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WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR ETD? -Sensation
of fullness in the ears -Sharp
ear pain -Popping
in ears -"Echo"
in head -Diminished
hearing -Ringing
in ears -Dizziness
in severe cases The
eardrum is thin tissue much like Saran Wrap; it has an air pocket behind
it so that the eardrum can vibrate when sound waves hit it. The Eustachian
Tube connects this air pocket with the back of the nose and allows air
pressure to "equalize" on both sides of the eardrum with changes
in altitude. An example of this is when the ears "pop" when
riding in an elevator; air is traveling the Eustachian tube to keep the
eardrum from rupturing. The
Eustachian tube is lined with the same tissue that is in the nose;
likewise, allergies, colds, and other ailments that result in a “stuffy
nose” affect it. When the Eustachian tube gets congested, air cannot
travel to the air pocket behind the ear. The air trapped in the pocket
slowly gets absorbed into the tissue around it and a vacuum results. This
vacuum pulls the eardrum, which can cause some or all of the symptoms
listed above. Some
patients may have nasal septal deviation that disrupts the smooth airflow
through the nose. The resulting turbulent flow past the Eustachian tube
opening interferes with air passage through the tube. WHAT IS THE TREATMENT
FOR ETD? Treatment
for ETD involves reducing the congestion of the Eustachian tube. Steroid
nasal spray (Nasonex, Flonase) is the primary medication; occasionally, an
oral antihistamine is prescribed. Decongestants such as Sudafed are often
useful, but are generally not given to people with high blood pressure.
You may be instructed to try the Valsalva maneuver; this involves pinching
the nose, closing the mouth, and blowing gently. The intention is to force
air up the Eustachian tube to relieve the vacuum behind the eardrum. ARE THERE SURGICAL
OPTIONS FOR ETD? If
a significant nasal septal deviation exists and the ETD does not improve
with medication, then correction of the septal deviation may be warranted. In cases of ETD without nasal septal deviation, the definitive treatment is placement of an ear tube. The ear tube bypasses the Eustachian tube entirely and vents the eardrum directly to the outside. This procedure is done in the operating room and takes approximately 10 minutes. A consideration with having an ear tube is that the ear must be kept dry since water may cause an infection. The information provided on
this web site is not intended to take the place of consultation with your
physician. You should always consult a physician whenever you require
diagnosis or treatment. |
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Copyright © 2008 Atlanta Children's ENT. | |
