Anyone else ever had problems with their eustachian tubes?

[scarlet_owl]

I had the same problem last year. The tubes in my ears have closed and the pain is deferred to my jaws. I can't open my mouth all the way and chewing is painful. My doctor said there is nothing they can do about it. Has anyone else ever had this problem, and if so, did anything help it? Last time I just suffered through with normal Tylenol. Thanks.

[jimbo fett]

1. Sounds like TMJ.

Tempora (sp?) Mandibular Joint syndrome.

I have a mild case. I don't have much pain but I can't open my mouth without "dislocating" my jaw a bit and I'm always having to "pop" my ears like one has to do when flying on a plane.

[scarlet_owl]

3. Hmm. Nothing like that, just lots of pain.

I used to date a guy with TMJ and his jaw popped every time he opened his mouth. My tubes only seem to act up when the temperature changes drastically, like it has recently. I might go and see another doctor to get a second opinion. Thank you for your reply.

[Dogmudgeon]

2. Yes

Major problems from cancer and it's aftermath.

How to open them? Usually, an antihistamine/decongestant works in under two hours. Unless you have a contraindicated condition (like high blood pressure or narrow-angle glaucoma), take a double dose. (Not a triple, not a quadruple -- a double.) Except that every time I suggest that, twenty people reply that they're "allergic" to it.

Spray decongestant works especially well, but be prepared for everybody you know to warn you, in the most solemn of tones, how you will become addicted.

If the pain is from an outer ear wax build-up, some household Hydrogen Peroxide (NOT the cosmetician's type!) should do nicely to wipe it out.

Incidentally, I'm not a physician, so if you have ANY questions, you know who to call -- and it ain't me!

Good luck.

--bkl

[scarlet_owl]

4. Thank you. I think I'll try the decongestant.

[VOX]

5. Yes. It's a gawdawful malady and it can drive one crazy...

If your pain is coming from the pressure build-up, you need to get the tubes open (obviously).

Have you recently had a cold, the flu, allergy problems, or do you have any nasal stuffiness with the ear pressure?

See if some over-the-counter decongestants will help -- Sudafed tablets and Nasalcrom spray are reliable, safe, and widely used. (Do not use Afrin or the like, as it will just make things worse when you "rebound" off of them.)

Also, try cutting down on your salt intake, as you would to reduce any swelling.

If your hearing is impaired by the stuffiness, or if you're experiencing dizziness or trouble on only one side of your head, have it checked by a doctor.

Good luck.

[scarlet_owl]

9. I haven't had the flu or a cold recently, nor is there

any nasal stuffiness. Lots of temperature changes here, i.e. from 60 degrees to 30 in a little over a day. Could that have something to do with it? Thanks for the advice.

[cally]

6. Your doctor is ridiculous

I have small Eustacian tubes and have constant problems with infection and blockage. Decongestant help, nasal sprays help, and keeping your sinuses clean with saline spray and nasal washes works. It sounds like you might have a infection and need anti-biotics. My ears were so bad that I had to have tubes put in them for a few years. I also once had an ENT that would pierce the eardrum and suction out the fluid blocking it. That was pretty weird and I wouldn't recommend it, but it did remove the pain and blockage. Good luck.

By the way, you should only use nasal decongestants for three days. Then not use them for a week or two. Otherwise they make the problem worse, not better.

[davsand]

7. Yep. I am an adult with tubes in my ears.

My Eustachian tubes are awful. Every year I'd get a cold that would fill up my ears and I'd not be able to hear. Every year I'd go thru the steroids and Afrin trip, and every year I'd be unable to hear for most of the winter.

Finally, the year I was pregnant with our daughter, I had to have tubes put in to help with the drainage, and it was a major breakthrough.

I am on my third set of tubes now, and it makes all the difference. Recently, they have come up with a new way to put them in that is a whole lot easier to tolerate than the old way (involving shots inside the ear canal.) They paint something on the ear drum and a few minutes later you are done.

I'll shoot you a PM with the name of my ENT Guy at Carle...

Laura

[scarlet_owl]

8. Thanks everyone! I tried the decongestant and it worked great!

I can chew again! I'm going to go and see my regular doctor about this. Thanks again!

[trof]

10. One of those little Vicks inhalers helps too.

During my flying years I carried one all the time.
Few things worse than a sinus/ear block when you're trying to get the plane on the ground.

[populistmom]

11. Decongestants and ibuprofin

Two of my boys (along with most other males in my family and my husband's) have had ear tubes and ear problems (despite breastfeeding them for what seemed like forever sometimes). Decongestants help them drain, ibuprofin helps with pain and swelling.

There's other alternative thoughts as well, cranial-sacral therapy by chiropractors and ear candling. I haven't tried these methods, bt I have known people who have with good results. If you'd rather avoid pharmceuticals, this is worth checking out too.