{"id":796,"date":"2019-10-25T15:27:00","date_gmt":"2019-10-25T15:27:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/valleyaudiology.com\/?p=796"},"modified":"2020-11-13T22:30:30","modified_gmt":"2020-11-13T22:30:30","slug":"reducing-ear-pressure-when-youre-sick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/valleyaudiology.com\/reducing-ear-pressure-when-youre-sick\/","title":{"rendered":"Reducing Ear Pressure When You\u2019re Sick"},"content":{"rendered":"

Now that Halloween is just a week away, you have probably settled into your normal fall routine. Which means you\u2019ve probably already dealt with your first cold of the season. There are likely to be more to come, so get used to the symptoms\u2014and be prepared to go on the defensive when illness strikes.<\/p>\n

How Colds & Flu Affect the Ears<\/h2>\n

\"pressure<\/p>\n

Upper respiratory infections<\/a> are no fun. Whether you\u2019re suffering from a cold, flu or allergies, you\u2019re probably going to experience plugged-up ears that result in pain and pressure<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

Why does your head get stuffy when you’re sick?<\/h3>\n

Blame it on anatomy: the ears, nose and throat are all interconnected via the Eustachian tube, an organ that regulates the pressure in your ears, gets rid of excess fluids and circulates the flow of air in your ears.<\/p>\n

What happens inside your eustachian tube?<\/h3>\n

The Eustachian tube<\/a> won\u2019t function properly when you\u2019re dealing with a cold, flu, allergies or upper respiratory infection<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

These conditions cause swelling and mucus secretions<\/strong>, both of which create blockages that prevent the Eustachian tube from working correctly. Inflammation causes fluid buildup, resulting in a plugged-up sensation and ear pressure.<\/p>\n

Is everyone affected by illness in the same way?<\/h2>\n

Not everybody is affected equally. Some people never experience ear discomfort when sick<\/strong>, while others struggle with it constantly<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

What’s the difference?<\/h3>\n

This is because the Eustachian tube is like a snowflake: no two are exactly alike. Subtle differences in shape and size play a big role. <\/p>\n

Individuals with a narrow or horizontal organ are more prone to experiencing excessive fluid buildup<\/strong>; this is why children, whose bodies are still growing, experience so many more ear infections than adults. <\/p>\n

Plus, some people just naturally have more mucus linings near the entrance to the Eustachian tube, increasing the chances that they\u2019ll be dealing with inflammation when they become sick.<\/p>\n

Ways to Relieve Ear Pressure<\/h2>\n

The good news is that most pain and pressure in the ears doesn\u2019t last long. Once your upper respiratory infection has run its course, your symptoms should disappear. <\/p>\n

However, this process can take as long as a week or more, and that\u2019s a long time to put up with ear discomfort. To help speed up the process, the following tips should help reduce nose and throat congestion.<\/p>\n