Ear Congestion

Ear Congestion (the presence of fluid in the ear, symptoms include a full feeling in the ear(s), occasional ringing, cracking or popping noise or discomfort is felt when swallowing)

Emergent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?

Bleeding from the ear
Sudden hearing loss with or without pain, drainage or dizziness
Ear pain, fever, severe headache and stiff neck

Yes No

Seek Immediate Medical Attention!
These symptoms can be life-threatening.

DO NOT USE

When traveling by plane: Use Afrin nasal spray (as directed) 1/2 hour prior to boarding, chew gum, suck hard candy or yawn as plane descends; Take a decongestant (Sudafed) 1-hour before landing, take a deep breath, hold nose and blow out gently against closed mouth and nose as plane descends

Do not put Q-tips into the ear canal more than ½ inch

A Q-tip moistened with alcohol, Vo Sol or Scalpicin may be used 1-2 times per week for itchy ears

Rubbing an ear may stimulate wax production

Individuals with a history of asthma, emphysema, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney or thyroid disease should contact their Health Care Provider before taking any over the counter (OTC) medication

Urgent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?

Ear congestion with pain, drainage, fever
Symptoms continue after 3-5 days of self management or if there is a discharge from the ear

Yes No

Contact Your Health Care Provider.

Self-Management - You can help in the following ways:

Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for discomfort, if no reasons to the contrary
Decongestant (Sudafed) to relieve congestion
Humidifier at night if experiencing nasal congestion

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Call Your Health Care Provider If:

You do not get better, new symptoms appear, you are concerned in any way or you have questions.