Not MS, but any tips for plugged ears?

[lovemy6monkeys]

Since I'm at the end stages of a mild cold, I'm assuming this is not MS related LOL

Yesterday, completely out of the blue, my right ear totally plugged up. It feels like I have those foam ear plugs in or when your ears start to "pop" from an altitude change. I can hear, but I also hear myself talking and breathing. It started suddenly, but by kind of pushing on my ear I was able to get it to go away just a little but a few hours later it came back.

It is a bit sore, maybe because I keep pushing on my ear to get it to release LOL

I'm just assuming this is from the cold, although the cold was pretty mild and didn't cause much mucus.

Any tips on how to get this to release? It's not causing enough discomfort to justify going to an after hours clinic. I would consider seeing my doctor, but Monday through Wednesday  I "elder"sit my husbands Aunt who had a stroke a couple months ago, and has a lot of problems from that. I can't see how I could see the doctor with not only Aunt S, but my three youngest kids all going with me.

Thanks!
~Jess

[lovemy6monkeys]

Thanks everyone for the tips! Has anyone told you lately how much you rock?

I will start with the decongestant. If that does not help I will move on to the olive oil and bulb syringe trick :-)

~Jess

[amers789]

Hi, plugged ears can sometimes be due to fluid buildup, often associated with common cold and congestion. A decongestant may help, as well as warm compresses when it gets uncomfortable.
The ear wax can do it too and suggestions above are great for that...Get well:)
Amers

[twopack]

I was thinking ear wax too.  I got plugged up with it once and couldn't hear s*it.  I found out how much lip reading plays into our everyday conversations.  A nurse in the doctor's office irrigated it after I had used some of those OTC drops to soften it.  She commented that it came out much easier since I had used those.

A few CAUTIONS:  SIT DOWN while irrigating your ears if you decide to try it.  Also, be sure the water temperature is just warm, not hot or cold.  You can get dizzy and/or nauseated with ear irrigations.  BE GENTLE.  You don't want to put a lot of pressure into the ear canal.  A hand held shower head can work well if you have one of those AND a seat in the shower.  And sometimes, it's just best to let the professionals handle the job the first time around.

Ain't it always something?
Mary

[essdipity]

Are you sure it isn't just ear wax?  Don't use a Q-Tip, as that only pushes wax further in, but maybe you could ask your husband to look into your ear with a flashlight.

Years ago my primary doctor told me how to deal with ear wax, if that's the trouble. He said to put a little olive oil in my ear at bedtime, then a piece of cotton to hold it in. (I put an old towel over my pillow in case of leaks.) I was told to do that 3 nights in a row, as it softens wax well, after which a bulb syringe with warm water would wash it out. And it did, just fine.

I believe there are also OTC products for this purpose. If you have any pain (whether or not the problem is wax), you do need to see a doc or nurse. Don't want an infection, above all. One thought is to stop in at a Minute Clinic or similar place, usually in drug stores such as CVS. They'll be able to tell you if you need further treatment.

Good luck,

ess