OHSU

Ear - Congestion

DEFINITION

  • Sudden onset of muffled hearing
  • Crackling or popping noises in the ear A stuffy, full sensation in the ear
  • Usually no ear pain, except with air-travel type
  • Unusual complaint until after age 4 or 5 years

Causes

  • Blockage of ear tube (eustachian tube) during nose allergies, a cold or over-vigorous nose-blowing
  • Sudden increases in air pressure, which occur in descent from mountain driving or airplane travel
  • Middle ear fluid can also be seen with a resolving ear infection

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Call Your Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

  • You think your child needs to be seen
  • Earache
  • Possible foreign body in ear canal
  • Ear congestion lasts over 48 hours

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns Blocked ear wax suspected

Patient Home Care If

  • Ear congestion (probably from blocked eustachian tube) and you don't think your child needs to be seen

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR EAR CONGESTION

More Chewing and Swallowing:

Swallow water or other fluid while the nose is pinched closed. (Reason: creates a vacuum in the nose that helps the Eustachian tube to open up.) After age 6, can also use chewing gum.

Decongestant Nasal Spray (Age 12 years or older):

  • If chewing doesn't help after 1 or 2 hours, use a long-acting decongestant nasal spray. You can ask your pharmacist to recommend a brand.
  • Dosage: 1 spray per side, 2 times per day as needed.
  • Don't use more than 5 days. (Reason: rebound swelling)
  • An oral decongestant (e.g., pseudoephedrine) may help if the nasal spray is not available (See Dosage table).

Antihistamines:

  • Nasal allergies can cause ear congestion.
  • If your child has hay fever or other allergies, give an oral antihistamine.
  • See Hay Fever topic for details.

Expected Course: The symptoms usually clear within 2 days (48 hours) with treatment. It's safe for your child to swim.

Prevention for Airplane/Mountain Travel:

  • Swallow during descent using a pacifier or fluids
  • Children over age 6 can chew on gum during descent
  • Yawning also can open the middle ear

Call Your Doctor If:

  • Ear pain occurs
  • Ear congestion lasts over 48 hours
  • Your child becomes worse


Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

 

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Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 9/15/2011
Last Revised: 8/1/2011
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Copyright 1994-2012 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

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