Runny nose and congestion due to allergies affect ear health. If the necessary measures are taken in time, this unpleasant condition can be eliminated in a short period. Today, we will provide information on how to help when your ears are blocked during a cold.
Main causes of ear blockage during ARVI
Before providing first aid and treating the ears, it is important to understand why a cold affects the ears. It is necessary to know whether there is inflammation in the nasal cavity and sinuses (sinuses are cavities around the eyes, nose, and the front part of the skull). Because colds in this area affect the Eustachian tube. In this case, its walls narrow, and the feeling of ear blockage arises.
If not treated in time, inflammation of the Eustachian tube can lead to partial or complete loss of hearing.
How to provide first aid if your nose is blocked during a cold?
There are several methods in folk medicine that temporarily relieve ear blockage:
First, clear the nasal cavity of excess fluid by simply blowing your nose and rinse with saline solution. If the ear blockage does not go away after that, temporarily stop clearing the nasal passages in this way and use special nasal sprays and drops that constrict blood vessels instead.
Massage: Massage the ear and nose for 15 minutes, paying special attention to the ear canal and both sides of the nose.
Treating blocked ears due to a cold with medical preparations
If your ears are blocked due to a runny nose and the above methods do not help, you can switch to using medications.
Instilling vasoconstrictor medications into the nose without a doctor's prescription: This method reduces swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses, resulting in the pressure on the Eustachian tube being relieved. This creates a basis for improving the permeability in the sinus cavity. However, this method provides only temporary relief and cannot replace the treatment prescribed by a doctor.
Special drops that reduce inflammation and swelling in the ear and have antimicrobial effects can be used.
Heating the ear with an alcohol compress — a piece of gauze folded in several layers can be soaked in warm alcohol, placed over the ear, and wrapped with a cloth, leaving it for several hours.
The above recommendations are first aid that can be performed until medical assistance or a doctor's examination is available. None of them can replace a complete course of treatment. Do not forget to visit an otolaryngologist in any case of nasal blockage. It is our responsibility to prevent serious complications.
