1. < Head & Neck Cancer

Chronic ear pain and stuffy nose after throat cancer treatment

Posted by lima58 @lima58, Nov 27, 2023

My husband is experiencing pain in his left ear 3 months after completing radiation and chemotherapy for cancer on his left tonsil. He describes the ear pain as a balloon inside his ear that is getting bigger. He also is unable to use his nose to breathe. He has tried 120 mg of Sudafed, along with Claritin, and sinus rinses. He has also tried Afrin. He’s using a humidifier. Nothing he has tried has helped. Has anyone experienced similar issues, and have found any relief?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Head & Neck Cancer Support Group.

Mentor
William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor | @hrhwilliam | Dec 3, 2023
In reply to @lima58 "Thank you for reaching out. There is fluid behind Mark’s ear drum so he will have..." + (show)
@lima58

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?

Jump to this post

It is my understanding that the nasal passages can be stretched with Balloon Sinuplasty or the "Smart Sinus" procedure. This is supposed to be a common procedure for an ENT and has been around since roughly 2005. I suspect however that healing is still taking place and perhaps things will get better in a few months. I am happy to hear he is getting some relief with the ear.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.