Eustachian Tube Dysfunction(ETD; Barotitis Media; Ear Popping; Pressure-related Ear Pain)Pronounced: u-STA-shi-an tube dis-FUNC-shin
by
Laurie B. Rosenblum, MPH DefinitionThe eustachian tube is a small canal that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and upper throat. Its purpose is to equalize the air pressure in the middle ear with the pressure outside it. Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) occurs when the tube fails to open during swallowing or yawning. This results in a difference between the air pressure inside and outside the middle ear.
CausesETD is caused by poor function or blockage of the eustachian tube, including:
Risk FactorsThis condition is more common in children. Other factors that may increase your chances of ETD:
SymptomsSymptoms can include:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your ears will be examined. If your case is severe, you may need to see an otolaryngologist, a doctor who specializes in ear disorders. You may have tests done on your ears. This may include:
TreatmentThe following measures may improve clogging, discomfort, or pain:
If the symptoms do not go away within a few hours or are severe, your doctor may advise the following medications:
In rare cases, a myringotomy may be necessary. An incision will be made in the eardrum to allow the pressure to equalize and the fluid to drain. PreventionTo help reduce your chances of getting ETD:
RESOURCES:American Hearing Research Foundation http://www.american-hearing.org Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians https://familydoctor.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Hearing Society http://www.chs.ca Canadian Society of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery http://www.entcanada.org References:Barotrauma. American Hearing Research Foundation website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated October 2012. Accessed September 27, 2017. Eustachian tube dysfunction. Patient website. Available at:
https://patient.info/health/eustachian-tube-dysfunction. Updated February 24, 2015. Accessed September 27, 2017. General information about nasopharyngeal cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at:
https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/patient/nasopharyngeal-treatment-pdq.
Updated August 19, 2016. Accessed September 27, 2017. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Marcie L. Sidman, MD Last Updated: 9/17/2015 |
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