What causes ear blockage one month after septoplasty?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. You appear to be experiencing Eustachian tube catarrh, a condition that has likely developed secondary to nasal inflammation and allergic pharyngitis. The Eustachian tube is a narrow passage connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose and upper throat. Its primary function is to ventilate the middle ear and equalize air pressure on both sides of the eardrum.

When this tube becomes inflamed or blocked, commonly due to allergies, infections, or nasal congestion, it fails to open properly. As a result, negative pressure builds up in the middle ear. This can lead to sensations such as: A feeling of fullness or a vacuum in the ear. Popping or clicking sounds. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus). A sensation of fluid in the ear. Occasionally, a mild reduction in hearing.

To help restore proper Eustachian tube function and relieve your symptoms, I suggest the recommendations below:

You can take nasal decongestant drops. Use nasal drops containing Oxymetazoline or Xylometazoline, three drops in each nostril, three times daily for one week. These help decongest the nasal passages and improve access to the Eustachian tube opening. I suggest you to take antihistamine and decongestant tablets. For one week, take a tablet combining Phenylephrine and Levocetirizine twice a day (every 12 hours), after food. This helps reduce allergic inflammation and nasal congestion. Perform the Valsalva exercise several times a day. This involves gently blowing with your nose pinched shut and mouth closed to help open the Eustachian tubes. For proper technique, you may follow a demonstration video online. Take steam inhalation three to four times a day to soothe inflamed nasal passages and aid drainage. Avoid cotton buds. Refrain from using cotton buds or inserting anything into your ears. Avoid cold, spicy, or oily food and beverages for at least two weeks. These can aggravate nasal and throat inflammation. Minimize exposure to dust and environmental allergens. Treating underlying nasal allergies is crucial for preventing the recurrence of Eustachian tube dysfunction. Use a nasal spray such as Duonase (Fluticasone propionate + Azelastine hydrochloride), two puffs in each nostril, twice a day for six weeks. This helps control inflammation over a longer period. Gargle with warm salt water eight to ten times daily for the next ten days to soothe the throat and reduce pharyngeal inflammation. Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol, as both can worsen inflammation and delay healing. Take a teaspoon of an antacid three times daily, one hour after meals, for the next ten days. This helps address any acid reflux that may be contributing to throat irritation.

With consistent treatment, symptoms typically begin to improve within one to two weeks. As the nasal and throat inflammation resolves, the Eustachian tube function should normalize, leading to relief from the blocked or popping sensations in your ears. This condition is common and highly treatable, and there is no cause for concern. If symptoms persist beyond the expected time frame or worsen, follow up with your ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist for reassessment.

I hope this information helps you. Thank you.