How to manage nose blocks, sinus pain, and ear whistling?

Question

Hello doctor,

My nose is blocked most of the time, and it gets cleared if I put Otrivin drops. However, I do not prefer to use it as I am afraid I will get dependent on it. My sinus also hurts especially if I bite hard. On a side note, I have been experiencing ear whistles for the past two years. My hearing is normal.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Any nasal obstruction is mainly due to two reasons. First, it can be the anatomical and functional causes. The anatomical cause could be a nasal septal deviation or turbinate hypertrophy, which has to be examined in person by an ENT specialist. Functional reasons include vasomotor rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, etc., which can, in turn, lead to sinusitis causing facial pain, heaviness in the head, and other related symptoms. Any generalized inflammation is known to cause eustachian tube dysfunction, which can lead to pressure variations in the ear, causing heaviness with on and off fluctuations in the hearing and occasional ringing in the ear. I would suggest, 1. Tablets with a combination of Phenylephrine Chlorpheniramine and Paracetamol - one tablet in the morning, afternoon, and evening after food for ten days. 2. Use Flomist (Fluticasone) nasal spray - two puffs in each nostril for the next two months. 3. Avoid exposure to dust and cold air. 4. Using Otrivin (Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride) is a very dangerous long-term drug causing chronic obstructive symptoms; hence, its use is not recommended. Instead, I advise you to slowly step down using Otrivin nasal drops as I have already given Flomist nasal spray, which is sufficient to provide good relief. 5. Do steam inhalations twice a day, salt water gargles five to six times a day, and keep sipping on boiled warm water as this will give a good relief.