A TUBAL CAUSE FOR EAR BLOCK

Whenever a patient comes with ear block  which has been there for a long period or present on and off, with normal external ear canal ,we have to suspect tubal dysfunction . 

WHAT IS THIS TUBE ? 

It is Eustachian tube (ET) which connects back of the nose ( nasopharynx) to  the middle ear. The function of the tube is to provide middle ear ventillation, pressure equalization and drainage of secretion from the middle ear. 

HOW CAN IT CAUSE EAR BLOCK? 

Any dysfunction of  the (ET) be it  due to obstruction or patulous nature of the tube can lead to middle ear problems. It can be acute or chronic when it  lasts for more than 3 months. 

WHAT CAUSES  EUSTACHIAN TUBE DYSFUNCTION? 

It occurs after a bout of common cold, nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis  or acidic reflux into the nasopharynx, chronic sinusitis or obstructive causes. There will be mucosal edema (swelling) due to acute or chronic respiratory  tract infections. Cleft palate and adenoid hypertrophy or tumours predispose to tubal dysfunction. 

WHAT ARE THE FEATURES? 

Ringing sensation in the ear, hearing loss, canal fullness, pressure sensation,  giddiness,  recurrent fluid in the middle ear . sometimes it can cause serious ear problems. 

HOW IS IT TREATED? 

Depends on the predisposing factors, medical management, certain manoeuvres, and sometimes surgery in  chronic cases with middle ear effusion ( will be writing later). 

HOPE THIS POST WAS USEFUL.