My ears are sometimes blocked, is it dangerous to fly?

43-year-old woman2 years ago

Hello, since about 2 months I have ears that are blocked and unblocked but longer blocked. My doctor advised me to use a decongestant syrup for a few days because it was most likely secretions behind the Eustachian tubes but it didn't change anything. I sometimes feel a little pressure on my timpani when it lasts a whole day and a little pressure in my head at the end of the day if it lasts long. I also tried the technique of plugging my nose and swallowing it for 30 seconds... My doctor is away on vacation...

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Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago

Good morning, ma'am,

Besides the blocked ears, do you have any other symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose or anything else? Have you tried anything else for this problem? Are you taking any other medications right now, are you pregnant or trying to get pregnant or are you breastfeeding?

43-year-old woman · 2 years ago

No, I don't have any other problems related to my blocked ears...I'm not pregnant either...the only thing is that I have developed a habit of breathing in through my nose with my mouth closed and my ears come back to normal but I feel a little pressure on my timpani and sometimes a little pressure in my head. However, when I'm lying down, no matter how, I don't have blocked ears anymore but still a sensation as if I had a little bit of water stuck. If I'm standing and I lean forward to touch my feet, it also gets blocked..

i have been taking Cytalopram for 2 weeks but I have had this blocked ear sensation for about 2 months..

43-year-old woman · 2 years ago

I don't have a runny nose or a blocked nose either..

i don't know if I should do the nose rinse with water/salt... can it help me?

it is very tiring because I hear my steps when I walk, I hear myself breathing, I never know if I speak too loud or not loud enough..

Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago

Thanks for the feedback!

I would indeed suggest as you mention nasal hygiene with saline solution like Hydrasense or Sinus Rinse which can be done as often as needed during the day and at least 30 minutes before bedtime. This can help, but only if your ears are not completely blocked all the time.

43-year-old woman · 2 years ago

Okay, and can it do the opposite and get worse?

do you think it can be dangerous to fly?

Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago

Nasal hygiene can cause blocked ears in some people, but this should be temporary. It is suggested to perform nasal hygiene with a smaller amount of liquid, either with Hydrasense for example or by preparing the Sinus Rinse mixture and using only half of it.

As for flying, this is a risk for everyone...

I hope I've been of some help to you, and I'm available if you have any other questions!

Tom Samaha, pharmacist

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Naji-tom Samaha

Pharmacien depuis 2011, clinicien associé et tuteur de laboratoire de pratique professionnelle à l'Université de Montréal, j'ai développé un grand intérêt pour la communication en santé. Les gens recherchent plus d'informations que jamais sur Internet, ce site offre un accès innovant aux professionnels de la santé les plus accessibles du réseau, et j'y embarque sans hésitation pour aider à partager mes connaissances.

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