Ears And Noses

[Vagus]

I know they’re connected but how exactly does using a nasal spray help with a blocked ear?
Perhaps you could explain, please, Sqad? Maybe in simple easy to understand words but also fairly extensively.
Thank you :)

[Buenchico]

While you're waiting for Sqad . . .
https://www.fauquierent.net/etd2.htm

[Sqad]

The blocked ear IF due to obstruction of the Eustachian tube withe swelling of the lining of the tube, then a vasoconstrictor nasal spray with shrink the lining of the Eustachian tube, opening it up.

The ling of the nose is continuous with the lining of the Eustachian tube and middle ear, so what is good for the goose is good for the gander.

Nasal sprays with lining shrnikage drugs are hence useful in allergy in particular and possibly sinusitis.

[Sqad]

The Internet link will I am sure answer your question.

[237SJ]

I`ve never, ever found a nasal spray that would unblock a blocked ear. I wish they would. I have had more luck with tablets but even they don't really work.

[Sqad]

237........depends what's causing your "blocked " ear, if it is due to wax then nasal spray will not help.

I have never been a fan of nasal decongestants taken as tablets.

[237SJ]

I`ve found Sudafed tablets good but only for sinuses and to clear a blocked nose. I have used the sprays and they are more instant but I don't like to use them for more than a few days. They've never really helped the ears though. I`ve lost count of the times I`ve been in a panic in the kitchen with my head over a bowl of menthol inhalation, frantically trying to clear my ears so that I don't have to go sick from work. They just clear when they clear (in my experience)

[Vagus]

Jura, the NHS no longer syringe ears at the gp practice in the uk.
Thanks Sqad, and others, who have answered.
What vasoconstrictor nasal spray would be advisable?

[237SJ]

Any of them - Sudafed, Otrivine but they won't clear your eustachion tubes.

[Sqad]

Vick's Sinex, or Boots Decongestant........there are so many on the market.......Amazon even.....just be sure it contains a decongestant.

[Sqad]

237, I don't understand your post at 18.58.

[douglas9401]

"Jura, the NHS no longer syringe ears at the gp practice in the uk."

They do it at our community health wing, along the corridor from the surgeries, now that COVID's on the back burner.

[237SJ]

Sqad - I meant that I have never found a tablet or spray that has cleared my ears. Sometimes the tubes are closed due to swelling and sometimes due to mucus. I have never found anything that works. The vaso constrictors tend to work with the sinuses though. Just my experience.

[Sqad]

237....ah! I understand now, thanks.

[237SJ]

The grommets worked a treat though

[Vagus]

Ok, I’ll revise what I said...not all surgeries do and they’re not obliged to. Our stopped quite a while ago, way before COVID.

[jourdain2]

Ear Syringing - when I was living in France, my ear blocked with wax for the first (and so far only) time in my life. I consulted my GP, who was going on holiday in a few days time. He gave me the softening solution and a syringe and explained how to do it myself.
I followed instructions and 'Hey Presto!' It worked fine. You can buy ear-wax softener and syringes at the chemist, so have a go.

[Sqad]

Vagus.

I like the post by Jourdain above......excellent advice by her Dr......BUT......someone, some where needs to look in your ears to see if wax is the problem. If there is no wax, then syringing will be inappropriate and useless. If that is the case then your deafness might be caused by a blocked Eustachian tube of which nasal sprays may be helpful.

Somebody must look in your ears.

[Vagus]

Thanks again for all answers.
I’ve been putting olive oil into the affected ear for a few days and have now started using a nasal spray too, belt and braces so to speak.
I have an appointment for a B12 jab next week so will ask the nurse to have a look inside my ear while I’m there.