The connection
between the middle ear and the nasopharynx is the Eustachian tube. The
modern name of this Eustachian tube is Pharyngotympanic tube medically.
This tube forms a part of the middle ear. The main function of the Eustachian
tube is to aerate the middle ear making sure that the pressure in the
middle ear is intact.
It also drains the collected fluids, discharge, and infection from the
middle ear. Small muscles that are located in theback of the throat and
palate regulate the opening and closing of this Eustachian tube. In the
absence of this tube, the middle ear would have had pressure fluctuations
leading to permanent ear problems.
Infection and inflammation from cold, allergies and sinus problem block
this Eustachian tubes leading to variation in pressure. Fluids start collecting
in the middle ear and the pressure and the fluids together cause ear pain.
Young children are more prone to ear infections, as their Eustachian tube
is shorter than the older children and adults.
What are the symptoms of blocked Eustachian tubes? When the ear feels
full the patient may also experience pain. Dizziness, different types
of noises in the ear, fever due to infection and hearing loss indicate
blocked Eustachian tubes.
Some people have ear problem while in flight due to unequal pressure due
to the inward push of the eardrum. This mostly happens when the plane
descends. Normal swallowing and chewing quickly can equalize this pressure.
The problem is diagnosed with the above symptoms and by hearing tests
done by the doctor. The doctor suggests simple exercises and at times
over the counter medications is prescribed which can be antibiotics when
there is infection. A heating pad used to reduce pain in older children.
The surgery for blocked Eustachian tubes is a procedure where a small
hole is made in the eardrum to drain the fluid and equalize the pressure
in the middle ear. A small tube is inserted in the eardrum that falls
out with time.
Eustachian tuboplasty is a nasal endoscopic procedure done in adults is
done for people with chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction or middle ear
effusion. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the mucosa and cartilage
depending on the severity of the condition. It is done with general anesthesia
on outpatient basis. The cartilage is not removed if the blockage is not
acute. This is a less complicated surgery and the patients undergo very
little pain.
The other types of surgery related to Eustachian tube are the patulous
Eustachian tube surgery for patulous Eustachian disease where the tube
does not open normally and a less invasive type of surgery helps to restore
the Eustachian tube functions.
Obstructive Eustachian tube surgery – Adenoidectomy is done
when a large adenoid obstructs the opening of the Eustachian tube that
results in chronic ear infections in children.
Surgery should be opted as the last resort when medications, decongestants,
nasal sprays of different types and other treatments and therapies do
not work.
