eustachian tubes, a doctor may have to cut some of the fat out of the ear. This can be prevented by exercising and eating healthy. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It doesn\u2019t cost anything to get rid of eustachian tube dysfunction, but with an obese person, it\u2019ll cost him or her because prescription medicine and surgery may have to be given. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. <\/strong>Smoking can cause eustachian tube dysfunction. <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cilia are small hairs that take mucus from the middle ear to the back of the nose. The cilia become damaged when you smoke. Mucus gathers in the eustachian tubes when this occurs. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is difficult to stop smoking. That is why when a person wants to stop smoking, their primary care physician can place them on a program to help him or her to slowly quit. Once a smoker stops smoking, the eustachian tubes are able to drain and they\u2019ll begin to open. It may take a while for the eustachian tubes to heal because they are used to all of the nicotine that the body was given over the years. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smokers can help clear the mucus in the tubes by pretending to blow their nose while gently pinching it. The mucus should drain out and over time the eustachian tubes will begin to open.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. <\/strong>Seasonal allergies are one of the most common causes of eustachian tube dysfunction. <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When allergies occur, it can affect the ears, throat, and nose. When it comes to seasonal allergies, there is nothing a person can do to prevent it because it will occur no matter what. An allergy sufferer can keep his or her nose clear by using a saline nasal spray a few times a week. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The saline nasal spray works so well that it only takes a few times to get relief from eustachian tube dysfunction. The eustachian tubes should open in a few days. Benadryl is another antihistamine that will help with allergies. The only thing about Benadryl is that it can cause drowsiness. It should only be taken if you don\u2019t plan on leaving the house. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, taking Ibuprofen is known to help seasonal allergy sufferers. It will help with any pain or inflammation with eustachian tube dysfunction.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. <\/strong>Sinus infections can cause eustachian tube dysfunction. <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sinus infection causes the eustachian tubes to fill with mucus or become inflamed. Using a saline nasal spray is helpful to relieve sinus infections. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mucus needs to be drained and saline nasal spray will do the trick. It will take about three days to get rid of the infection and open the eustachian tubes. Blowing and pinching the nose will help open the eustachian tubes and get rid of the mucus. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a sinus infection, antihistamines and Ibuprofen are good to take as well. You should still get plenty of rest when you have a sinus infection because the more rest you get the quicker you will get better. It is a good idea to stay home until the eustachian tubes open because if any air gets into the ear canal, it will take much longer for the tubes to open. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. <\/strong>Cold or flu are the most common causes of eustachian tube dysfunction. <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A cold or the flu causes inflammation and mucus to build up in the tubes. The ears are full of air pressure. The only way to reduce the pressure from the ears is by using a decongestant and antihistamines. This will clear up mucus in the nose, throat, and ears. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you have a cold or the flu, the nose, throat, and ears become stuffy. The eustachian tubes become closed and it causes the person to have a difficult time hearing. By taking the decongestants and antihistamines, it will allow the eustachian tubes to open. It may take a few days for this occur, but your cold or flu symptoms will be either gone or much less. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try not to dig your fingers in your ears when you are sick. Children are known for placing their fingers in their ears when they are sick. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. <\/strong>Sitting in a plane can cause eustachian tube dysfunction. <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The change in altitude can cause fluid and air pressure to build up in the ears and block the eustachian tubes. You may find using earplugs will help when sitting on a plane. It can be even worse when you have to sit on a plane for hours. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When air pressure and fluid is built up in the ears, it can be painful. In order to get relief, you\u2019ll need to take Ibuprofen. Once you get off the plane, you won\u2019t be able to hear anything. In order to open the eustachian tubes, you\u2019ll need to yawn or chew gum. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tubes should start to slowly open. Don\u2019t let eustachian tube dysfunction keep you from sitting on a plane. The symptoms won\u2019t last forever. Taking deep breaths and pinching your nose gently can help to keep the eustachian tubes open.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. <\/strong>Certain activities that result in a change in air pressure can cause eustachian tube dysfunction, including rock climbing and hiking at a high altitude. <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The higher you climb, the air pressure changes. Your ears will feel full and cause temporary hearing loss. Most people who rock climb or hike, don\u2019t think to protect their ears. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protective ear covering could reduce the chances of getting eustachian tube dysfunction. The nose may still become congested since you\u2019re at a high altitude. So, it\u2019s important to bring saline nasal spray along with you. You\u2019ll need to blow your nose often since it will help with opening the eustachian tubes. You will still enjoy your activity, but you want to be able to hear what\u2019s going on around you too. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have never experience Eustachian tube dysfunction you may place a cotton swab in your ear to clean it out, but it won\u2019t. It\u2019ll just cause more ear pain and make the condition last longer.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Adenoids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It may surprise you to learn that you have three sets of tonsils in your throat. The adenoids are the top set of tonsils closest to the mouth. These glands are a part of the lymphatic system and work to absorb and kill off pathogens entering the mouth. Also known as the pharyngeal tonsils or nasopharyngeal tonsils, the adenoids are one of the critical defense systems used by the immune system to ward off viral, fungal, and bacterial infections in the throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The adenoids consist of lymphatic tissue that absorbs pathogens, shuttling them into the lymphatic system where the lymph nodes filter the toxins, excreting them from the body. In some patients, the adenoids may swell to an abnormal size, resulting in dysfunction of the Eustachian tubes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, the adenoids will return to their average size as the infection starts to clear. However, some patients may need surgery to remove the adenoids, especially if they experience recurrent infections.
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10. Tonsillitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As we mentioned, bacterial or viral pathogens that enter the body through the mouth may end up infecting the throat. Along with adenoid swell9ing, the patient may experience tonsillitis, an inflammation of the other two sets of tonsils in the throat. This infection leads to the development of symptoms of a sore throat, mild fever, and Eustachian tube dysfunction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the tonsils swell, they place pressure on surrounding tissues in the throat, resulting in a temporary closure of the Eustachian tubes. As the swelling goes down, and the infection clears, the eustachian tubes will gradually return to normal function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients that experience a frequent infection of the tonsils may require surgery to remove the glands and prevent further infection. Tonsillitis is most common in children and teens, but adults can contract the disease as well. Most tonsillitis infections are viral and resolve on their own in a few days without the need for medical intervention.
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11. Strep Throat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tonsillitis mostly occurs due to viral infection of the glands. However, it\u2019s possible for bacterial pathogens to infect the tissues in the tonsils and throat as well. Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus, is the pathogen responsible for causing the majority of cases of strep throat. After experiencing the onset of the infection, patients may notice that they start to develop a white scum in the back of the throat that begins to spread to the mouth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The condition causes vast amounts of swelling and inflammation in the throat, resulting in the closure and dysfunction of the eustachian tubes. The patient may also experience the onset of a sore and scratchy throat. Doctors treat patients with antibiotics to kill the Streptococcus pyogenes and reduce the swelling and inflammation in the throat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left untreated, the condition may progress into other complications such as tonsillitis or inflammation of the adenoids. Most patients make a full recovery after starting a course of antibiotics, and symptoms subside after two to three days.
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12. Ear infections <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ear infections are also another leading cause of eustachian tube dysfunction. There are various types of infections affecting the outer, middle, and inner ear, with a middle ear infection being the most common form of the disease. The condition typically occurs more often in children than adults, and parents of infants should watch their child for non-verbal signs of ear infection, such as tugging on the ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Middle or inner ear infection may cause disruption and discomfort in the eustachian tubes, resulting in a sore throat and problems with the patients hearing. In most cases, this infection clears within a few days, without the need for antibiotics or other medications to manage the condition. However, if pain persists past three days after infection, then it\u2019s best to have a doctor check for complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the infection clears, the patient will notice their symptoms of sore throat and hearing disruption will start to fade away within 48-hours after beginning treatment.
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13. Ruptured Eardrum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A ruptured eardrum also referred to as \u201cperforation\u201d of the eardrum by doctors, is another probable cause of eustachian tube dysfunction. There are a variety of reasons why you may rupture your eardrum, but the leading causes involved with the development of the condition are impact or trauma to the ear, as well as exposure to loud noises, and sudden changes in air pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rupturing an eardrum causes a significant amount of pain in the ear of the affected individual. The patient may also develop other symptoms of dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears,) and vertigo. When the auditory tube experience dysfunction as a result of eardrum perforation, the canal swells, placing pressure on surrounding tissues that block off the eustachian tube, causing malfunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no way to repair a perforated eardrum, and the patient may have to live with symptoms of diminished hearing and eustachian tube problems for the rest of their life. As a result, patients may experience frequent infections of the ear.
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14. Growths or Tumors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In some patients, growths and tumors may also lead to dysfunction of the eustachian tubes. When benign growths occur in the throat, they may place pressure on surrounding tissues. As a result, the eustachian tubes start to close, resulting in dysfunction. The patient may find that they have issues with swallowing, and they may also develop an ear infection in the middle or inner ear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In cases of throat cysts, growths, and tumors \u2013 many of them are benign, meaning that they are not cancerous. However, people that have dangerous lifestyle habits, such as smoking, chewing or dipping tobacco, as well as drinking alcohol, are at higher risk of the growth turning cancerous. Doctors prefer to leave benign growths alone unless they are affecting the function of the throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should the growths start to cause issues with swallowing or thyroid dysfunction, surgeons may operate on the affected individual to remove the tumors and return the throat to its normal function.
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