The ABC Homeopathy Forum
fluid in middle ear
Four weeks ago I flew and my ears did n't 'pop' on landing since then i have been deaf in my left ear. I have had it checked by a GP who tells me that the ear drum is sucked in and there is fluid behind it which has n't drained. The deafness is driving me mad.is there anything I can take to help drain my ear. I am a healthy 40 year old and am curently breastfeeding my nearly 2 year old.
Help
mollyb on 2007-07-21
This is just a forum. Assume posts are not from medical professionals.
faisal qureshi last decade
AIRPLANE EAR
If you have traveled by an airplane before you will be familiar with the effect it has on your ears. You feel the pressure build up and then your ears pop especially during landing. Normally once you have landed the pressure in the ears settles down and no discomfort or pain is experienced. However some people develop ear problems like temporary hearing loss and pain during an air flight and the symptoms do not go away even on landing. This problem is then known as Airplane ear.
To understand why this problem takes place you have to first understand the normal working of the ear and how it equalizes the pressure inside. There is a small tube, which connects the back of your nose to the middle ear. Air enters from the back of the nose through this tube to the middle ear. This small air bubble is then absorbed by the membranous lining of the middle ear and this process keeps happening in order to maintain equal pressure on both sides of the eardrum. If the air pressure is not equal on both sides then the ear feels blocked. This problem occurs especially when the Eustachian tube is blocked.
WHAT CAUSES BLOCKAGE OF THE EUSTACHIAN TUBE?
The Eustachian tube is a very small narrow tube as thin as a pencil lead, which connects the back of the nose to the middle ear. This tube can easily get blocked by a number of reasons. The most common cause is cold and sinusitis. A nasal allergy or a throat infection can also cause this problem.
Once the Eustachian tube is blocked the pressure in the middle ear cannot be equalized. This is because a vacuum is created which sucks the eardrum inward stretching it. This stretched eardrum cannot vibrate so hearing becomes hard and difficult. If this blockage continues, fluid will build up which causes more problems.
WHY DOES AIR TRAVEL CAUSE THIS PROBLEM?
When you are traveling by air the changes in the air pressure are rapid. In order to maintain the equal pressure on either side of the eardrum the Eustachian tube has to open often and wide enough. This is especially necessary while landing where you are going from a low atmospheric pressure to higher pressure on land. If for some reason the opening of the Eustachian tube is blocked then the necessary adjustments cannot take place and the person experiences symptoms of Airplane Ear.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AIRPLANE EAR?
This problem can occur in either one ear or in both.
1. Discomfort is the normally the first symptom experienced. If this discomfort continues then pain may set in.
2. There is a sense or feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.
3. The patient may experience a slight hearing loss. But if severe then the hearing loss can be quite marked.
4. Ringing in the ear or tinnitus is another symptom of Airplane ear.
5. If the blockage continues then fluid may build up in the middle ear. If severe then there may bleeding from the affected ear.
6. Occasionally the patient might have symptoms of dizziness.
HOW CAN AIRPLANE EAR BE PREVENTED?
Here are a few handy ways in which you can prevent Airplane ear from occurring.
1. If you have a cold or sinus infection try and postpone your flight till you are better. Even if it is just a nasal allergy or throat infection do not take it lightly and avoid flying till you are cured.
2. If you have had ear problems in the past take the advice of your doctor before flying.
3. During take off and landing keep sucking on a sweet or chew gum. This encourages swallowing which helps keep the Eustachian tube open. Yawning is another effective way to keep the tube open.
4. If you are traveling with a child or infant it is best to make them drink water or other fluids while take off and landing. Make sure that they are free from cold or other upper respiratory tract infections.
5. Do not allow your child or baby to sleep especially during landing because they will not swallow and the ears may get blocked.
6. Drink plenty of water during a long flight otherwise dehydration sets in. Avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages, which cause dehydration.
SELF-CARE TIP
If your ears are blocked or plugged during a flight or after here is something you can do to try clearing them.
1. try to shut your nose completely by pinching the nostrils shut with the help of your thumb and index finger.
2. take a big gulp of air into your mouth.
3. then using your cheek and throat muscles try to gently force the air into the back of the nose. You should feel as if you are trying to blow your thumb and index finger off your nostrils.
If you hear a pop in your ears then this means that you have managed to clear them. If not then you might need medical help.
TREATMENT FOR AIRPLANE EAR
There are several over the counter decongestants and anti-allergic drugs available in chemist shops which will give immediate temporary relief and can be taken before a flight but what people do not realize is that these have a tremendous rebound effect if used regularly. That means that though they give relief in the longer run they cause more severe blockage and make the person more prone to Airplane ear. So what is the correct treatment and how does one treat this problem?
The root underlining cause should be treated correctly. Allergies, colds, nose blocks, respiratory infections should be cured completely. Homoeopathy has the capacity and potential to cure all of these and hence prevent ear problems during a flight or at high altitude.
HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT
As stated earlier it is essential to treat the cause that is the allergies, colds, sinusitis etcÂ… that make the individual susceptible to Airplane ear. There are a vast number of homoeopathic drugs which help deal with these problems depending on the symptoms and signs of the patient. Here are a few excellent remedies, which help to cure this condition.
PULSATILLA
A 30 year old woman came to my clinic with a problem saying that she felt a sensation of fullness in her ears, as if they were stuffed. Sometimes she would also experience a mild loss of hearing due to this. When asked how this problem first started she told me that it began after taking a flight. On asking what makes her feel better she told me only open air made her feel better. On further case taking I learnt that she was a very mild person who cried very easily.
All these symptoms are characteristic of this remedy where the person is susceptible to changes in atmosphere. A Pulsatilla personality is also a thirstless person, they hardly drink any water. Occassionally there might be a thick bland discharge from the ear and pain, which radiates to the face in ear troubles.
Pulsatilla 200, 5 pills 4 times a day helped cure this patients ear problems.
SILICEA
This is an excellent remedy for chronic ear, nose and throat problems. These patients are highly susceptible to cold. They normally affected by cold drafts of air, bathing with cold water, getting the hair wet etcÂ… they are also affected by changes in weather. In these chronic cases there is usually a discharge from the affected ear. This discharge is very foul and offensive. The ear feels blocked and stuffed and this symptom is relieved when the person tries to yawn or swallow. There is a difficulty in hearing and sometimes the patient even complaints of a hissing sound in the ear.
Contrary to Pulsatilla the Silicea patient gets great relief from warm room. They like to cover their heads as it gives relief.
Silicea 200, 5 pills 4 times a day will help remove these chronic conditions.
KALI SULPH
This is one of Dr. Schuessler';s Biochemic remedy. But for problems like Airplane ear or Barotrauma we use it in a Homoeopathic way as it has proven to be very effective. It is especially useful where the discharge is yellow in colour. If the patient presents with symptoms like what is written in Pulsatilla but even after giving Pulsatilla the patient does not get cured then it this remedy should be thought of. A Kali suph patient also cannot tolerate a warm closed room as it aggravates his ear problems. They cannot tolerate noise which because of the sensitivity of the ears. Sometimes they lose their hearing temporarily which is known as Eustachian deafness.
Kali Suph 200, 5 pills 4 times a day will bring back the hearing and cure the eustachian problems.
Even though normally a homoeopath will not treat with specific remedies for specific conditions, at times when there are no peculiar symptoms individualizing the patient then these are used to give relief.
There are two wonderful remedies like that for this ear condition too. If the cause of Airplane ear is directly the result of change in air pressure and no other underlying cause is found these can be given to give relief to the patient.
MERC-I-F
This remedy is prescribed especially if the right ear is affected. The patient experiences a sharp shooting pain in his right ear while landing then give him Merc-I-F, 5 pills in repeated doses.
MERC-I-R
If the left ear is affected then this remedy should be thought of. This remedy is very effective when the patient says that the tube feels closed and then opens with a pop. Merc-I-R , 5 pills repeated often will give great relief.
Please do not use this article to self-medicate yourself and your family for this problem. It is not advisable and can be dangerous especially in case of a child. Please consult your Physician.
http://www.shirinwadia.com/articles1.htm
**********
See the type of the person and the thermal modalities for Pulstilla and silecia.
Pulsatilla can help you, if you are
Shy and easily embarrassed. Kind and gentle and makes friends easily. Likes to be supported by others. Not assertive and can be indecisive. Cries easily, in particular over cruelty to children and animals, tragic news or weepy movies. Also laughs easily. Avoids confrontation. Loves animals. Can suppress guilt and anger. Occasionally prone to obsessive or compulsive behaviour.
Dislikes fatty foods such as cream and butter, and very rich, spicy foods.
Pulsatilla is better in open air and never likes heat.
Silecia can help you if you are
Appears to have low confidence from a young age. Prone to mental exhaustion. Can become overburdened and overwhelmed. Responsibility weighs heavily on the Silicea type. Can be indecisive about taking on new projects, moves and new jobs. Fear of failure may surface in form of being a workaholic. Fear of failure can also spread into personal relationships. May stubbornly resist advice from friends and loved ones in order to hide true feelings.
Likes cold foods such as salads and raw vegetables. Dislikes meet and dairy products, especially cheese and milk. Dislikes very hot food.
Silecia person likes to be kept warm, as she feels chilliness easily.
Pulsatilla no doubt can help you, but only if you happen to be a pulsatilla type.
If you are unable to decide yourself, come back.
We will ask more questions and select a suitable remedy.
The other alternative is to try Pusatilla first, if it doesn't help then Kali sulph,if it still doesn't help, silecia etc..
The choice is left to you. Decide yourself.
Murthy
Murthy
If you have traveled by an airplane before you will be familiar with the effect it has on your ears. You feel the pressure build up and then your ears pop especially during landing. Normally once you have landed the pressure in the ears settles down and no discomfort or pain is experienced. However some people develop ear problems like temporary hearing loss and pain during an air flight and the symptoms do not go away even on landing. This problem is then known as Airplane ear.
To understand why this problem takes place you have to first understand the normal working of the ear and how it equalizes the pressure inside. There is a small tube, which connects the back of your nose to the middle ear. Air enters from the back of the nose through this tube to the middle ear. This small air bubble is then absorbed by the membranous lining of the middle ear and this process keeps happening in order to maintain equal pressure on both sides of the eardrum. If the air pressure is not equal on both sides then the ear feels blocked. This problem occurs especially when the Eustachian tube is blocked.
WHAT CAUSES BLOCKAGE OF THE EUSTACHIAN TUBE?
The Eustachian tube is a very small narrow tube as thin as a pencil lead, which connects the back of the nose to the middle ear. This tube can easily get blocked by a number of reasons. The most common cause is cold and sinusitis. A nasal allergy or a throat infection can also cause this problem.
Once the Eustachian tube is blocked the pressure in the middle ear cannot be equalized. This is because a vacuum is created which sucks the eardrum inward stretching it. This stretched eardrum cannot vibrate so hearing becomes hard and difficult. If this blockage continues, fluid will build up which causes more problems.
WHY DOES AIR TRAVEL CAUSE THIS PROBLEM?
When you are traveling by air the changes in the air pressure are rapid. In order to maintain the equal pressure on either side of the eardrum the Eustachian tube has to open often and wide enough. This is especially necessary while landing where you are going from a low atmospheric pressure to higher pressure on land. If for some reason the opening of the Eustachian tube is blocked then the necessary adjustments cannot take place and the person experiences symptoms of Airplane Ear.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AIRPLANE EAR?
This problem can occur in either one ear or in both.
1. Discomfort is the normally the first symptom experienced. If this discomfort continues then pain may set in.
2. There is a sense or feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.
3. The patient may experience a slight hearing loss. But if severe then the hearing loss can be quite marked.
4. Ringing in the ear or tinnitus is another symptom of Airplane ear.
5. If the blockage continues then fluid may build up in the middle ear. If severe then there may bleeding from the affected ear.
6. Occasionally the patient might have symptoms of dizziness.
HOW CAN AIRPLANE EAR BE PREVENTED?
Here are a few handy ways in which you can prevent Airplane ear from occurring.
1. If you have a cold or sinus infection try and postpone your flight till you are better. Even if it is just a nasal allergy or throat infection do not take it lightly and avoid flying till you are cured.
2. If you have had ear problems in the past take the advice of your doctor before flying.
3. During take off and landing keep sucking on a sweet or chew gum. This encourages swallowing which helps keep the Eustachian tube open. Yawning is another effective way to keep the tube open.
4. If you are traveling with a child or infant it is best to make them drink water or other fluids while take off and landing. Make sure that they are free from cold or other upper respiratory tract infections.
5. Do not allow your child or baby to sleep especially during landing because they will not swallow and the ears may get blocked.
6. Drink plenty of water during a long flight otherwise dehydration sets in. Avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages, which cause dehydration.
SELF-CARE TIP
If your ears are blocked or plugged during a flight or after here is something you can do to try clearing them.
1. try to shut your nose completely by pinching the nostrils shut with the help of your thumb and index finger.
2. take a big gulp of air into your mouth.
3. then using your cheek and throat muscles try to gently force the air into the back of the nose. You should feel as if you are trying to blow your thumb and index finger off your nostrils.
If you hear a pop in your ears then this means that you have managed to clear them. If not then you might need medical help.
TREATMENT FOR AIRPLANE EAR
There are several over the counter decongestants and anti-allergic drugs available in chemist shops which will give immediate temporary relief and can be taken before a flight but what people do not realize is that these have a tremendous rebound effect if used regularly. That means that though they give relief in the longer run they cause more severe blockage and make the person more prone to Airplane ear. So what is the correct treatment and how does one treat this problem?
The root underlining cause should be treated correctly. Allergies, colds, nose blocks, respiratory infections should be cured completely. Homoeopathy has the capacity and potential to cure all of these and hence prevent ear problems during a flight or at high altitude.
HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT
As stated earlier it is essential to treat the cause that is the allergies, colds, sinusitis etcÂ… that make the individual susceptible to Airplane ear. There are a vast number of homoeopathic drugs which help deal with these problems depending on the symptoms and signs of the patient. Here are a few excellent remedies, which help to cure this condition.
PULSATILLA
A 30 year old woman came to my clinic with a problem saying that she felt a sensation of fullness in her ears, as if they were stuffed. Sometimes she would also experience a mild loss of hearing due to this. When asked how this problem first started she told me that it began after taking a flight. On asking what makes her feel better she told me only open air made her feel better. On further case taking I learnt that she was a very mild person who cried very easily.
All these symptoms are characteristic of this remedy where the person is susceptible to changes in atmosphere. A Pulsatilla personality is also a thirstless person, they hardly drink any water. Occassionally there might be a thick bland discharge from the ear and pain, which radiates to the face in ear troubles.
Pulsatilla 200, 5 pills 4 times a day helped cure this patients ear problems.
SILICEA
This is an excellent remedy for chronic ear, nose and throat problems. These patients are highly susceptible to cold. They normally affected by cold drafts of air, bathing with cold water, getting the hair wet etcÂ… they are also affected by changes in weather. In these chronic cases there is usually a discharge from the affected ear. This discharge is very foul and offensive. The ear feels blocked and stuffed and this symptom is relieved when the person tries to yawn or swallow. There is a difficulty in hearing and sometimes the patient even complaints of a hissing sound in the ear.
Contrary to Pulsatilla the Silicea patient gets great relief from warm room. They like to cover their heads as it gives relief.
Silicea 200, 5 pills 4 times a day will help remove these chronic conditions.
KALI SULPH
This is one of Dr. Schuessler';s Biochemic remedy. But for problems like Airplane ear or Barotrauma we use it in a Homoeopathic way as it has proven to be very effective. It is especially useful where the discharge is yellow in colour. If the patient presents with symptoms like what is written in Pulsatilla but even after giving Pulsatilla the patient does not get cured then it this remedy should be thought of. A Kali suph patient also cannot tolerate a warm closed room as it aggravates his ear problems. They cannot tolerate noise which because of the sensitivity of the ears. Sometimes they lose their hearing temporarily which is known as Eustachian deafness.
Kali Suph 200, 5 pills 4 times a day will bring back the hearing and cure the eustachian problems.
Even though normally a homoeopath will not treat with specific remedies for specific conditions, at times when there are no peculiar symptoms individualizing the patient then these are used to give relief.
There are two wonderful remedies like that for this ear condition too. If the cause of Airplane ear is directly the result of change in air pressure and no other underlying cause is found these can be given to give relief to the patient.
MERC-I-F
This remedy is prescribed especially if the right ear is affected. The patient experiences a sharp shooting pain in his right ear while landing then give him Merc-I-F, 5 pills in repeated doses.
MERC-I-R
If the left ear is affected then this remedy should be thought of. This remedy is very effective when the patient says that the tube feels closed and then opens with a pop. Merc-I-R , 5 pills repeated often will give great relief.
Please do not use this article to self-medicate yourself and your family for this problem. It is not advisable and can be dangerous especially in case of a child. Please consult your Physician.
http://www.shirinwadia.com/articles1.htm
**********
See the type of the person and the thermal modalities for Pulstilla and silecia.
Pulsatilla can help you, if you are
Shy and easily embarrassed. Kind and gentle and makes friends easily. Likes to be supported by others. Not assertive and can be indecisive. Cries easily, in particular over cruelty to children and animals, tragic news or weepy movies. Also laughs easily. Avoids confrontation. Loves animals. Can suppress guilt and anger. Occasionally prone to obsessive or compulsive behaviour.
Dislikes fatty foods such as cream and butter, and very rich, spicy foods.
Pulsatilla is better in open air and never likes heat.
Silecia can help you if you are
Appears to have low confidence from a young age. Prone to mental exhaustion. Can become overburdened and overwhelmed. Responsibility weighs heavily on the Silicea type. Can be indecisive about taking on new projects, moves and new jobs. Fear of failure may surface in form of being a workaholic. Fear of failure can also spread into personal relationships. May stubbornly resist advice from friends and loved ones in order to hide true feelings.
Likes cold foods such as salads and raw vegetables. Dislikes meet and dairy products, especially cheese and milk. Dislikes very hot food.
Silecia person likes to be kept warm, as she feels chilliness easily.
Pulsatilla no doubt can help you, but only if you happen to be a pulsatilla type.
If you are unable to decide yourself, come back.
We will ask more questions and select a suitable remedy.
The other alternative is to try Pusatilla first, if it doesn't help then Kali sulph,if it still doesn't help, silecia etc..
The choice is left to you. Decide yourself.
Murthy
Murthy
♡ gavinimurthy last decade
Hi murthy,
pateint already explain lang time she got this problem also her GP is explain you got fluid stuck in ear drum there is no point to mention about Air plane ear.
pateint already explain lang time she got this problem also her GP is explain you got fluid stuck in ear drum there is no point to mention about Air plane ear.
faisal qureshi last decade
♡ gavinimurthy last decade
Thanks Murthy for including all that info. I was searching for this information to prepare for a plane journey I am going on with three small children.
omahonnelly last decade
I have a similar problem of fluid in the middle ear after air travel with a bad cold. 1. My ear blocked and opened slightly when I tilted my head back and felt better in open air.
2. I used to be a hay fever sufferer for years but was cured through Pranayama.
3. I have been going through severe anxiety related to business and conseqently selling my property and fear for children's well being.
4. I feel constant thirst (am always in airconditioning, but I feel good in it)and get stuffy in thhe nose and sneezing if I am in heavily carpeted or dusty rooms.
5. I have had homeopathy all my life but the hayfever problem could not be cured.
6. I am sensitive to intensely cold climates.
7. I am an anxious person and worry but love lightheartedness, laughter music and cannot take constant anxiety and tension which my husband is constantly going though.
8. I lack concentration at work as it is not my field of interest. I love creative work and writing and am good at it.
9. But the silicea personality of low confidence from a young age(Despite being very good looking and getting a lot of attention for it and having talents which I never had the dedication to fully develop like writing, music etc). Prone to mental exhaustion. Can become overburdened and overwhelmed. Can be indecisive about taking on new projects, moves and new jobs also fits me.
10. I have insomnia but exercise and physical activity seems to bring on sleep.
11.I am on blood pressure mild (5mg Amlopin) medication though my BP is fine now. I feel a heat and red flushing on my face after a lot of exercise or great anxiety.
12. After trying some alleopathy medications for fluid in the ear, the doctor did a myringotomy with no tubes. The fluid reappeared but I have no cold. When I got on this site, I tried the blowing with nose closed and miraculously after many attempts the ear cleared. However if I looked down it sometimes comes back and after washing my hair, despite wearing ear plugs it reappeared and I did the blowing again and it cleared. I have been taking Pulsatilla 200 as advised in your forum as I feel I fit into the Pulsatilla profile. Please help me get over this problem. I am based in the UAE and need to trave by air often. Thank you.
2. I used to be a hay fever sufferer for years but was cured through Pranayama.
3. I have been going through severe anxiety related to business and conseqently selling my property and fear for children's well being.
4. I feel constant thirst (am always in airconditioning, but I feel good in it)and get stuffy in thhe nose and sneezing if I am in heavily carpeted or dusty rooms.
5. I have had homeopathy all my life but the hayfever problem could not be cured.
6. I am sensitive to intensely cold climates.
7. I am an anxious person and worry but love lightheartedness, laughter music and cannot take constant anxiety and tension which my husband is constantly going though.
8. I lack concentration at work as it is not my field of interest. I love creative work and writing and am good at it.
9. But the silicea personality of low confidence from a young age(Despite being very good looking and getting a lot of attention for it and having talents which I never had the dedication to fully develop like writing, music etc). Prone to mental exhaustion. Can become overburdened and overwhelmed. Can be indecisive about taking on new projects, moves and new jobs also fits me.
10. I have insomnia but exercise and physical activity seems to bring on sleep.
11.I am on blood pressure mild (5mg Amlopin) medication though my BP is fine now. I feel a heat and red flushing on my face after a lot of exercise or great anxiety.
12. After trying some alleopathy medications for fluid in the ear, the doctor did a myringotomy with no tubes. The fluid reappeared but I have no cold. When I got on this site, I tried the blowing with nose closed and miraculously after many attempts the ear cleared. However if I looked down it sometimes comes back and after washing my hair, despite wearing ear plugs it reappeared and I did the blowing again and it cleared. I have been taking Pulsatilla 200 as advised in your forum as I feel I fit into the Pulsatilla profile. Please help me get over this problem. I am based in the UAE and need to trave by air often. Thank you.
soulsearcher last decade
hi,
I have just recently discovered that my daughter 6 years old has fluid in the middle ear.
She is normally shy at first meeting new people but then opens up later and is friendly.
She loves to play with other children, especially babies. If she is working alone she is distracted easily (which could be linked to partial loss of hearing); however she will remain on task if other siblings or peers are doing same thing.
She tends to get nose bleeds if she eats certain types of foods in hot weather.Sometimes her speech sounds very nasal.
She was a very good eater at a younger age, but has now become a very picky.
thankyou
I have just recently discovered that my daughter 6 years old has fluid in the middle ear.
She is normally shy at first meeting new people but then opens up later and is friendly.
She loves to play with other children, especially babies. If she is working alone she is distracted easily (which could be linked to partial loss of hearing); however she will remain on task if other siblings or peers are doing same thing.
She tends to get nose bleeds if she eats certain types of foods in hot weather.Sometimes her speech sounds very nasal.
She was a very good eater at a younger age, but has now become a very picky.
thankyou
janetB 9 years ago
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Important
Information given in this forum is given by way of exchange of views only, and those views are not necessarily those of ABC Homeopathy. It is not to be treated as a medical diagnosis or prescription, and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation with a qualified homeopath or physician. It is possible that advice given here may be dangerous, and you should make your own checks that it is safe. If symptoms persist, seek professional medical attention. Bear in mind that even minor symptoms can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, and a timely diagnosis by your doctor could save your life.