Anyone have Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
Apr 12, 2014, 3:29 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 96
Anyone have Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
Not sure which forum this goes in, but I'm sure someone has had issues with this before.
For the last month or so I've had Eustachian Tube Dysfunction issues, not sure of the cause yet, saw ENT think it might be TMJ or Adenoids. Sometimes have pressure, crackling noises when I move my jaw.
Bad idea to fly with this? Any tips on how long it takes to pass or what to do to improve the issue?
Thanks
For the last month or so I've had Eustachian Tube Dysfunction issues, not sure of the cause yet, saw ENT think it might be TMJ or Adenoids. Sometimes have pressure, crackling noises when I move my jaw.
Bad idea to fly with this? Any tips on how long it takes to pass or what to do to improve the issue?
Thanks
Apr 12, 2014, 3:37 pm
#2
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Atherton, CA
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Owner, Green Bay Packers
Posts: 21,690
Probably best in "Travel Health" forum where there have been a few threads about similar things.
As far as flying, you really need to ask your ENT, as he will know more specifically what your problem is. Flying can be painful if you are unable to "clear" your ears, i.e., allow middle ear pressure to equalize with the ambient pressure. If you can't, your middle ear will be at sea level pressure, and the air in the airplane at ~8000ft. pressure, and it will hurt a lot. Very unpleasant, it happened to me in the past.
Using decongestants may help keep your tubes open when flying.
As far as flying, you really need to ask your ENT, as he will know more specifically what your problem is. Flying can be painful if you are unable to "clear" your ears, i.e., allow middle ear pressure to equalize with the ambient pressure. If you can't, your middle ear will be at sea level pressure, and the air in the airplane at ~8000ft. pressure, and it will hurt a lot. Very unpleasant, it happened to me in the past.
Using decongestants may help keep your tubes open when flying.
Apr 12, 2014, 9:26 pm
#5
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: STL
Posts: 1,547
I had a TATL flight last year with a sinus infection that blocked my eustachian tubes, and it was quite possibly the single most painful experience in my life. I was barely able to hear anything and all the pressure my head feel like it was about to explode. And the pain didn't even fully go away for a few days after landing - and that was only after going to my doctor and getting antibiotics.
I'll admit that the night of drinking and 4 hours of sleep before the early morning flight didn't help things, but I would wager that it would've hurt like hell without those exacerbating it. I don't want to find out.
I'll admit that the night of drinking and 4 hours of sleep before the early morning flight didn't help things, but I would wager that it would've hurt like hell without those exacerbating it. I don't want to find out.
Apr 13, 2014, 7:55 am
#7
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: SoCal
Programs: UA-1K; Marriott Platinum; National Emerald Exec Elite; Avis President's Club (whoopdidoo)
Posts: 199
I got this diagnosis a few months ago
Off and on over the past 18 months, I've had 'full ear' sensations about 5-6 times.
Went to urgent care the first 3-4 times (the incidents were months apart) and got mixed diagnoses of ear infection/nothing. This all seemed really strange as I had never had ear infection in my life. Finally the urgent care physician looked over all the notes as well as that she was seeing no signs of infection and reiterated that I was experiencing Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. Notes in the charts had mentioned it previously as well, I just wasn't tuned in. She recommended using Sudafed until it clears, then discontinue use, using Sudafed again with any recurrence. She said I could go to an ENT and would probably get the same advice.
Mentioned it to my GP at my physical, he says it happens all the time to all kinds of people, not just air travelers. He gave me the same advice as the urgent care dr but said on days of travel to take Sudafed and Afrin to help keep the tube open.
It can't be cured (ear tube surgery is an option, though) - keeping the tubes open and dry is the key and can be difficult. May be related to some low-level allergy/irritant.
Went to urgent care the first 3-4 times (the incidents were months apart) and got mixed diagnoses of ear infection/nothing. This all seemed really strange as I had never had ear infection in my life. Finally the urgent care physician looked over all the notes as well as that she was seeing no signs of infection and reiterated that I was experiencing Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. Notes in the charts had mentioned it previously as well, I just wasn't tuned in. She recommended using Sudafed until it clears, then discontinue use, using Sudafed again with any recurrence. She said I could go to an ENT and would probably get the same advice.
Mentioned it to my GP at my physical, he says it happens all the time to all kinds of people, not just air travelers. He gave me the same advice as the urgent care dr but said on days of travel to take Sudafed and Afrin to help keep the tube open.
It can't be cured (ear tube surgery is an option, though) - keeping the tubes open and dry is the key and can be difficult. May be related to some low-level allergy/irritant.