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Relief of Eustation Tube Pain

The Eustachian tube is a small tube that is located in the middle ear canal. The tube can often become clogged due to a cold or sinus infection. The result is middle ear pain. This also causes a buildup of fluid and pressure behind the eardrum, which can burst if not taken care of. You should see your physician if pain persists more than a couple of days.

  1. Pain Reliever

    • Take an over-the-counter pain-relief medication to help ease ear pain. A child should take a children's ibuprofen or acetaminophen pain relief every four to six hours. Dosage is based on the child's weight and can be found on the medication's bottle. The pain reliever will help fight fever that comes with ear pain. An adult should take 200 to 400 milligrams of acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain every four to six hours.

    Heat

    • Apply heat to the infected ear. Lay your head on a heating pad that is on a low setting for approximately 15 minutes at a time as needed for the pain. The heat will ease the pain and help increase blood flow to the area. This can help speed healing. You can also try to open the Eustachian tube by taking a hot shower. The steam can moisten the sinus tissues and mucus membranes and allow the infection to drain.

    Ear Drops

    • Apply warm drops in the ear twice a day to open the ear up and ease Eustachian tube pain. Your physician may prescribe an ear drop to get rid of the infection in the ear. The drops are usually a steroid drop and can be taken three times a day or as recommended by your physician. Olive oil can also be warmed for ear pain relief. Use a dropper and place a few drops into the infected ear two to three times a day.

    Antibiotics

    • Take antibiotics as prescribed by your physician. Antibiotics are prescribed if the infection is caused by bacteria. The medication will begin working in a few days and you will find some relief. Do not stop taking the medication once you begin to feel better. The antibiotics will help make you feel better but they are still fighting the infection. Take all of the medicine as directed.

    Tubes

    • See your physician if your pain has persisted more than a few days or if you experience any loss of hearing. Your doctor may put tubes in your ears to allow them to drain. This procedure is done as outpatient surgery and can usually provide relief within a few days. When the ears have healed, the tubes will fall out on their own.

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