What do I do about constant ear popping and lightheadedness?

[katclay]

Two months ago I was sitting in a meeting and for a very brief moment I blacked out.  I lost all vision for less than a second and then was back, but felt like I might pass out for the rest of the day.  That feeling has morphed into lightheadedness some days, dizziness, headache, depending on the day, but has been with me almost every day for the past two months.  Doctor suggested sinus infection and gave me steroids plus antibiotics. Seemed to get much better with steroids but then came right back.  ENT said eustachian tube dysfunction due to allergies (tested positive for various inhalent allergies) and said to use Xyzal and Flonase.  Xyzal made me too sleepy so stopped, and Flonase has done nothing.  ENT said it would take Flonase a month to clear up the ETD.  The constant ear popping wouldn't bother me if it weren't accompanied by the lightheadedness and brain fog, which sometimes by the end of the day turns into a very bad headache and then disappears.  I did have one random week where my symptoms weren't as bad, then the next week they came back again.  An odd thing is that I feel my best when I am running, and worst when I am sitting and reading.  My neck can also feel sore and head feels too heavy at times.  Indoors is generally worse than outdoors, although some days outdoors doesn't feel so great either.  I survive my work day every day, but by the time I make it back home I want to cry.  The anxiety this is creating certainly isn't helping!  I'm a 44 year old woman in good shape, avid runner, and am looking for some advice since I feel like the doctor hasn't really helped me much.

[KP_13]

I know this is old, but I am just curious if you ever figured out what was wrong? I have such a similar situation, almost exact, and I am looking for any advice or guidance. Thanks!

[specialmom]

I had this years ago and it involved Eustachian tube dysfunction. I saw an ENT. One thing I did that helped (taught by the ent) is to do reverse ear pops. Hold nose, gently blow and it pops. Do it over and over. I also took an antihistamine. But you should definitely consult with your doctor to make sure this is the case.

[KP_13]

I have an appointment with an ENT next week. Thank you for your reply, I will definitely try this!

[katclay]

I should add that I had bloodwork done, and it showed very low vitamin D and somewhat low hemoglobin.  Have been taking supplements for those issues for the past month.