{"id":4820,"date":"2019-11-08T10:52:45","date_gmt":"2019-11-08T10:52:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sfaudiology.com\/?p=4820"},"modified":"2020-11-13T18:00:41","modified_gmt":"2020-11-13T18:00:41","slug":"reducing-pressure-in-the-ears","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sfaudiology.com\/reducing-pressure-in-the-ears\/","title":{"rendered":"Reducing Pressure in the Ears"},"content":{"rendered":"

Colds<\/a>, flu and allergies can leave San Francisco residents feeling miserable this time of year. In addition to a runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, fever, aches and pains, you might also experience pain and pressure in the ears. Don\u2019t worry; there are things you can try at home to help reduce pressure in your ears and leave you feeling better.<\/p>\n

The Ears, Nose & Throat Are All Interconnected<\/h2>\n

\"Woman's<\/p>\n

When you\u2019re sick with an upper respiratory infection, one of the symptoms you\u2019re likely to experience is plugged-up ears, which can cause pressure and discomfort. These infections cause inflammation and mucus secretions in the Eustachian tube, an organ that runs from the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. Its job is to regulate the pressure in your ears, eliminate excess fluids and circulate airflow in your ears. Because it connects the ears, nose and throat, a blockage in the Eustachian tube resulting from swelling and mucus buildup can cause a plugged-up sensation and pressure in the ears.<\/p>\n

Some people experience worse symptoms than others. This is due to anatomy; subtle differences in size and shape of the Eustachian tube<\/a> among individuals mean that some are more prone to ear discomfort when sick than others. Those whose Eustachian tubes are more narrow or horizontal are more likely to suffer from a buildup of fluids, which helps explain why children have so many more ear infections than adults\u2014their Eustachian tubes are smaller and still growing. Other people may experience more swelling, ear pain and pressure because they have more mucus linings near the entrance to their Eustachian tube.<\/p>\n

Remedies for Relieving Ear Pressure<\/h2>\n

Ear pain and pressure tends to dissipate within a few days to a week, after an upper respiratory has run its course. That\u2019s a lot of time to put up with discomfort, however; to alleviate congestion in the ears, nose and throat, your San Francisco audiologist<\/a> recommends trying the following:<\/p>\n