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EUSTACHIAN TUBE DYSFUNCTION
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ABOUT EUSTACHIAN TUBE DYSFUNCTION
The Eustachian Tubes are small mucosa-lined passages extending from your middle ear space (the space in the ear internal to the eardrum) to either side of the nasopharynx (the space in the upper throat area in the very back of the posterior nasal cavity above where the tonsils usually are). These passages usually remain closed, and open briefly when you chew, swallow, sneeze, or yawn to prevent excess fluid accumulation in the middle ear space by allowing for normal drainage of mucous through the Eustachian Tube into the nasopharynx (the space in the very back of the posterior nasal cavity). In addition, the Eustachian Tube (when it intermittently opens) also prevents excessive pressure from building up in the middle ear space by allowing for equalization of pressure in the ears. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction occurs when one or both tube(s) becomes narrowed by mucosal congestion or becomes obstructed. Blocked Eustachian Tubes may make you feel like you have ear plugs in your ears or the sensation of fluid in your ears at times.
Other common symptoms of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction include:
Sinus disease and allergies can lead to inflammation that usually exacerbates Eustachian Tube obstruction from mucosal congestion within the tube or at the Eustachian Tube orifice draining into the nasopharynx at the back of the posterior nasal cavity and is one of the most common underlying causes of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. Adjacent inflammation from the sinus and nasal cavities can cause edema (swelling) surrounding the Eustachian Tube orifice in the nasopharynx. This can then compromise the ability of the Eustachian Tube to drain fluid from the ear and impair the ability to equalize pressure in the ears such as when changing altitude on a plane flight.
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Common causes or exacerbations behind Eustachian Tube Dysfunction include:
● sinus infections or disease● the common cold or flu● allergies● physical obstructions/narrowing of Eustachian tube● changes in altitude such as flying on a place, driving through mountains, or scuba diving Based on detailed and personalized diagnostic evaluations, our providers may recommend treatment plans that include comprehensive allergy testing, sleep studies, home care modifications, and medications including sprays, decongestants, and antihistamines. If treatment plans through medications and lifestyle changes are not sufficient, we may discuss your candidacy for procedural options including in-office eustachian tube dilation and balloon sinuplasty.