Community Health Network

Ear - Congestion
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Symptom
Description

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

Does this describe your child's symptoms?

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

If not, see these topics

COLDS is also present
HAY FEVER is also present
EAR DISCHARGE or drainage is also present

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

When to Call Your Doctor

	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

Symptom
Description

Care at
Home

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 "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Symptom
Description

Should I
Call?

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

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online