 |
|
|
|
|
September 20th, 2010
11:56 AM ET
How do I drain my ears?Every weekday, a CNNHealth expert doctor answers a viewer question. On Monday, it's Dr. Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician. Question asked by Becky M. of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: After taking antibiotics for a sinus infection or ear infection, what is the best way to help encourage drainage of the middle ear or eustachian tube? I have seen many remedies online, some of which recommend using a neti pot, but I feared making the situation worse. Is it normal to still feel some congestion in the ear area even after finishing the antibiotics? Expert answer: Thanks for your question. Sinus infections are very common, affecting more than 30 million adults in the United States each year. In these infections, the sinuses (such as those found in the forehead, under the eyes and along the sides of the nasal bridge) become inflamed and may feel full or painful. The eustachian tube is the channel that connects the middle ear with the back of the nose and throat. During colds, allergies, ear infections or sinusitis, the eustachian tube can become blocked by mucus and cause a person's ears to feel clogged, with a temporary loss of hearing. These symptoms may continue for a few weeks after a cold or other upper respiratory problem has resolved. In many instances, the sinuses and eustachian tubes will clear on their own after a few days. Treating the underlying cause of the problem (sinusitis, allergies, etc.) is the first step. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help with the discomfort in the meantime. Some people require antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection of the ears or sinuses. In addition, it can be helpful to try other remedies to clear the head of mucus. I consulted with Dr. Aaron Rogers, an otolaryngologist in Atlanta, Georgia, who shared the following information about some common remedies: • Nasal washes: Saline rinses, sprays and neti pots don't directly treat the eustachian tube but can be a huge help for sinusitis and runny or stuffy noses. Be sure to clean neti pots with soap and water, and use commercial saline products or make the saline solution yourself with sterile or distilled rather than tap water. • Nasal steroid sprays: These are available by prescription and can help open up the eustachian tube. • Physical maneuvers: Chewing gum is a common way to try to keep the eustachian tubes open. You can also pinch your nose and swallow or close your mouth, pinch your nose and blow. • Nasal decongestant sprays: These medications are available over the counter (such as Afrin) or by prescription and are especially helpful when flying (use 30 minutes before takeoff and landing). They are recommended to be used for no more than about three days at a time, since longer use can cause "rebound" swelling of the nasal passages. Of note, nasal sprays containing zinc should be avoided, as they have been reported to cause the permanent loss of the sense of smell in some cases. • Oral decongestant medicines: Examples of ingredients include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. While the problem of rebound is less common with oral decongestants, some people experience palpitations or a rise in blood pressure. • Oral steroids and antihistamines are sometimes used, particularly in longer-lasting sinus infections; however, they may have side effects such as drying up the mucous membranes of the nasal tissue and thickening the secretions. These are not routinely recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated sinusitis or ear infections. Since every person's situation may be a little different, it's always best to talk to your own physician for the most appropriate treatment for your case. Good luck! |
  About this blog
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.
 |
|
|
|
http://www.ritmoflow.com/?videos=Dance&v=mallm_25eLQ
Pretty! This was a really wonderful article. Many thanks for providing this information.
http://www.nsfwyoutube.com/watch?v=RdrVjjDs8eE
http://lig.wpcloud.net/?wptouch_switch=mobile&redirect=http3A2F2Fallbrewsupplies.com
I blog frequently and I really appreciate your information. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I will take a note of your blog and keep checking for new details about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed too.
http://videoonline.pk/watch.php?v=h8HNNFmhuMc
https://www.avt1c.ru/bitrix/rk.php?goto=https://allbrewsupplies.com
viagra blocks pde5 https://llviagra.com/ get viagra online free
generic cialis overnight delivery https://cialisee.com/ cialis generic overnite
Very good article! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our website. Keep up the good writing.
https://www.vermont.com/linkclickcounts.cfm?linksId=6287&url=http://www.ocrvart.com
Everything is very open with a precise clarification of the challenges. It was truly informative. Your website is extremely helpful. Many thanks for sharing!
https://www.ricklafleur.com/links_goto.php?goto=http://www.rvcollisionrepairpaintshop.com
rsm homework help is gatsby great essay help in french homework homework help glasgow
https://images.google.me/url?q=j&source=web&rct=j&url=https://forkliftrepairorangecounty.com
Everyone loves it when people come together and share views. Great website, stick with it!
http://www.ritmoflow.com/?videos=Dance&v=vESG_ZYbiM0
Great post. I am facing many of these issues as well..
https://secure.action.news/watch?v=ADjDEjaDdZU
pay cialis with paypal https://cialisee.com/ – cialis canadian purchase cialis purchase
https://kazhit.net/watch/9GWy1A1aY6k
After checking out a number of the blog posts on your web site, I honestly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back soon. Take a look at my web site as well and let me know what you think.
https://portal.goosevpn.com/aff.php?redirect=https://allbrewsupplies.com
I was able to find good advice from your articles.
https://reppeat.com/watch/?v=3s_RMFoFAYI
Everything is very open with a really clear explanation of the challenges. It was truly informative. Your website is useful. Thanks for sharing!
http://semeadeiraseplantadeiras.com.br/Redirect.aspx?url=craftbrewersofboise.com&idPlanoCategoria=75&id=3592
https://cse.google.de/url?q=j&rct=j&url=https3A2F2Fcommercialforklifts.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGaY_nlK9ozc51fqwjiVdMaYZL7rg
I'm excited to find this web site. I want to to thank you for ones time just for this fantastic read!! I definitely savored every little bit of it and I have you book marked to check out new stuff on your site.
http://www.swatbot.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.forkliftrentalorangecounty.com
https://maps.google.sk/url?sa=t&url=https://socalforklifttraining.com
I needed to thank you for this excellent read!! I certainly loved every bit of it. I have got you book-marked to look at new stuff you post…
http://www.cyprusceramicassociation.com/link_out.php?url=http://admirallakeandpond.com
http://tools.fedenet.gr/click.php?loadpage=http://www.ocrv.store&i=Fy13kqfCRpV18+rzmB5Vj1KkXGkGGAWhIX3fVnUfV4Oa/FaCMIqJVPsjQooUCo+mk80DmnB6Me8YCZnos3e+Gp1988eyWfj8/nV9ACyovw==&e=hLRLEk1SqoBby50Iy68z555DZGT2h8DJB8D98ZmiN3Ig0wvtONY/BVvj6i2imi9OGTtuf6rewgukF5Q61OHrzI9v2p2Cv41uFFAHSSg3kvR+uVheJT2pkV59oPRoEA==&ui=17457803796498151631184838240327480509388683986
Hi, I do think this is an excellent blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may return once again since I bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.
http://ytapi.com/embed/w9cLLsF5HEg
There's certainly a great deal to learn about this subject. I like all the points you've made.
http://heartvod.com/play=j5CE6R4KLz4
36 hour cialis price http://rcialisgl.com/ – cialis no script cialis 800mg
I need to to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it. I have got you book marked to check out new things you post…
https://www.wihomes.com/property/DeepLink.asp?url=https://affordableranking.com
http://stupidhurts.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvcenter.com
viagra ebay https://loxviagra.com/ – buy viagra connect viagra 100
https://parenteducation.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.affordableranking.com
Your style is so unique in comparison to other folks I've read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this web site.
http://www.myedaccount.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
doing homework for your girlfriend buy essays online for college sociology dissertation help order of operations games for 5th graders
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this web site before but after browsing through some of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely pleased I came across it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!
https://www.escoladepostura.com.br/link.asp?obanner=88&olink=https://affordableranking.com
brand cialis no prescription https://rcialisgl.com/ – what is better viagra or cialis or levitra?? generic cialis uk online
May I just say what a comfort to uncover a person that genuinely understands what they're talking about online. You actually realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people must look at this and understand this side of the story. It's surprising you aren't more popular given that you definitely have the gift.
https://stolenreward.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
https://relaxmedsyst.com/3d.php?link=https://affordableranking.com
After I initially commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I receive four emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a way you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks!
http://travelingtin.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://www.datacertain.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvcenter.com
An outstanding share! I've just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been doing a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me dinner simply because I found it for him... lol. So let me reword this.... Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your site.
http://gindirealty.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvcenter.com
cialis with dapoxetine online https://ucialisdas.com/ cialis for sell
http://doyouthinkicansing.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this blog. I really hope to check out the same high-grade blog posts by you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my very own website now 😉
https://www.bkdc.ru/bitrix/redirect.php?event1=news_out&event2=32reg.roszdravnadzor.ru/&event3=A0A0B5A09180D0A09582A0BBA1A085D0E2A084D0D1C2D0A085+A0A0B5A182B0A0C2D0D0D096+A1A0BBA0B180D0A09795+A0A0B0A09582A1D1D0D0D0A182B5+A0A091A08695A0D1D0A6A185A0A085D0D1D0D082A1A085D0D0D1D0A095B1A0C2D0D0D091&goto=https://www.affordableranking.com
Your style is very unique in comparison to other folks I've read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I'll just book mark this blog.
https://www.highpointstands.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.affordableranking.com
Good web site you've got here.. It’s difficult to find excellent writing like yours nowadays. I really appreciate people like you! Take care!!
https://dz4link.com/xi7Z
An impressive share! I've just forwarded this onto a friend who had been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch simply because I found it for him... lol. So let me reword this.... Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to discuss this subject here on your site.
https://canuckstuff.com/store/trigger.php?r_link=http3A2F2Faffordableranking.com
Howdy! I simply would like to give you a huge thumbs up for your excellent information you've got right here on this post. I am returning to your site for more soon.
https://www.2ch.io/affordableranking.com
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thanks, However I am encountering problems with your RSS. I don’t understand why I can't join it. Is there anybody getting the same RSS issues? Anybody who knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanks!!
http://www.velegal.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://jbe.stanleycarpetcleaning.cc/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
I was very happy to find this web site. I want to to thank you for ones time for this particularly wonderful read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it and I have you book-marked to check out new information on your blog.
https://rezidanslar.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
I’m amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s equally educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you've hit the nail on the head. The issue is something that not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about. Now i'm very happy that I came across this in my search for something concerning this.
https://cpmlink.net/E85sAQ