Eustachian trumpet: dysfunction and treatment

The Eustachian tube is a small canal that connects the back of the nose, the nasopharynx and the middle ear. Its functional task is to equalize the level of pressure in the environment and in the middle ear. Eustachian tubes are a very delicate organ in which dysfunction can occur, leading to discomfort and temporary hearing problems. This phenomenon occurs when the channel can not open when yawning and swallowing.

The main reasons for the development of dysfunction are as follows.

First, the blockage occurs when the pressure inside the ear has not changed, but outside has already become different. Therefore, the tympanic membrane begins to vibrate in a different mode. The main factors that stimulate the appearance of such changes are:

• Change in height;

• Flying in an airplane;

• Riding steep hills;

• Occupation by diving.

Over time, the dysfunction that appeared after these changes gradually disappears, and the Eustachian tube begins to "habitually" perform its functional duties.

Secondly, there may be a blockage, a canal tumor, or an otitis. The main reasons for inflammation of the Eustachian tube are as follows:

• Infection and colds of the upper respiratory tract;

• Diseases of the ear and sinuses;

• There are enlarged adenoids;

• Presence of an allergic reaction.

Thirdly, there are situations when dysfunction is associated with accumulation in the middle ear of the fluid. To this provokes:

• Presence of a narrow Eustachian tube;

• Lymphoid tissue (in children) that blocks the canal;

• Development of tumors.

The main symptoms of the appearance of dysfunctions are the following:

• Feeling of clogging or stuffiness in the ear;

• Pain and discomfort;

• Loss of sound sensations and the appearance of ringing in the ears;

• Presence of dizziness;

• Stasis when chewing, yawning and swallowing;

• The appearance of pain syndrome with inflammation.

Eustachian tube during the diagnosis is subjected to both external and internal examination. So, the doctor must check whether there is an outwardly slight bulge around the surface where the tympanic membrane is located, whether there is swelling and fluid. Also, the nose and its back are examined. In addition, to clarify the final diagnosis is recommended to do:

• Tympanogram, which will measure the pressure in the passage, and also examines those movements performed by the tympanic membrane;

• An audiogram for measuring hearing.

Treatment of dysfunction of the Eustachian tube should proceed in different directions. In order to relieve the pain, discomfort or stuffiness of the ear, it is recommended to chew the chewing gum, yawn more often and do swallowing movements.

To achieve this goal, you can do special "breathing" exercises. The most effective is the following: deep breathe, and then release the air very carefully, covering the nostrils and keeping the mouth closed.

In the event that there is inflammation of the Eustachian tube, the use of:

• Decongestants for the nose;

• Steroids to "remove" the stuffiness of the nose and open the auditory canal;

• Antihistamines;

• Anesthetics.

There are situations when surgical intervention is required. Then, and done myringotomy, when the doctor cuts the eardrum. Due to this, the pressure is equalized and drainage is made to drain the accumulated liquid.

The Eustachian tube is a very valuable organ that needs to be used to prevent dysfunction and not create situations that provoke a disease.

For this it is recommended not to fly and avoid such overloads, when there is a cold, SARS or allergies. If there is no other way out, then it is obligatory to take antihistamine or antitussive drugs.

During such overloads it is recommended to use special gags that will help level the pressure in the ear.