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Ongoing Eustachian Tube Dysfunction – Need Advice

Posted by nekoizmase @nekoizmase, May 17 5:37pm

Hi everyone,

I’ve been dealing with a frustrating ear issue since mid-February and I’d really appreciate any input or shared experiences.

It started with a blocked ear due to cerumen buildup (not unusual for me). After using ear drops, I had a full ear irrigation done privately. Right after the procedure, I felt a strange pressure in my left ear, like something shifted inside. It resolved after two days.

For about three weeks after that, everything seemed fine. But then, around March 9–10, a mild pressure sensation started building up in my left ear. It worsened when I tried to exercise. I went to an ENT who diagnosed me with chronic sinus inflammation and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD), and prescribed medication.

Over the next few weeks, symptoms varied – pressure sometimes in the left ear, sometimes the right. My nose was always congested on one side. Audiogram was normal, tympanogram showed mild dysfunction. ENT also mentioned I might consult a neurologist, but didn’t push for it.

Changing altitude (even 100 meters) made the pressure spike badly, so the tubes were clearly sensitive. I also did an allergy test which showed mild sensitivity to dust mites. A pulmonologist suspected water retention in the ear canal caused the initial post-irrigation pressure. She prescribed Rinasek, which improved things a lot — pressure was much less while on it.

Now that I’ve stopped the medication (10-day course), the pressure has partially returned, though maybe less intense than before.

The main issue is still the ear pressure, occasional popping/clicking, nasal congestion, and sensitivity to altitude changes. It’s affecting my daily life and I'm not sure what the long-term outlook is. I’m concerned whether this will ever go away completely, and what I can do long-term to prevent it from becoming chronic.

Has anyone dealt with something similar? Did it fully resolve for you? Would really appreciate any advice, tips, or shared recovery stories.

Thank you.

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theleons3 | @theleons3 | Oct 18 7:37am
In reply to @margvo "@theleons3 I have had eustachian tube and sinus inflammation for two years. Specialist doctors just give..." + (show)
Profile picture for margvo @margvo

@theleons3 I have had eustachian tube and sinus inflammation for two years. Specialist doctors just give me steroid nasal sprays but I can't use them with glaucoma. Allergist said I have seasonal allergies but I have this year round. I have now gone to a naturopath and started treatment for mold. Just waiting to get some test results back.

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@margvo omg Margvo! I started seeing a functional medicine Dr 2 weeks ago.. she put me on supplements and also an anti inflammatory diet... For 3 days in a row now I don't have any weird cracking, post nasal drip or ear fullness/pressure!! I think it may be working!!! Best of luck to you! I think natural Drs know more... And get to the root cause not just the symptoms

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fever1 | @fever1 | Oct 18 12:56pm
In reply to @nekoizmase "Thanks a lot for your detailed response — that was actually very helpful to read. In..." + (show)
Profile picture for nekoizmase @nekoizmase

Thanks a lot for your detailed response — that was actually very helpful to read.
In my case, the symptoms started only a few months ago (not lifelong), and I’m recovering from what was diagnosed as chronic sinus inflammation, which probably triggered the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. I’ve just finished a round of antibiotics (Lincocin), and my sinuses feel about 50–60% better now, although the ear pressure has slightly worsened again — likely because more secretions are now draining and irritating the tube.
I’ve also noticed that chewing sometimes significantly reduces the pressure, and the sensation can switch sides (left to right), which makes me think there’s no anatomical deformity involved — more like fluctuating inflammation or drainage imbalance.
I did take pseudoephedrine (Rinasek, in my country) for 10 days and it really helped, but now that I’ve stopped, symptoms are returning mildly.

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@nekoizmase
Check out Azelastine and Flonase yu may not need Flonase. Been pestered for years with this symptom. I take 2 sprays each nostril 2 times day. Good luck.

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delweb98 | @delweb98 | Oct 18 1:52pm
In reply to @margvo "@theleons3 I have had eustachian tube and sinus inflammation for two years. Specialist doctors just give..." + (show)
Profile picture for margvo @margvo

@theleons3 I have had eustachian tube and sinus inflammation for two years. Specialist doctors just give me steroid nasal sprays but I can't use them with glaucoma. Allergist said I have seasonal allergies but I have this year round. I have now gone to a naturopath and started treatment for mold. Just waiting to get some test results back.

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@margvo please keep me posted because I have had allergy shots for most of my life. The mold and humidity are my worst. Currently started acupuncture. 🤞🙏🏻

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margvo | @margvo | Oct 18 3:23pm
In reply to @delweb98 "@margvo please keep me posted because I have had allergy shots for most of my life...." + (show)
Profile picture for delweb98 @delweb98

@margvo please keep me posted because I have had allergy shots for most of my life. The mold and humidity are my worst. Currently started acupuncture. 🤞🙏🏻

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@delweb98

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patrice | @patricelauray | Oct 26 4:25pm
In reply to @margvo "@theleons3 I have had eustachian tube and sinus inflammation for two years. Specialist doctors just give..." + (show)
Profile picture for margvo @margvo

@theleons3 I have had eustachian tube and sinus inflammation for two years. Specialist doctors just give me steroid nasal sprays but I can't use them with glaucoma. Allergist said I have seasonal allergies but I have this year round. I have now gone to a naturopath and started treatment for mold. Just waiting to get some test results back.

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@margvo I have the same as you. I had some allergy testing done and was surprised at all the things that I'm allergic to now. I had a runny nose for a couple years but the last year things really ramped up and my right ear gets plugged now if I am exposed to anything I'm allergic to. I also have ringing in the ears which has really been hard to deal with. I think this is all caused a lot of fatigue for me. I'm trying not to think about it too much but right now all I have is nasal sprays and a neti pot. In a couple days I'll be seen in rheumatology because I wanted to know why the suddenly came on so strong. It's hard to accept.

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margvo | @margvo | Oct 26 10:02pm

I have had some results back from a nasal swab - this was done by a naturopath who is an expert in treating mold, lyme disease and difficult chronic sicknesses. I don't understand it all but I am "marcons positive" which is "a multiple antibiotic resistant coag neg staph that reside in the deep nasal passage, is common in biotoxin illness, is a marker of low MSH and produce biofilms which form a barrier to immune defenses and anti-infection therapy. Biofilm production in bacteria, mold or yeast may account for some cases of chronic nasal and sinus congestion and inflammation." I also tested positive for a small amount of a fungal organism. She has prescribed me two very special nasal sprays which I will get tomorrow plus is starting me on herbs to get rid of any fungus in my body (like lungs).

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patrice | @patricelauray | 3 days ago
In reply to @margvo "I have had some results back from a nasal swab - this was done by a..." + (show)
Profile picture for margvo @margvo

I have had some results back from a nasal swab - this was done by a naturopath who is an expert in treating mold, lyme disease and difficult chronic sicknesses. I don't understand it all but I am "marcons positive" which is "a multiple antibiotic resistant coag neg staph that reside in the deep nasal passage, is common in biotoxin illness, is a marker of low MSH and produce biofilms which form a barrier to immune defenses and anti-infection therapy. Biofilm production in bacteria, mold or yeast may account for some cases of chronic nasal and sinus congestion and inflammation." I also tested positive for a small amount of a fungal organism. She has prescribed me two very special nasal sprays which I will get tomorrow plus is starting me on herbs to get rid of any fungus in my body (like lungs).

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@margvo That's interesting. I have been remodeling my parents house and I'm sure I've been exposed to molds. I asked for the nasil swab and the doctor talked me out of or. I'll ask again to be sure. Thank you!
I do have some really strong reactions to certain things I'm allergic to. When exposed to them, I'm real bad the next day.
I'm better now that the fall weeds are gone.

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