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What causes fullness and swelling inside my right ear?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I feel fullness and swelling inside my right ear, and my hearing is slightly impaired. I also feel lightheaded sometimes. But yesterday, my lightheadedness was worse. I am worried.

Kindly help.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

There is absolutely nothing that you need to worry about, as this is a very common treatable entity we come across. You have developed a eustachian tube catarrh, which occurs secondary to nasal allergy. The eustachian tube ventilates the nose and the ear. In a situation where it does not function, a negative pressure develops in the side of the ear, leading to the feeling of a vacuum, ringing sounds, a feeling of fluid in the ear, and sometimes decreased hearing.

I suggest the following to open the eustachian tube for relief:

  • Use decongestant nasal drops containing Oxymetazoline or Xylometazoline three drops thrice daily for one week.
  • Take a tablet containing a combination of Phenylephrine and Levocetirizine twice daily after food for one week.
  • Kindly do Valsalva exercises.
  • Take steam inhalation three to four times a day.
  • Refrain from the use of earbuds.
  • Avoid having anything cold or spicy for two weeks.
  • Please take care to avoid dust exposure.
  • You can consider Duonase nasal spray (Fluticasone propionate and Azelastine), two puffs in each nostril twice daily for six weeks.

This typically takes around two to four weeks to settle down. Once the nasal allergies have settled down, the fluid in the ear will slowly reduce, and the associated symptoms will also disappear.

I hope I have answered your query in detail.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At September 12, 2021
Reviewed AtMarch 25, 2026

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