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Eustachian Tube

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Introduction to Eustachian Tube

MVSAT 2024

When we are yawning, something makes it by our ears. Did you observe any time? Just try once. It is the movement of the eustachian tube. In between the Middle ears and upper part of the throat, a small tube-like structure is available on either side. These tubes are known as eustachian tubes. Its exact location is behind the eardrum. Usually, the eustachian tubes will be enclosed mode. They open whenever we chew RNR swallow etc. 

Structure of Eustachian Tube

Usually, that eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the upper part of the throat. Their function is to maintain the stability of pressure in the ears. These tubes also contain some amount of fluids. The structure of the eustachian tube can be understood clearly in the below diagram.

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Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

As the passage of the eustardrum tube throat is small, many people can suffer some blockage or pain or discomfort due to eustachian tube infection. Because of this infection, the air cannot move from the ears, and the person may feel some eustachian tube blockage. This is known as eustachian tube dysfunction. 


The eustachian tube disorder may have several reasons, and it is a common problem faced by many people. If the eustachian tube infection is low, it can be cured with simple home remedies itself in less time. If there is a eustachian tube infection, there is a high need to consult an ENT doctor and take his advice. If the eustachian tube is closed and unable to open, it is known as a patulous eustachian tube disorder. 

Symptoms of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Several symptoms are there to understand the level of eustachian tube blockage. If it gets relieved soon, there is nothing to worry about. If these symptoms are continuing for a longer time, one should understand that it is time to consult a doctor.

  • fullness and dizziness in the ears

  • feeling like ears are "plugged."

  • Hearing issues

  • ringing in the ear or continuous sound from ears, also known as tinnitus

  • ticklish feelings and itching in the ears 

  • Ear pain etc.

Causes of Eustachian Tube Disorder

Various factors and reasons can cause the eustachian tube disorder. Allergies and infections are the basic cause of getting eustachian tube blockage. Apart from these allergies, some more reasons like- 

  • Travelling in a plane

  • Riding in an elevator

  • Travelling through the mountains

  • Obesity may store the fat deposits and doesn't have a place for air to move.

  • Smoking is also another cause of Eustachian tube blockage.

  • Hiking is another Factor.

  • Also, if a person has skin allergies, the mucus may come from the ears and causes eustachian tube dysfunction.

  • Children have more chances to get these eustachian tube dysfunctions with various flows like cold fever and allergies spread from other children as they have less immunity power.

These are the various reasons and causes for getting the eustachian tube disorder.

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Treatment for Eustachian Tube Dysfunctions

The eustachian tube dysfunction treatment contains various levels of treatment. Because based on the eustachian tube infection, some people require home remedies themselves, some people need medication, and others may require surgical treatment in rare cases. The eustachian job dysfunction treatment also depends on the cause of infection. If the symptoms may not get relieved for 2 weeks, the doctor suggests some over-the-counter medicines accordingly.

Home Remedies

Home remedies are quiet and simple and enough if the person has a mind infection and symptoms for one or two days. Especially for children, it is always safe to try home remedies for treating the eustachian tube dysfunction. They are - 

  • Chewing a bubble gum

  • Swallowing food or water

  • Yawning for a long time.

  • Breathing out with nostrils when the mouth is closed

  • Saline nasal sprays help to clean out passageways.

OTC  and Conventional Method

If the symptoms are continuing for a long time, the ENT doctor may suggest over-the-counter medicines such as pain relievers, etc. Also, some ear drops nasal sprays, oral tablets, antibiotics, etc.

Complications

Certain complications will occur because of ear glue, eardrum contraction, eustachian tube inflammation, etc. Also, it may get an impact on the throat due to eustachian tube throat disorder. These can be cured by small surgeries if necessary.

Conclusion

Hope it is clear about the eustachian tube present behind the eardrum. Even though it is small in size, it plays a pivotal role and faces several disorders. Along with the issues mentioned in the article, some other conditions like clogged ears, etc. So, the sense organ should take proper care as they are sensitive.

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FAQs on Eustachian Tube

1. Mention Some Preventive Measures to Get Rid of the Eustachian Tube Dysfunctions.

Ans: As we know that prevention is better than cure, it is always good to follow some preventive measures instead of facing some pain. Some of them are- 

  • Try to avoid flight journeys when you are affected by the cold, flu, or any other.

  • It is good to swallow something at regular intervals during the flight journey.

  • Gentle cleaning of ears is mandatory but should be done with utmost care.

  • Pressure equalization tubes are helpful to prevent eustachian tube dysfunctions.

These are the sum of preventive measures to be taken. But if the symptoms are continuing for more than 2 weeks, one should consult the ENT doctor immediately and follow his advice. 

2. How Do We Need to Take Care of the Eustachian Tubes?

Ans: For the smooth flow of functioning of eustachian tubes and other parts in the air, several doctors prescribe some generic exercises that can be done regularly. These help to prevent unnecessary health issues of eustachian tubes. They are - 

  • Everyone needs to do asap blowing, yawning, swallowing, etc., at an everyday moment which helps to protect all the three, namely ears, nose, and throat.

  • The excess fluid of the middle ear can be drained to the throat; gargling with the hot water is good enough to avoid unnecessary infections in the throat.

  • It is also good to combine nozzle blowing and yawning or swallowing through the mouth.


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