If you experience the following often: stuffy ears, pressure in the ears, and ear pain, you may suffer from persistent Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). These tubes equalize pressure within the ears and help fluid drain from the ear. Normally these tubes open when you do things like swallowing or yawning. When you experience ETD, they become blocked, causing pressure, a feeling of fullness, and sometimes pain and/or dizziness. ETD risk is increased in smokers, those who are obese, and those with allergies. In addition, they are common in children. For most people, they just get ETD occasionally. When sick, or when they experience altitude changes such as while flying. However, some get it often, and there is a treatment method available called Eustachian tube dilation that can provide relief.
Blocked Eustachian tube treatment
Before balloon dilation, your doctor will consider what you’ve tried already. Mild and occasional ETD resolves on its own most of the time. When ETD is problematic, treatment may be necessary. These treatments can include antihistamines and nasal sprays.
For more severe or recurrent cases, tubes traditionally have been placed into the Eustachian tubes to keep them open. However, there is a fairly new method available now. Is less invasive and also has good results: Eustachian tube dilation.
Eustachian tube dilation
This treatment method provides effective relief for people who have recurrent ETD, and also those who experience recurrent ear infections or fluid in their ears. This is an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure. First, your doctor will insert a small endoscope through your nose, and from there, along with the balloon, to your Eustachian tube. There is a small balloon on the end of the device. Once in the correct position, your doctor will inflate the balloon in order to open up the Eustachian tubes and provide relief from symptoms. The passage is now open for air and mucus to pass through as needed. The balloon is then deflated and the device removed.
The procedure is not very painful because a nerve block is done first, and often only mild pain relievers are needed the day of the procedure. Relief may be immediate for some, but in others, swelling occurs that may take a few days, up to one month, for full relief from symptoms. Full benefits can be seen three months after the procedure.
If you experience persistent ETD and want relief from the pain and pressure, talk to your ENT doctor today.
