Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

There are many reasons why your ears and throat may hurt. While most issues are minor and may clear up on their own, some symptoms could need prompt medical attention.

A sore throat is pain in the back of the throat. It can be caused by a number of things, but a cold is the most common cause. Like a sore throat, ear pain also has a few underlying causes.

Most of the time, a sore throat isn’t anything to worry about and will improve within a few days. When an earache accompanies a sore throat, it could be a sign of tonsillitis, mononucleosis, or another condition that may require treatment.

Let’s take a look at the causes of a sore throat and ear pain and which ones warrant a visit to the doctor.

A sore throat and ear pain may sound self-explanatory, but the type of pain and severity can vary, depending on the cause.

Symptoms of a sore throat can include:

• mild to severe pain in the back of your throat
• dry or scratchy feeling in your throat
• pain when swallowing or talking
• hoarseness
• redness in the back of your throat
• swollen tonsils
• swollen glands in your neck or jaw
• white patches on your tonsils

Ear pain symptoms can include:

• dull, sharp, or burning pain in one or both ears
• muffled hearing
• feeling of fullness in the ear
• fluid drainage from ear
• popping sound or sensation in the ear

A sore throat and ear pain can also be accompanied by headache, fever, and general feeling of being unwell, depending on the cause.

The following are causes of sore throat and ear pain together.

Allergies

Allergens, such as pollen and dust, can trigger an allergic reaction that causes inflammation of the mucus membranes that line the nasal cavities and ears. This causes postnasal drip, which is excess mucus draining into the throat. Postnasal drip is a common cause of throat irritation and pain.

Inflammation can also cause a blockage in the ears that prevents mucus from draining properly, leading to pressure and ear pain.

You may also have other symptoms of allergies, including:

• sneezing
• runny nose
• itchy or watery eyes
• nasal congestion

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, which are two glands located on each side of your throat. Tonsillitis is more common in children, but can happen at any age. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses, such as the common cold.

Red, swollen tonsils and a sore throat are the most common symptoms. Others include:

• pain when swallowing
• ear pain when swallowing
• swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• white or yellow patches on the tonsils
• fever

Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis, or mono, is an infectious disease usually caused by a virus, such as the Epstein-Barr virus. Mono can cause severe symptoms that can last for several weeks.

It can affect anyone, but people in their teens and early 20s are more likely to experience classic symptoms of the illness, which include:

• sore throat
• swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, and groin
• fatigue
• muscle aches and weakness
• ear fullness

Strep throat

Strep throat is a contagious infection caused by a group of bacteria. Strep throat can cause a very painful sore throat that comes on very quickly. Sometimes, the bacteria from a throat infection can travel into the eustachian tubes and middle ear, causing an ear infection.

Other symptoms of strep throat include:

• white patches or pus on the tonsils
• tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
• fever
• swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck

Acid reflux

Acid reflux is a common condition that occurs when stomach acid or other contents of your stomach back up into your esophagus. If you experience frequent acid reflux, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a more severe form of acid reflux.

Symptoms tend to be worse when lying down, bending over, or after a heavy meal. Heartburn is the most common symptom. Others symptoms include:

• sour taste in the mouth
• regurgitation of food, liquid, or bile
• indigestion
• sore throat and hoarseness
• the feeling of a lump in your throat

Chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a condition in which the sinus cavities become inflamed for at least 12 weeks even with treatment. The inflammation interferes with mucus drainage, causing a buildup that leads to pain and swelling in the face. Other symptoms include:

• thick, discolored mucus
• nasal congestion
• sore throat
• ear pain
• aching in your upper teeth and jaw
• cough
• bad breath

Irritants

Inhaling smoke, chemicals, and other substances can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and cause inflammation of the mucous membranes, which can affect the ears. It can also cause lung irritation.

Common irritants include:

• smoke
• chlorine
• wood dust
• oven cleaner
• industrial cleaning products
• cement
• gasoline
• paint thinner

Temporomandibular joint disorders

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joints located on each side of your jaw. TMD causes pain and dysfunction in these joints, which control jaw movement. The condition is more common in people who clench and grind their teeth, but the exact cause isn’t known.

Common symptoms of TMD include:

• jaw pain that may radiate to the neck
• pain in one or both joints
• chronic headaches
• facial pain
• clicking, popping, or cracking sounds from the jaw

People with TMD have also reported sore throat and ears, a plugging sensation, and ringing in the ear.

Tooth infection or abscess

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus at the tip of your tooth’s root caused by a bacterial infection. An abscessed tooth can cause severe pain that radiates to your ear and jaw on the same side. The lymph nodes in your neck and throat may also be swollen and tender.

Other symptoms include:

• sensitivity to heat and cold
• pain when chewing and swallowing
• swelling in your cheek or face
• fever

Ear and throat pain on one side may be caused by:

• TMD
• tooth infection or abscess
• allergies

Sore throat and ear pain that lasts for weeks may be caused by:

• allergies
• mononucleosis
• acid reflux or GERD
• chronic sinusitis
• TMJD

A doctor will ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. During the exam they’ll check your ears and throat for signs of infection and examine your throat for swollen lymph nodes.

If strep throat is suspected, a swab of the back of your throat will be taken to check for bacteria. This is called a rapid strep test. It’s performed right away and results take just a few minutes.

Other tests that may be used to diagnose the cause of sore throat and ears include:

• blood tests
• nasolaryngoscopy, to look inside your nose and throat
• tympanometry, to check your middle ear
• laryngoscopy, to check your larynx
• barium swallow, to check for acid reflux

There are several effective home remedies for earache and sore throat. Medical treatments are also available, depending on what’s causing your symptoms.

Home remedies

Getting plenty of rest and fluids is a good place to start if you have a cold or other infection, such as a throat, sinus, or ear infection.

You can also try:

• a humidifier to help keep your throat and nasal passages moist
• over-the-counter (OTC) pain and fever medication
• OTC throat lozenges or sore throat spray
• OTC antihistamines
• a salt water gargle
• popsicles or ice chips for throat pain and inflammation
• a few drops of warmed olive oil in the ears
• antacids or OTC GERD treatments

Medical treatment

Most throat and ear infections clear up within a week without treatment. Antibiotics are rarely prescribed unless you’ve had repeated strep infections or have a compromised immune system. Antibiotics are also used to treat tooth infections.

Medical treatment for sore throat and ears depends on the cause. Treatments include:

• antibiotics
• prescription acid reflux medication
• nasal or oral corticosteroids
• prescription allergy medication
• surgery to remove the tonsils or adenoids

See a doctor if you have persistent throat and ear pain that doesn’t improve with self-care or if you have:

• a compromised immune system
• a high fever
• severe throat or ear pain
• blood or pus draining from your ear
• dizziness
• a stiff neck
• frequent heartburn or acid reflux

See a dentist if you have tooth pain or an abscess.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor or dentist, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Medical emergency

Some symptoms may indicate a serious illness or complication. Go to the nearest emergency room if your sore throat and ears is accompanied by:

• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• drooling
• a high-pitched sound when breathing, called a stridor

Home remedies can help relieve a sore throat and ears, but medical treatment may be needed depending on the cause of your symptoms. If self-care measures don’t help or your symptoms are severe, speak to a doctor.

Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

There are many reasons why your ears and throat may hurt. While most issues are minor and may clear up on their own, some symptoms could need prompt medical attention.

A sore throat is pain in the back of the throat. It can be caused by a number of things, but a cold is the most common cause. Like a sore throat, ear pain also has a few underlying causes.

Most of the time, a sore throat isn’t anything to worry about and will improve within a few days. When an earache accompanies a sore throat, it could be a sign of tonsillitis, mononucleosis, or another condition that may require treatment.

Let’s take a look at the causes of a sore throat and ear pain and which ones warrant a visit to the doctor.

A sore throat and ear pain may sound self-explanatory, but the type of pain and severity can vary, depending on the cause.

Symptoms of a sore throat can include:

• mild to severe pain in the back of your throat
• dry or scratchy feeling in your throat
• pain when swallowing or talking
• hoarseness
• redness in the back of your throat
• swollen tonsils
• swollen glands in your neck or jaw
• white patches on your tonsils

Ear pain symptoms can include:

• dull, sharp, or burning pain in one or both ears
• muffled hearing
• feeling of fullness in the ear
• fluid drainage from ear
• popping sound or sensation in the ear

A sore throat and ear pain can also be accompanied by headache, fever, and general feeling of being unwell, depending on the cause.

The following are causes of sore throat and ear pain together.

Allergies

Allergens, such as pollen and dust, can trigger an allergic reaction that causes inflammation of the mucus membranes that line the nasal cavities and ears. This causes postnasal drip, which is excess mucus draining into the throat. Postnasal drip is a common cause of throat irritation and pain.

Inflammation can also cause a blockage in the ears that prevents mucus from draining properly, leading to pressure and ear pain.

You may also have other symptoms of allergies, including:

• sneezing
• runny nose
• itchy or watery eyes
• nasal congestion

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, which are two glands located on each side of your throat. Tonsillitis is more common in children, but can happen at any age. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses, such as the common cold.

Red, swollen tonsils and a sore throat are the most common symptoms. Others include:

• pain when swallowing
• ear pain when swallowing
• swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• white or yellow patches on the tonsils
• fever

Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis, or mono, is an infectious disease usually caused by a virus, such as the Epstein-Barr virus. Mono can cause severe symptoms that can last for several weeks.

It can affect anyone, but people in their teens and early 20s are more likely to experience classic symptoms of the illness, which include:

• sore throat
• swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, and groin
• fatigue
• muscle aches and weakness
• ear fullness

Strep throat

Strep throat is a contagious infection caused by a group of bacteria. Strep throat can cause a very painful sore throat that comes on very quickly. Sometimes, the bacteria from a throat infection can travel into the eustachian tubes and middle ear, causing an ear infection.

Other symptoms of strep throat include:

• white patches or pus on the tonsils
• tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
• fever
• swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck

Acid reflux

Acid reflux is a common condition that occurs when stomach acid or other contents of your stomach back up into your esophagus. If you experience frequent acid reflux, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a more severe form of acid reflux.

Symptoms tend to be worse when lying down, bending over, or after a heavy meal. Heartburn is the most common symptom. Others symptoms include:

• sour taste in the mouth
• regurgitation of food, liquid, or bile
• indigestion
• sore throat and hoarseness
• the feeling of a lump in your throat

Chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a condition in which the sinus cavities become inflamed for at least 12 weeks even with treatment. The inflammation interferes with mucus drainage, causing a buildup that leads to pain and swelling in the face. Other symptoms include:

• thick, discolored mucus
• nasal congestion
• sore throat
• ear pain
• aching in your upper teeth and jaw
• cough
• bad breath

Irritants

Inhaling smoke, chemicals, and other substances can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and cause inflammation of the mucous membranes, which can affect the ears. It can also cause lung irritation.

Common irritants include:

• smoke
• chlorine
• wood dust
• oven cleaner
• industrial cleaning products
• cement
• gasoline
• paint thinner

Temporomandibular joint disorders

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joints located on each side of your jaw. TMD causes pain and dysfunction in these joints, which control jaw movement. The condition is more common in people who clench and grind their teeth, but the exact cause isn’t known.

Common symptoms of TMD include:

• jaw pain that may radiate to the neck
• pain in one or both joints
• chronic headaches
• facial pain
• clicking, popping, or cracking sounds from the jaw

People with TMD have also reported sore throat and ears, a plugging sensation, and ringing in the ear.

Tooth infection or abscess

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus at the tip of your tooth’s root caused by a bacterial infection. An abscessed tooth can cause severe pain that radiates to your ear and jaw on the same side. The lymph nodes in your neck and throat may also be swollen and tender.

Other symptoms include:

• sensitivity to heat and cold
• pain when chewing and swallowing
• swelling in your cheek or face
• fever

Ear and throat pain on one side may be caused by:

• TMD
• tooth infection or abscess
• allergies

Sore throat and ear pain that lasts for weeks may be caused by:

• allergies
• mononucleosis
• acid reflux or GERD
• chronic sinusitis
• TMJD

A doctor will ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. During the exam they’ll check your ears and throat for signs of infection and examine your throat for swollen lymph nodes.

If strep throat is suspected, a swab of the back of your throat will be taken to check for bacteria. This is called a rapid strep test. It’s performed right away and results take just a few minutes.

Other tests that may be used to diagnose the cause of sore throat and ears include:

• blood tests
• nasolaryngoscopy, to look inside your nose and throat
• tympanometry, to check your middle ear
• laryngoscopy, to check your larynx
• barium swallow, to check for acid reflux

There are several effective home remedies for earache and sore throat. Medical treatments are also available, depending on what’s causing your symptoms.

Home remedies

Getting plenty of rest and fluids is a good place to start if you have a cold or other infection, such as a throat, sinus, or ear infection.

You can also try:

• a humidifier to help keep your throat and nasal passages moist
• over-the-counter (OTC) pain and fever medication
• OTC throat lozenges or sore throat spray
• OTC antihistamines
• a salt water gargle
• popsicles or ice chips for throat pain and inflammation
• a few drops of warmed olive oil in the ears
• antacids or OTC GERD treatments

Medical treatment

Most throat and ear infections clear up within a week without treatment. Antibiotics are rarely prescribed unless you’ve had repeated strep infections or have a compromised immune system. Antibiotics are also used to treat tooth infections.

Medical treatment for sore throat and ears depends on the cause. Treatments include:

• antibiotics
• prescription acid reflux medication
• nasal or oral corticosteroids
• prescription allergy medication
• surgery to remove the tonsils or adenoids

See a doctor if you have persistent throat and ear pain that doesn’t improve with self-care or if you have:

• a compromised immune system
• a high fever
• severe throat or ear pain
• blood or pus draining from your ear
• dizziness
• a stiff neck
• frequent heartburn or acid reflux

See a dentist if you have tooth pain or an abscess.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor or dentist, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Medical emergency

Some symptoms may indicate a serious illness or complication. Go to the nearest emergency room if your sore throat and ears is accompanied by:

• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• drooling
• a high-pitched sound when breathing, called a stridor

Home remedies can help relieve a sore throat and ears, but medical treatment may be needed depending on the cause of your symptoms. If self-care measures don’t help or your symptoms are severe, speak to a doctor.

Runny nose, headache, ear and throat pain are good reasons to visit an ENT! We invite you to an appointment with an otolaryngologist.

Monday, 10 May 2021
/
Published in Articles

We have already talked about the fact that in the spring there is an exacerbation of various ENT diseases. We have already examined in detail such a disease as sinusitis. Today we want to draw your attention to the general factors that should alert you and “push” you to seek advice from an ENT. In this article, we will justify why it is important to contact the ENT, what he can do, and also consider the prevention of otolaryngological problems.

Do you have a cold? What measures to take?

There is no secret that it is in the spring, when the weather is deceptive and there are sharp temperature changes, it is very easy to catch a cold. After all, with the first rays of the bright spring sun, we are in a hurry to throw off our excess burden in the form of warm clothes, which can eventually result in a cold with its unpleasant symptoms in the form of a headache, runny nose, general weakness, etc.
As a rule, the detection of such symptoms does not especially disturbing. We are either trying to “fight” them on our own with the help of traditional medicine, or we are simply interested in the pharmacy about which drug should be purchased. But at the same time, we rarely think about the fact that the prescription of any drug should be based on diagnostic data, which can only be performed by a doctor. In this regard, we strongly recommend that if symptoms of the disease are detected, do not delay, but seek specialized medical care.

Colds: which specialist should you see?

Having discovered the above unpleasant symptoms of a cold, did you decide to see a doctor? Fine. But still the question remains: “Which specialist will you go to?” 90% of patients answer that, of course, to the therapist. However, if you notice symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, difficulty in nasal breathing, pain in the ears or throat, impaired sense of smell, etc., you must also consult an ENT. Only this specialist can correctly diagnose an otolaryngological disease and prescribe its adequate and effective treatment.

Common ENT diseases: what are they?

• Angina or tonsillitis – is an acute infectious disease of the pharynx, which is characterized by fever, severe sore throat, swollen lymph nodes. It is extremely important to note that untimely treatment can lead to the development of a chronic form of this problem, which can leave ice on vital organs and systems: the heart, blood vessels, joints.
• Otitis – a disease that consists in inflammation of the middle ear. The cause of its appearance is an untreated runny nose in a timely manner. In this case, patients complain of fever, migraine and severe ear pain. We don’t want to scare you, but it’s also not worth keeping silent about the fact that the lack of treatment can lead to the worst thing – hearing loss.
• Sinusitis – inflammation of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus. The disease is manifested by the presence of headache, pain in the temples, nasal congestion, fever, purulent discharge from the nasal cavity.
• Inflammation of the tonsils or enlargement of the adenoids in children – these problems interfere with normal nasal breathing and over time can lead to impaired brain activity, as there is a decrease in the supply of oxygen to the brain tissues. Currently, these problems can be solved with the help of cryogenic treatment or surgical intervention.

Important! Only a timely appeal to an otolaryngologist will allow you to prevent the development of serious problems with the body and achieve a quick recovery.

Diagnosis and treatment of ENT diseases in Kharkiv

Experienced and qualified otolaryngologists Kamysh Elena Viktorovna and Goloborodko Alexander Nikolaevich are receiving at the medical and diagnostic center “CMEI”. During the consultation, the specialist will carefully listen to your complaints and conduct an examination. If necessary, you will be referred for the necessary tests, x-rays or other diagnostic procedures. According to the results of the research, you will be prescribed a competent and effective treatment, thanks to which you will be able to return to your previous life.

Prevention of ENT diseases. How can you help yourself?

Prevention of diseases of the upper respiratory tract is, no matter how trite, to prevent hypothermia. In addition, you must regularly ventilate the room in which you are, as well as carry out regular wet cleaning. Also, try to spend enough time outdoors. What else to add? Vitamins and minerals. Remember that their main source is proper nutrition, so follow it and try to lead a healthy lifestyle.
However, if the disease still overcomes you, do not self-medicate, but seek help from a specialist who will definitely help you. Making an appointment by phone: +380 (572) 65-18-75; +380 (57) 703-62-24; +38 (073) 036 60 56 . Be healthy!

Number of views: 1 259

Similar articles

how to treat stuffy nose and ears

{{if type === ‘partner-stocks’}}

{{/if}}

{{/if}}
{{each list}}

${this}
{{if isGorzdrav}}

Delete

{{/if}}

{{/each}}

{{/if}}
Search by drug, disease, substance:
Vitamins, Quit smoking, Voltaren, Nurofen, Lymphomyosot

Home

Articles

Stuffy ear with a runny nose, what to do

The ear, throat and nose are united and are called ENT organs. Therefore, due to the appearance of pathology in one of them, violations appear in the neighboring one. With a cold, ear congestion may appear on one or both sides. Usually this condition disappears only after getting rid of the common cold. But it is in the power of each person to speed up this process and avoid complications.

Causes of ear congestion with a runny nose

A feeling of congestion in the ears appears if the eardrum loses its ability to fluctuate normally. This is an elastic piece of connective tissue that is stretched in the anatomical region between the outer and middle ear. The latter is inside the bone. To balance the pressure on the eardrum from the outside and inside, there is a small channel – the Eustachian tube. It connects the middle ear cavity with the nasopharynx.

With a cold, the nasal mucosa becomes inflamed and swollen, and a lot of interstitial fluid accumulates in it. Swelling can spread to the opening of the Eustachian tube, so it will narrow and not be able to let air through. Because of this, the pressure inside the ear will not be able to withstand atmospheric pressure, the eardrum will stretch and fluctuate worse. A person at this moment feels that the ear is stuffed up with a runny nose.

But an unpleasant symptom may have other causes:

• allergic rhinitis – more often appears in the spring and summer, when plants bloom;
• otitis media – the result of poor treatment of rhinitis, when a bacterial infection penetrates from the nasal cavity into the middle ear;
• infection of the external auditory canal – develops when water with microbes from open water enters, as well as after scratches due to improper cleaning of the ears;
• cerumen – a large accumulation of secretion of the ear glands, which blocked the passage;
• foreign body – often small children put small parts or beads inside;
• water ingress – after bathing or swimming, there is a feeling of stuffiness for a while, which usually goes away on its own.

What to do?

There is no need to believe the myth that without treatment, a cold goes away in 7 days, and with treatment – in a day. With a runny nose, like other infectious diseases, microbes can spread to neighboring organs and cause complications. In the case of the ears and nose, this is sinusitis or otitis media, which can cause hearing loss.

If congestion appears for the first time and lasts less than 3 days, you can try to cope on your own. To do this, it is enough to cure a cold. But if discomfort persists, an increase in body temperature, pain inside the ear, or the appearance of purulent discharge, you need to contact an otorhinolaryngologist, or an ENT doctor.

These symptoms are indicative of the spread of the infection. Therefore, a special inspection is required. And if hearing loss is suspected, tympanometry, or acoustic impedancemetry, is done.

Ear congestion is treated at home, there is no need to go to the hospital. But any methods must be used with caution so as not to harm even more. For example, there is a recommendation to pinch your nose with your fingers, puff out your cheeks and with your mouth closed try to compress the air. This method helps to get rid of congestion only if it arose due to a pressure drop. This usually happens when flying, when the plane is gaining altitude. If you try to blow your ears with rhinitis, you can accelerate the development of otitis media. Therefore, it is better to start at home with simple, but recommended by doctors, methods.

Vasoconstrictor drops for ear congestion

To get rid of congestion in the ears, you need to cure a runny nose. In the first three days, the nose swells, a clear liquid may ooze from it. This process occurs due to an increase in vascular permeability. Moreover, the swelling extends to the nasal concha, reaches the opening of the Eustachian tube.

Why, if you try to blow your nose at this time, nothing happens: there is no mucus in the nasal cavity yet. Therefore, at an early stage, stuffy ears can be treated with vasoconstrictor drugs. These are nasal drops that cause capillary spasm and reduce their permeability. This removes the swelling of the mucous membrane and at the same time restores hearing.

But when using vasoconstrictor drops, care must be taken:

• instill the nose after 12 hours, or no more than 2 times a day;
• do not use for more than 3-5 days;
• do not use drops if there are severe pathologies of the cardiovascular system.

If you treat a runny nose with vasoconstrictor drugs for more than the recommended period, the risk of addiction increases. In this case, the vessels will lose their sensitivity to the drug and, in response to the drops, will expand even more, increasing the swelling of the mucous membrane.

But for those who suffer from stuffy ear and rhinitis and cannot do without drops, they can be replaced with saline nasal rinses. They help reduce swelling and improve breathing.

Anti-inflammatory drops for ear congestion

If the doctor has examined the ears and finds signs of inflammation, or otitis, he will prescribe anti-inflammatory drops. Usually these are complex preparations, which include the following components:

• antibiotic;
• antiseptic;
• local anesthetic.

Therefore, when using drops, you can get rid of pain and congestion in the ears, cure otitis media.

Some drops are oil based. Such drugs are prescribed for those who, in addition to inflammation, have sulfur plugs. The oil will moisturize them and help to bring them out painlessly.

Sometimes a doctor may recommend drops with glucocorticoid hormones if there is severe inflammation of the eardrum. They are used for a short time in order to remove the swelling as quickly as possible and not provoke the development of side effects.

As an additional remedy, ENT doctors prescribe herbal drops. They also have an anti-inflammatory effect, but they are milder and less likely to give side reactions.

Compresses for ear congestion

After consultation with a doctor, if there are no signs of damage to the eardrum, various compresses can be applied. They can be dry or wet. For a dry compress, a cotton swab is used, which covers the entrance to the auricle. In some cases, a bandage is made from several layers of cotton wool and gauze, which is fixed on the blocked ear for several hours.

Wet compresses can be cold or warm. The former are used less frequently. For a warming compress, warm water is prepared, into which a small towel or cloth is dipped. It is applied to the ear for several minutes. You can do this procedure once or twice a day.

A person who often suffers from ear canal congestion can prepare a special infusion in advance. To do this, take 30 g of propolis and 1/3 cup of alcohol. Some folk healers suggest replacing it with vodka. The ingredients are mixed in a glass bottle and left in a dark place for a week. After that, before use, the tincture is shaken, cotton swabs are moistened in it and laid in the external auditory canal for several hours. To enhance the warming effect, you can tie a scarf on your head. But to relieve congestion in this way for a long time, so it is better to resort to the technique in cases where medical care is not available.

Warming for ear congestion

Medical treatment of colds is often combined with various warmings. At home, you can do simple inhalations: heat 1 liter of water in a wide saucepan, add a tablespoon of salt and a little less soda to it. Evaporation will produce alkaline steam, which warms the nasal passages and relieves swelling. This method can be used at an early stage of rhinitis, when breathing is difficult, and there is no discharge from the nose.

But before you remove congestion by heating the area of ​​the auricle, you need to consult a doctor. If otitis media has arisen, it cannot be heated at an early stage. This will create favorable conditions for the reproduction of pathogenic microflora. Therefore, a lot of pus will appear, and the eardrum may collapse.

In some cases, ENT doctors prescribe nasal heating. To do this, you can use special salt heaters, use warm bags with sea sand. Sometimes the procedure is carried out using boiled potatoes in their skins. Usually 2-3 procedures relieve nasal and ear congestion.

Some cold clinics offer physical therapy. There, in the direction of a doctor, you can warm up the ear by quartz treatment.

Prevention of stuffy ear

In order not to know about such a problem as stuffy ears, you need to carry out timely prevention of a cold or start treating it as early as possible.

In the autumn-winter period, when the central heating is turned on and the air in the apartment is too dry, you can turn on the humidifier. It will relieve dryness in the nose and help not get sick with a cold. It is also effective to do daily wet cleaning.

Well removes runny nose and prevents stuffy ears massage of the wings of the nose. With your fingertips, you need to make circular movements that will increase blood flow and help you quickly get rid of the first signs of rhinitis.