Definition
- Sudden onset of muffled hearing
- Crackling or popping noises in the ear
- A stuffy, full sensation in the ear
- Usually no ear pain, except with air-travel type
- Unusual complaint until after age 4 or 5 years
Causes
- Blockage of ear tube (eustachian tube) during nose allergies, a cold or over-vigorous nose-blowing
- Sudden increases in air pressure, which occur in descent from mountain driving or airplane travel
- Middle ear fluid can also be seen with a resolving ear infection
When to Call Your Doctor for Ear Congestion
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Earache
- Possible foreign body in ear canal
- Ear congestion lasts over 48 hours
Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
- You have other questions or concerns
- Blocked ear wax 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: Swallow water or other fluid while the nose is pinched closed. (Reason: creates a vacuum in the nose that helps the Eustachian tube to open up.) After age 6, 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. (Reason: rebound swelling)
- 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 over age 6 can chew on gum during descent
- Yawning also can open the middle ear
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Ear pain occurs
- Ear congestion lasts over 48 hours
- Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "When to Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
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.
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 1/19/2009
Last Revised: 6/24/2008
Copyright 1994-2009 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.