Treatment generally depends on what is causing the congestion.
You may need prescription antibiotics; in some instances, surgery is necessary.
A number of conditions cause tissue and blood vessels to become swollen.
Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images
These lead to a blockage of the Eustachian tube and a buildup of fluid in the middle ear.
How do you get rid of ear pressure from congestion?
Unclog your earsby swallowing, yawning, or chewing.
If yourear congestion is due to allergiessuch as hay fever,antihistaminemedications may help.
Look for a long-acting product.
Talk to your healthcare provider before starting antihistamines to ensure they are right for you.
Preventing exposure to irritants helps you keep your symptoms at bay.
Visit your healthcare provider if your ears are still congested after using these medications.
Water Buildup
Water can get trapped in your ear during bathing, showering, or swimming.
This can create pressure on your ear and make your ears feel plugged up.
Applying a warm washcloth or a heating pad set to low on the affected ear may provide relief.
double-check there is a cloth between your skin and the heat source to protect your skin.
Earwax can build up to the point where it blocks your ears.
Don’t take a stab at do this at home.
Avoid using ear candles.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against their use.
Altitude Changes
Usually, the pressure inside your ear is the same as outside your ear.
This causes a blockage of the Eustachian tube that prevents the air from equalizing.
When the Eustachian tubes open, you mayfeel or hear a “pop.”
You may not need treatment for an ear infection, but some go away on their own.
If symptoms aren’t getting better, contact a healthcare provider.
Meniere’s disease most often affects only one ear and occurs in adults aged 40 to 60 years.
The symptoms are resulting from a buildup of fluid in the inner ear compartments collectively known as the labyrinth.
The labyrinth is responsible not only for hearing but also your sense of balance.
An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can help make a diagnosis.
Sometimes Meniere’s disease gets better on its own.
Other times medication, lifestyle changes, or other treatments may be needed.
Treatment for this chronic blockage depends on the severity and underlying cause.
How Long Does Ear Congestion Last?
A buildup of earwax can also cause the ear to feel full.
In some cases, medications such as decongestants or antihistamines may be helpful.
A prescription antibiotic may be needed.
If noninvasive measures don’t relieve ear congestion, you may need surgery.
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