Eustachian tube dysfunction is a common ear problem in children and adults. Before knowing Eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms, it causes and its natural treatment, let us know what Eustachian tube is and what its functions are.
Eustachian tube is small tube that connects the middle ear with naso-pharynx. The length of tube is small in growing children as compared to adults.
When the Eustachian tube gets blocked, it prevents fresh air to enter in middle ear. This causes low pressure in the middle ear as compared to pressure on other side of eardrum. Excess of outer pressure pushes the eardrum inwards and it impairs the eardrum to vibrate synchronously with the sound waves. It leads to impaired hearing. In other words blockage of Eustachian tube is what is known as Eustachian tube dysfunction. Usually the problem does not last more than a week.
The Most Common Causes for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction are:
Upper respiratory tract infection such as common cold, sore throat, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, are usually the common causes. There are instances of blockage of Eustachian tube after swimming. It is the water that enters the nose that is responsible for this blockage. Feeding the child in supine position may cause blockage of Eustachian tube.
Glue ear has become increasingly common in children. In this condition the middle ear is filled with Glue like material. The Eustachian tube becomes blocked and prevents free flow of air in the middle ear.
The other common cause for ETD is when you fly in a plane or while you are driving on a mountain or diving deep in the sea. Change of pressure may cause pain in ear and decreased hearing for few hours.
What are the Symptoms of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
The symptom of ETD does not last long and they usually heal within a week. The most common symptom is mild hearing loss, with heaviness in ear. There may be ear ache as a result of strained and stressed eardrum. Ringing and buzzing sound in the ear is common ETD symptom especially when you are flying in a plane or while the plane is descending down. Patient may feel dizzy. ETD can affect single ear or both the ears. As said before, the symptoms may not last for more than few days or a week, depending on the cause. For instance in common cold, the person may find relief in a week time. The characteristic crackling sound is usually heard while you swallow. Hearing becomes dull for some time and comes back to normal before completely returning to normal. A blocked Eustachian tube is the leading cause for middle ear infection.
Natural Treatment for Dysfunction of Eustachian Tube
With simple natural treatment it is possible to relieve the symptoms of blocked Eustachian tube.
Yawning, or swallowing helps to relieve the symptoms.
Garlic oil is an effective home remedy for treating ETD as well as middle ear infection caused due to blocked Eustachian tube. To prepare garlic oil, take 2 to 3 garlic cloves and heat them in 1 tsp of coconut oil. After the oil gets cool, strain the cloves and mix the liquid in oil. This can be used as ear drops. Put 1 or 2 ear drops in the affected ear. The anti inflammatory property of garlic oil helps to reduce inflammation and pain in the ear; it helps in opening the tube and kills the organism due to its antibacterial properties.
Use ear plugs while taking bath to prevent water entering in the ears. While you are suffering from Eustachian tube dysfunction avoid drinking cold beverages and drinks, also wear protective head and ear gear when you go out in cool breeze.