Barotitis media; Barotrauma; Ear popping; Pressure-related ear pain; Eustachian tube dysfunction
Prevention
You can use nasal decongestants or antihistamines before altitude changes. Try to avoid altitude changes while you have an upper respiratory infection or allergy attack.
Talk to your doctor about using decongestants if you plan to scuba dive.
References
O’Reilly RC, Sando I. Anatomy and physiology of the eustachian tube. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2010:chap 131.
Arts HA. Sensorineural hearing loss in adults. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2010:chap 149.
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Review Date: 05/09/2011
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz.
Previously reviewed by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director,
MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University
of Washington, School of Medicine; Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH,
Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle,
Washington (8/3/2010).
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
