Ear congestion with a cold is a typical sign that signals the presence of inflammatory processes in the organs of the ENT spectrum. With the development of colds, there is a risk of inflammation of the auditory tube, the mouth of which is located in the nasopharynx. Pathogenic agents penetrate the mucous membrane of the Eustachian tube, which provokes inflammation and narrowing of its inner diameter.
The blockade of the ear canal leads to a violation of its aeration function, as a result of which negative pressure arises in the tympanic cavity. The occurrence of a pressure difference in the middle and outer ear leads to the retraction of the ear membrane inside the ear. Pathological processes contribute to hearing loss and a feeling of congestion.
Pathogenesis
Why does my ears clog up when I have a cold? Congestion is a feeling of blockage of the ear canal caused by inflammatory processes in the mucous membranes of the ENT organs. Tissue edema occurs due to the development of pathogenic flora in the upper respiratory tract, which contributes to the penetration of pathogens into the middle ear by the tubular route, i.e. through the auditory canal.
The Eustachian tube connects the nasopharynx and the tympanic cavity, which helps to stabilize the pressure inside the ear. With the development of ARVI, a runny nose occurs in 95% of cases, as a result of which the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx become inflamed. The swelling of the tissues leads to the closure of the mouth of the Eustachian tube, which becomes the key reason for the formation of a vacuum in the ear and, accordingly, the appearance of a feeling of congestion.
Eustachian tube dysfunction is the main cause of ear congestion.
Untimely elimination of pathogenic agents entails the development of infection in the middle ear cavity, which is fraught with otitis media. The subsequent increase in the pressure difference between the tympanic cavity and the outer ear leads to the formation of perforated holes in the tympanic membrane. The presence of perforations is evidenced by a sharp decrease in the threshold of hearing sounds, ear pains and otorrhea.
Etiology
The principles of elimination of uncomfortable sensations in the ear are determined by the causes of their occurrence. If the ear is blocked with a cold, it is advisable to be examined by an ENT doctor, who will be able to determine for sure whether there are lesions in the ear membrane, the degree of tissue swelling in the ear canal and the type of pathogenic flora that provoked complications.
Ear congestion is caused by:
- rhinitis;
- sinusitis;
- dysfunction of the sulfur glands (sulfur plug);
- beginning otitis media;
- damage to the facial nerve;
- swelling of lymphoid tissue.
Important! Shooting pains and hearing loss can be a symptom of an inflammation of the facial nerve.
Dysfunction of the auditory tube often occurs due to active blowing out with rhinitis. The sharp blowing of mucus through the nasal passages leads to the closure of the orifice of the auditory canal, which inevitably leads to a decrease in pressure in the middle ear cavity.
Features of therapy
The relief of an unpleasant symptom should begin with the elimination of the main causes of its occurrence, i.e. ARVI. If the ears are blocked during a cold, the following can be used to neutralize the discomfort:
- nasal vasoconstrictor drops;
- warming oil and alcohol compresses;
- anti-inflammatory ear drops;
- systemic antiviral drugs;
- exercises to equalize pressure on the membrane.
At the stage of resolving inflammatory processes in the organ of hearing, experts recommend resorting to physiotherapy. Therapeutic procedures contribute to the restoration of normal blood circulation in the tissues, thereby accelerating the process of their regeneration. Some of the most effective physiotherapy treatments include:
- laser therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- franklinization;
- amplipulse therapy;
- inductothermy.
Many of the above procedures help to increase local immunity, thereby reducing the risk of re-infection of the auditory analyzer.
Drug treatment
It is possible to eliminate congestion with the help of symptomatic therapy. However, experts warn that in this case one should not forget about the treatment of the underlying disease that provoked the occurrence of complications. If the ears are blocked after ARVI, the symptom can be stopped with the following drugs:
- vasoconstrictor drops (Rinonorm, Vibrocil, Tizin) - reduce the permeability of blood vessels, which helps to eliminate swelling in the nasopharynx and unblock the auditory tube;
- ear drops ("Sufradex", "Otinum", "Garazon") - eliminate inflammation and pathogenic flora inside the external auditory canal;
- antiviral agents (Ergoferon, Immunoflazid, Amiksin) - destroy the viruses that provoked the development of ARVI.
To increase the reactivity of the body, doctors recommend taking immunostimulating drugs in parallel. They help to strengthen nonspecific immunity, which reduces the risk of relapse. The most effective drugs include "Genferon", "Anaferon", "Imunoriks", "Laferon", etc.
Compresses
Warming compresses are a relaxation therapy that leads to the expansion of blood vessels and the regeneration of the affected tissue. They contribute to the resorption of infiltrates, relief of inflammation and pain. Compresses can be used for the development of otitis media, tonsillitis and other inflammatory ENT diseases.
Important! Thermal therapy should not be used in the presence of high temperature.
Some of the most effective warming compresses include:
- semi-alcoholic;
- alcohol;
- with camphor oil;
- with "Dimexidum".
With the parallel use of antiviral agents, medical dressings contribute to the early saturation of the affected tissues with the active components of the drug. Thus, the regression of inflammatory processes is accelerated, which leads to the elimination of the feeling of congestion.
Instructions for applying a compress
When ARVI clogs the ears, what to do? You can quickly eliminate discomfort with an alcohol compress. Before applying a wet dressing, it is necessary to clean the auricle of contamination to prevent the penetration of pathogens into the ear canal.
Sequencing:
- cut gauze folded in several layers exactly to the size of the auricle;
- make an incision in a gauze napkin corresponding to the length of the auricle;
- prepare polyethylene and cotton wool in the same way;
- moisten gauze in alcohol solution and squeeze lightly;
- apply a damp cloth to the area behind the auricle;
- put polyethylene and a layer of cotton wool on top;
- secure the compress with bandages;
- remove the bandage after 3-4 hours.
Important! In case of severe burning, remove the compress and treat the skin with a regenerating cream.
To prevent skin burns, lubricate the area behind your ear with a greasy cream or petroleum jelly before applying gauze. When treating young children, use semi-alcoholic solutions, mixing alcohol and warm water in a 1: 3 ratio.
