Ear pressure, often described as a feeling of aural fullness or a sensation of being underwater, is a common symptom that accompanies colds, the flu, and sinus infections. This discomfort arises because the body’s natural pressure-regulating system is temporarily compromised by the illness. The feeling can range from a mild annoyance to a painful blockage that interferes with hearing and balance.
Understanding the Cause of Ear Pressure During Illness
The primary cause of ear pressure is a condition known as Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). The Eustachian tube is a narrow passage connecting the middle ear space to the back of the nose and upper throat. Its main function is to equalize the air pressure in the middle ear with the surrounding atmosphere and to drain fluid accumulation.
When you have a viral infection, the mucous membranes lining your nasal passages and throat become inflamed and produce excess mucus. Because the Eustachian tube empties into this congested area, the swelling and mucus can block the tube’s opening. This blockage prevents the tube from opening properly when you swallow or yawn.
As the air trapped in the middle ear is slowly absorbed by the body, a negative pressure is created behind the eardrum. This pressure difference causes the eardrum to pull inward, leading to the sensation of fullness, muffled hearing, and sometimes pain.
Immediate Physical Techniques for Pressure Equalization
Several physical maneuvers can provide rapid relief by forcing the Eustachian tube open. Simple actions like swallowing, chewing gum, or faking a large yawn stimulate the muscles that open the tubes. The act of swallowing pulls on the soft palate muscles, which are directly connected to the Eustachian tube, helping to relieve the pressure difference.
A common technique is the Valsalva maneuver, performed by gently exhaling air while keeping your mouth closed and pinching your nostrils shut. This creates a small increase in pressure to force air into the middle ear, resulting in a gentle “pop.” Perform this action gently to avoid damaging the eardrum, as blowing too forcefully can cause injury.
The Toynbee maneuver involves pinching your nose closed and then swallowing. This action creates a negative pressure in the nasopharynx, which pulls the Eustachian tube open. Using steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water can help loosen the congestion around the tube opening, making these maneuvers more successful.
Utilizing Over-the-Counter Medications for Sustained Relief
For relief that lasts longer than a few moments, over-the-counter (OTC) medications target inflammation and congestion. Oral decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, work by narrowing blood vessels, which reduces swelling in the nasal passages and around the Eustachian tube openings. This reduction in swelling helps the tubes function more effectively to equalize pressure.
Nasal decongestant sprays deliver medication directly to the inflamed nasal lining, providing quicker relief than oral forms. However, these sprays should not be used for more than three consecutive days to prevent rebound congestion, where the nasal passages swell once the medication wears off. Antihistamines are beneficial if allergies are contributing to the swelling, as they block the chemical histamine that triggers inflammation.
If the ear pressure is accompanied by pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce both pain and inflammation. Proper hydration helps to thin mucus secretions, promoting better drainage from the middle ear and sinuses.
Recognizing When to Seek Professional Medical Help
While most cases of ear pressure due to illness resolve as the cold or flu clears, certain warning signs indicate a need for medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare provider if the pressure persists for more than seven to ten days after other illness symptoms have improved. Persistent symptoms may suggest a middle ear infection, known as otitis media.
Seek medical attention if you experience severe, spiking ear pain accompanied by a high fever, dizziness, or vertigo. The sudden onset of hearing loss in one or both ears also requires prompt evaluation. Any unusual discharge from the ear may signal a more serious issue, such as a ruptured eardrum.