 |
|
|
|
|
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.
 |
|
|
|
cheap viagra 50 mg viagra walmart prices viagra trial voucher
who can help me to write an essay assignment essay shark college essay response
write essays online homework help website research paper note taking
resources for research papers research paper management term paper
primary homework help world war 2 homework persuasive essay pay for homework assignment
writing a business case study quotations for essay my first day at college research paper 16th edition
https://DreamProxies.com review – 100 quality and anonymous private proxies, best prices and USA private proxies
https://dreamproxies.com/tag/multiple-subnets-cheap-private-proxy/
thesis based essay writing articles for money online the perfect college essay
do my maths homework for me dissertation marketing can you help me do my homework
need someone to do my homework buy an essay on retirement writing a research
essaysnark writing a research paper powerpoint research paper on social media
I am really impressed along with your writing talents as well as with the format to your blog. Is this a paid subject or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the nice high quality writing, it's rare to peer a nice blog like this one today. cbd for cats cbd oil buy online
https://www.hicbdbye.com/
college essay workshop college essay quiz presentation slides
I don't even understand how I stopped up here, however I thought this submit was good. I don't understand who you're but definitely you're going to a well-known blogger if you happen to aren't already 😉 Cheers! cbd oil buy cbd oil
https://www.hicbdbye.com/
essay paper writers homework help tvo research paper thesis statement
I beloved up to you will obtain performed proper here. The caricature is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nevertheless, you command get got an impatience over that you want be turning in the following. unwell unquestionably come further in the past once more since precisely the similar nearly a lot continuously inside case you protect this hike.
https://BobJohnsonblog398.com/
5 Hacks To Guarantee You Never Have To Worry About Bad Breath https://bit.ly/36rfzdB
https://bit.ly/36rfzdB
college essay mistakes analysis dissertation essays online on the nepal earthquake 2015
do my physics homework buy research paper with references write an expository essay
writing a essay online buy essay on organ donation essays questions
5 Lies About Bleeding Gums Health https://bit.ly/36rfzdB
https://bit.ly/36rfzdB
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my website so i came to “return the favor”.I'm trying to find things to enhance my site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!
https://BobJohnsonblog398.com/
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.
https://BobJohnsonblog398.com/
but viagra with no prescription melbourne buy viagra pfizer viagra
cialis online with no prescription cialis cheap buy cialis in cro
windsor, ontario, canada pharmacy cialis generic cialis in usa cialis paypal payment canada
indian version for viagra viagra 50 mg 50 mg viagra for $1995
viagra gold 800mg uk viagra on lines where can i purchase viagra online
cialis onlilne cialis dosage for women cialis online mastercard
generic cialis professional buying cialis with dapoxetine generic cialis prices
detectives privados en chiclana de la frontera
https://www.argadetectives.com/detectives-velez-malaga.html
detectives privados las rozas
https://www.argadetectives.com/alcala-de-henares.html
cialis 40mg how to buy cialis us cialis over the counter in spain
cialis payment with paypal sfter market cialis buy cialis information
viagra delivery to canada viagra for boys viagra online order
cialis usa cialis super active 20mg cialis black without prescription
detectives privados extremadura
https://www.argadetectives.com/investigaciones-las-rozas-majadahonda.html
detectives privados coin
https://www.argadetectives.com/detectives-casteldefels-barcelona.html
viagra 4 pack viagra store in uae viagra loest prise
canadian cialis cialis super active experiences cialis black
female pink viagra online viagra in tokyo viagra cheap fast delivery
when does the patent on viagra end? wallmart price viagra pills like viagra
viagra cost per pill viagra gel australia viagra gold 800mg uk
free sample of viagra buy viagra without prescription overnight shipping viagra in montreal
viagra prescriptions generic viagra without perscription viagra for men
I cherished as much as you will receive performed proper here. The comic strip is tasteful, your authored material stylish. however, you command get got an impatience over that you wish be handing over the following. ill definitely come more beforehand again since precisely the similar nearly very incessantly within case you defend this increase.
http://www.zortilonrel.com/
Transfer from bitcoin to paypal very fast and low cost.
https://exchanger24.org/xchange_btc_to_ppusd/
viagra online sell buy viagra on line pay pal buy viagra gold
viagra quebec yelp. buy viagra online what does a prescription for viagra cost
generic viagra buy viagra generic wholesale buy viagra, pay mastercard