Can a cold cause blocked Eustachian tube?

Common colds and other nasal, ear or throat, sinus infections. By far the most common cause of Eustachian tube dysfunction is the common cold (upper respiratory tract infection). The blocked nose or thick mucus that develops during a cold or other infections, may block the Eustachian tube.

How do you unblock Eustachian tube after a cold?

You may be able to open the blocked tubes with a simple exercise. Close your mouth, hold your nose, and gently blow as if you are blowing your nose. Yawning and chewing gum also may help. You may hear or feel a “pop” when the tubes open to make the pressure equal between the inside and outside of your ears.

Can cold cause ear blockage?

Eustachian tube blockage But instead of flowing down the throat, fluid and mucus can sometimes become trapped in the middle ear and clog the ear. This blockage usually accompanies an infection, such as the common cold, influenza, or sinusitis. Allergic rhinitis can also cause a blockage in the Eustachian tube.

What happens if the Eustachian tube is blocked with mucus?

Blocked eustachian tubes can cause pain, hearing difficulties, and a feeling of fullness in the ears. Such a phenomenon is referred to as eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).

How do you know if your eustachian tube is draining?

Symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction Your ears may feel plugged or full. Sounds may seem muffled. You may feel a popping or clicking sensation (children may say their ear “tickles”). You may have pain in one or both ears.

How long do eustachian tubes stay blocked?

Most cases of Eustachian tube dysfunction clear up in a few days with the help of over-the-counter medication and home remedies, but symptoms can last one to two weeks. If you’re still having symptoms after two weeks, or they’re getting worse, you may need more aggressive treatment.

Is having blocked ears a symptom of Covid?

In general, COVID-19 has not been associated with ear infections, and generally these types of infections do not share a great deal of common symptoms.

Can COVID affect your ears?

Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 can infect inner ear cells. Inner ear viral infections could explain the hearing and balance issues in some COVID-19 patients.

How long can a blocked Eustachian tube last?

Eustachian tube dysfunction usually goes away in one to two weeks. People with chronic eustachian tube dysfunction may have lingering symptoms for weeks, months or even years.