Chronic ear pain and stuffy nose after throat cancer treatment

I finished treatment 10 years ago, same sort of thing,

Stuffy nose is still here, and blocked sinuses.

I usually have a plastic cup nearby or something, drag it down in the usual manner and spit it out.
Gets temporary relief.

I never found anything that worked.

Cheers
Bruce

Lima58,
As for the ear pain; as for me, I had a tumor which caused damage to some nerves which causes chronic pain to my left ear.
I was told that this will never change and after 7 years I’ve just learned to live with it.
MOJO

Thank you; we have an appointment with our ENT on Wednesday; we’ll ask him about that possibility. We’ll bring it up with the oncologist and radiation oncologist as well

Thank you; we appreciate learning from your experience.

I have the same symptoms although mine are mild. For nose stuffiness I use nasal spray decongestant; but only to sleep . I don't use it during the day as it can be habit forming . I look at the ear pain as a good side effect . I feel the drugs are working hard targeting the tonsil tumor. I'm sure there are things happening on a cellular level that likely cause inflammation.
I too have tonsil cancer ; my ear and nose symptoms subsiding as tumor shrinks . I hope your husbands tumor is shrinking too!

Hi @lima58 Welcome. I read in this discussion that your husband has an appointment with the ENT, which hopefully gives him answers and relief. At minimum the nasal blockage should be determined and perhaps sorted out. Radiation can do a number on folks with recovery taking months to years unfortunately.
The Eustachian tube being blocked by swelling can cause considerable ear pain as this is the pressure balance for the eardrum. The ENT should address that as well. It’s also possible an ear infection may be on play as the immune system is in overload due to recovery from radiation.
Anyway I hope you find answers quickly and if not, don’t hesitate to confirm they are an actual Otolaryngologist and not a GP or tech acting as an ENT. Good healing.

Thank you so much for the information. I have been reading your responses to other people’s experiences over the last 6 weeks or so. You’re very wise and so empathic in your responses. Thank you; I am so thankful I have found this forum and your helpful responses. You inspire hope.

Thank you for sharing. My husband’s tumor is gone; he is 3 months post treatment. These symptoms started for him about 6 weeks ago. I agree side effects are easier to deal with when the tumor is shrinking and ultimately gone. Happy to hear you’re tumor is shrinking!!

Hi @lima58, I'm adding my welcome. How did the appointment go yesterday? Did the ENT have any helpful suggestions for managing ear pain and stuffy nose?

Thank you for reaching out. There is fluid behind Mark’s ear drum so he will have a tube placed on Monday to drain the fluid. The Dr scoped his nasal and throat passage too. There is scarring and narrowing of the passageway which is likely the cause of Mark’s stuffiness. The Dr didn’t offer any additional
Treatment to address the scarring/narrowing. How have others addressed this issue?