Feeling like your ears are stuffed or underwater when sick is a common experience. This sensation, known as ear congestion, can make hearing muffled and contribute to overall discomfort. It is a frequent complaint during illness, affecting daily activities and sleep. Understanding why this happens helps manage symptoms.
Understanding the Causes
Clogged ears during illness primarily involve the Eustachian tubes, small passageways connecting the middle ear to the back of your throat. These tubes play a role in equalizing air pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear. Normally, they open when you swallow, yawn, or chew, preventing pressure and fluid buildup.
When sick with a cold, flu, sinus infection, or allergies, Eustachian tubes can become inflamed or swollen. This inflammation, with increased mucus production, can block these narrow tubes. The blockage prevents drainage and pressure equalization, leading to fullness, pain, or muffled hearing.
Changes in air pressure can exacerbate this feeling, especially when Eustachian tubes are compromised by illness. Activities like flying, riding elevators, or driving through mountains can cause discomfort as the body struggles to equalize pressure with blocked tubes. Children are more susceptible because their Eustachian tubes are smaller and more horizontal, making them prone to blockages from mucus and germs.
Home Remedies and Self-Care
Several strategies can help alleviate the discomfort of clogged ears at home. Simple actions like swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum can encourage Eustachian tubes to open and equalize pressure. The Valsalva maneuver involves gently blowing air out while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut to help “pop” your ears. Blow gently to avoid harming the eardrum.
Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can offer relief, as warmth may help reduce congestion and pain. Steam inhalation, from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head, can moisten nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, helping to drain mucus. Adding eucalyptus oil to steam may enhance its effectiveness.
Over-the-counter medications can also be considered. Decongestants, available as oral pills or nasal sprays, can help reduce swelling in nasal passages and Eustachian tubes. Antihistamines can be helpful if allergies contribute to congestion. Always follow package directions and consult a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions.
When to See a Doctor
While most cases of clogged ears due to illness resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. If you experience persistent ear pain, a fever, or ear discharge, consult a healthcare professional. Sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or vertigo accompanying the clogged sensation also require prompt evaluation.
If your symptoms worsen, do not improve after a few days of self-care, or if pressure is severe and unyielding, seeking medical advice is recommended. Ignoring these signs can lead to complications like ear infections (otitis media), where fluid trapped behind the eardrum can become infected. A doctor can accurately diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment to prevent further issues.