Ear Congestion
Symptom Definition
- Sudden onset of muffled hearing
- Crackling or popping noises in the ear
- A stuffy, full sensation in the ear
- No ear pain
- Unusual complaint until after age 4 or 5 years
- Common causes: blockage of ear tube (eustachian tube) during nose allergies, a cold or airplane/mountain travel
See More Appropriate Topic If
- Colds is also present
- Hay Fever is also present
- Ear Discharge is also present
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 and 4) If
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Earache
- Possible foreign body in ear canal
- Ear congestion lasts > 48 hours
Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
- You have other questions or concerns
Parent Care at Home If
- Ear congestion (probably from blocked eustachian tube) and you don’t think your child needs to be seen
Home Care Advice for Ear Congestion
- More Chewing and Swallowing: Have your child chew gum if over age 4. Swallow water while the nose is pinched closed.
- Decongestant Nasal Spray: If chewing doesn’t help after 1 or 2 hours, use a long-acting decongestant nasal spray. You can ask your pharmacist to recommend a brand. Don’t use more than 5 days.
- Antihistamines: If your child has hay fever or other allergies, give an antihistamine
- Expected Course: The symptoms usually clear within 2 days (48 hours) with treatment. It’s safe for your child to swim.
- Prevention for Airplane/Mountain Travel
- Swallow during descent using a pacifier or fluids
- Children > age 4 can chew on gum during descent
- Yawning also can open the middle ear
- Call Your Doctor If
- Your child becomes worse or develops any of the “Call Your Doctor” symptoms
- Ear congestion lasts > 48 hours
- Ear pain occurs