EAR CONGESTION
Symptom Definition
- Sudden onset of muffled hearing.
- Crackling or popping noises in the ear.
- A stuffy, full sensation in the ear.
- No ear pain.
- Unusual complaint until after age 4 or 5 years.
Causes
- Blockage of ear tube (eustachian tube) during nose allergies, a cold or airplane/mountain travel.
- Not from an ear infection
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If
- COLD is also present.
- HAY FEVER is also present
- EAR DISCHARGE or drainage is also present.
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR
Call your doctor within 24 hours (between 9am and 4pm) if:
- You think your child needs to be seen.
- Earache.
- Possible foreign body in ear canal.
- Ear congestion lasts for more than 48 hours.
Call your doctor during weekday office hours if:
- You have other questions or concerns.
- Blocked ear wax is suspected.
Parent care at home if:
- Ear congestion (probably from blocked eustachian tube) and you don't think your child needs to be seen.
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR EAR CONGESTION
- More Chewing and Swallowing: Have your child chew gum if over age 4. Also swallow water or other fluid while the nose is pinched closed. After age 4, can also use chewing gum.
- Decongestant Nasal Spray: If chewing doesn't help after 1 or 2 hours, use a long-acting decongestant nasal spray. You can ask your pharmacist to recommend a brand.
- Don't use more than 5 days.
- An oral decongestant (e.g., pseudoephedrine) may help if the nasal spray is not available (See Dosage table). Do not use under age 2 years.
- Antihistamines: If your child has hay fever or other allergies, give an antihistamine
- Expected Course: The symptoms usually clear within 2 days (48 hours) with treatment. It's safe for your child to swim.
- Prevention for Airplane/Mountain Travel:
- Swallow during descent using a pacifier or fluids.
- Children older than age 4 can chew on gum during descent.
- Yawning also can open the middle ear.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Ear pain occurs
- Ear congestion lasts for more than 48 hours
- Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
REFERENCES
- Brown TP. Middle ear symptoms while flying: Ways to prevent a severe outcome. Postgrad Med. 1994, 96:135-142.
- Daly KA, Hunter LL, Giebink GS. Chronic otitis media with effusion. Pediatr Rev. 1999;20:85-93.
- Weiss MH and Frost O. May children with otitis media with effusion safely fly? Clin Pediatr. 1987;26:567-568.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
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