Eustachian tubes

I have had problems with both of my ears since February of this year.  I had a cold for a couple of weeks before I went on holiday and on the flight back I had extremely bad pain in both ears.  I get what feels like pressure on my eardrum, which is sometimes worse if I am moving about. My GP said it was just due to my cold and gave me decongestants - they did not help so I went back and was given more of  the same decongestants. Having the problem for 4 - 5 months now without it getting much better I decided to get a second opinion and went to see another GP who said that both of my Eustachian tubes were blocked.  I have an allergy to 6 different types of grasses and also Ryegrass.  The GP saif he is sure that the problem is coming from my allergy and has put me on a course of Steroids - Zamene 30mg.  Rupafin antihistmine and Rhinocort nasal spray.

Is it normal for these tubes to be blocked for such a long time and would it cause so much discomfort.  This is starting to worry me now.  

also, is it normal to be given Steroids for this type of problem.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

The Eustachian tube blockage that you are having is due to 3 reasons.
1) Allergy to grass (hay fever)
2) Cold
3) Air travel

If you have a cold, sinus or ear infection, or suffer an allergy attack, it is advisable to postpone a trip by airplane. When an aircraft ascends, atmospheric pressure decreases, causing middle ear air pressure to increase. When the aircraft descends, atmospheric pressure increases and there is a decrease in the middle ear pressure. Either situation may cause ear pain if the Eustachian tube is not functioning properly.

Treatment includes oral decongestants, antihisaminics like benadryl and Claritin or zyrtec and steroids.

Your doctor is giving you the right treatment.Adhere to it and you will feel fine.

Do keep us posted on how you are doing.

[sallybeans]

Thanks kindd for the reply.  

Im still having problems.  Have now started to feel off balance, headaches, light headed.  Is this all to do with the ear problem? I would have thought it would be cleared up by now.  The GP said that it should have been better after the first course of steroids he gave me (that was a 1 week course)  The 2nd course he gave me is for 21 days and I only have about 6 days left now.

[jhuff102972]

My lower tooth started hurting at the same time as my left ear, then i found out i had an abcess (abscess). Had the root canal, but pain and pressure in the left ear continued. Real annoying. Went to the MD, she cleaned out my ear with syringe and warm water. and gave me Neomycin ear drops. Two days later squealing and ringing in the left ear with pressure continued. Went to ENT, he said the nemycin made my ear worse, and gave me a steriod. been on it a week, pressure feels a little better, but squealing continues, especially when the radio is on. ANY IDEA's>??