Ear drops and other remedies for ear stuffiness

Ear congestion is a separate symptom of another, underlying disease. Therefore, before using ear drops and other remedies for ear congestion, you must first determine the cause of such a manifestation. The point is that the ear often becomes blocked due to dangerous diseases - it can be not only a sulfur plug or a runny nose, but also otitis, a tumor, a furuncle, vascular pathologies, etc. To avoid complications, before using this or that ear medication, you should consult an otolaryngologist.

[ 1 ]

Indications ear drops for ear congestion.

It is not uncommon for your ear to become blocked, as there are many reasons for this:

• pressure changes during rapid ascents and descents, during flights;
• inflammatory diseases of the ENT system (inflammation of the ear, nasal sinuses);
• a foreign object entering the ear canal;
• accumulation of wax in the ear.

There are also more dangerous reasons:

• disorder of blood flow in the vessels or brain;
• age-related changes in the cerebral vascular network;
• barotrauma, acoustic damage;
• hypertension;
• a consequence of taking ototoxic drugs (for example, some antibiotics);
• tumors.

For many of the listed reasons, you can use ear remedies appropriate to the situation, in different dosage forms. However, using only one remedy is not enough - it is necessary to eliminate the cause of congestion. For example, with sinusitis, you need to cure the inflammation and stop the development of the purulent process, and with the accumulation of sulfur - remove the sulfur plug.

[ 2 ]

Ear drops for ear congestion after a cold

In the vast majority of situations, a cold or viral disease causes a runny nose, either in the form of a common rhinitis or a complicated one - with damage to the paranasal sinuses. Sometimes a runny nose is accompanied by a feeling of congestion in the ear. To eliminate such congestion, you first need to direct all efforts to treating the rhinitis in order to relieve swelling of the mucous membranes, remove mucous accumulations and make breathing as easy as possible. Intranasal vasoconstrictor drops are perfect for all these purposes:

• based on naphazoline nitrate (Naphthyzinum, Sanorin);
• based on oxymetazoline hydrochloride (Nazol);
• based on phenylephrine (Vibrocil);
• based on tetrizoline, imidazoline (Tizin);
• based on xylometazoline (Galazolin).

All of the above drops are dripped into the nasal passages, which makes it easier to remove mucus and relieve pressure on the middle ear. At the same time, ear congestion will disappear.

There is a warning: vasoconstrictor intranasal drugs should not be used for more than 3-5 days to prevent the development of addiction.

[ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ]

Ear drops for ear congestion with wax

The most popular and affordable remedy for getting rid of sulfur accumulation is considered to be weakly concentrated hydrogen peroxide - optimally 3%. It is enough to drop 4-5 drops into the external auditory canal and lie down with the affected ear up for 5-10 minutes. This time is enough for the plug to soften and easily come out.

If your ear is blocked by wax, other remedies can also help:

• combination product Remo-Wax;
• product with TEA-cocoylhydrolyzed collagen A-Cerumen;
• preparations with carbamide peroxide - "Auro", "Debrox", "Murain I Drops", "E-R-O".

Some of the listed products, in particular Remo-Vax or A-Cerumen, are also allowed to be used as preventive products to prevent the formation of earwax.

[ 6 ]

Release form

There are ear congestion remedies that work in different directions. Some medications relieve inflammation in the ear or sinuses, while others improve brain function and vascular patency. It is impossible to name any one effective medicine that helps with ear congestion, since the effectiveness depends on the cause of such a disorder.

If ear congestion is caused by reasons such as otitis or wax accumulation, ear drops are most often used to correct the situation. These can be antibacterial agents, alcohol solutions or hydrogen peroxide. The choice of a specific drug is made by the doctor at the appointment, after diagnostic measures have been carried out.

Sometimes the optimal medicine is oral medications - tablets, capsules, dragees. These medications are prescribed when systemic action on the disease is necessary.

In addition, there are medications in the form of ear candles, in the form of external ointments. Inhalations, physiotherapy, compresses, etc. are used as auxiliary means for congestion.

Names of medicines for ear congestion

Sometimes the feeling of congestion in the ears is not caused by problems in the hearing organs - the causes may be diseases of the vascular system or problems with cerebral circulation. In this case, the doctor may prescribe the following medications:

• Noben is used for disorders of cerebral blood flow, vascular spasms, and neuroses.
• Kapilar – will help with ear congestion associated with high blood pressure.
• Gliatilin is prescribed for brain disorders, as well as ear congestion that appears after stressful situations.
• Antisten – helps with problems with the vestibular apparatus.
• Vasobral is used when ear congestion is associated with migraines and vestibular disorders.
• Instenon is prescribed for age-related vascular disorders.
• Actovegin – will help with vascular spasms and circulatory disorders.

If the congestion is caused by other reasons, such as otitis or earwax, then otolaryngological medications are prescribed.

Nasal drops for ear congestion are appropriate only if there are certain indications for this method of therapy. Thus, vasoconstrictor solutions can relieve ear congestion if it is caused by inflammatory processes in the nasal cavity. This happens with colds, rhinitis, sinusitis: inflammation and swelling of the mucous tissues can spread to nearby organs, which will cause the "gate" to the auditory tube to become blocked. As a result, the motor ability of the eardrum deteriorates, which is manifested by a feeling of ear congestion.

When using vasoconstrictor nasal drops, the swelling of the mucous membrane subsides, and the “gates” to the auditory cavity open slightly, which leads to stabilization of the pressure in the cavity of the eardrum.

• Otipax is used externally for ear congestion, dripping 3-4 drops into the external auditory canal up to 3 times a day. The duration of use of drops is up to 10 days. Among the known side effects when using Otipax, the most common are allergies, redness and irritation of the skin of the ear canal.
• Otofa is used for ear congestion if the problem is caused by acute or chronic otitis, or tissue swelling after surgery on the middle ear. Otofa is not recommended for use during pregnancy and is contraindicated in the presence of an allergy to rifampicin. Otofa drops are instilled five drops three times a day, or it is used for ear washing. The course of therapy with the drug is designed for one week.
• Otinum has a wider range of effects for ear congestion, as it can eliminate problems associated not only with otitis, but also with post-traumatic conditions. Otinum is used after clearing the ear canals of foreign bodies, as well as to get rid of the earwax plug. Drops cannot be used if the eardrum is perforated, or if there is an allergy to choline. Otinum is usually dripped 3-4 drops up to 4 times a day into the affected ear.
• Sofradex helps with ear congestion almost immediately, as this ointment contains antimicrobial components in the form of neomycin and gramicidin, as well as the hormonal component dexamethasone. Sofradex has an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. The ointment is placed in the affected auditory canal in the morning and evening, for a week. Sofradex is contraindicated in case of perforation of the eardrum, because it can damage the auditory analysing receptors.
• Removax helps with ear congestion when the problem is caused by earwax plugs. The product can be used by both small children and the elderly. Contraindications include ear pain, perforation of the eardrum, and liquid discharge from the ear. To properly remove the earwax plug, Removax (Remo-Vax) is dripped in the amount of 15 or 20 drops into the affected ear, after which the external auditory canal is lightly massaged. The head is held on its side for about half an hour, after which the ear is washed. If the procedure is not effective, the product is dripped again the next day. It is permissible to repeat the procedure in the morning and evening.
• Otirelax for ear congestion is used in cases of an intact eardrum, such as external ear inflammation or barotrauma. If the patient has hypersensitivity to pyrozalone-based products, Otirelax should not be used for treatment. The drug is dripped into the sore ear 3-4 drops, up to 3 times a day. Duration of use is no more than 10 days.
• Miramistin for ear congestion allows achieving an antiseptic and disinfectant effect. Miramistin is allowed to be used for otitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis. A tampon soaked in this liquid is inserted into the external auditory canal up to six times a day. The duration of use can be up to 2 weeks. Sometimes during use, a slight burning sensation may occur - this is a normal phenomenon that does not require discontinuing treatment.
• Naphthyzinum has a vasoconstrictive and decongestant effect when used for ear congestion. When instilled into the nasal cavity, Naphthyzinum helps to open and expand the sinus ducts and Eustachian tubes - this improves the discharge of secretions, prevents the accumulation of micron cells and eliminates swelling and congestion.
• Normax acts as a powerful antimicrobial agent for ear congestion, as the active ingredient of the solution is norfloxacin, which causes the death of bacteria. Thus, Normax can be effective for inflammation of the middle ear. A 3% solution of the drug is dripped into the ears, 2 drops four times a day.
• Zvezdochka can help with ear congestion, but to do this you need to know the exact cause of the problem. So, the Zvezdochka balm is used in this way:
  • if ear congestion is associated with a runny nose and cold, then the balm is applied to the wings of the nose, the bridge of the nose and the nostrils;
  • If ear congestion is associated with sinusitis, then the balm is applied to the lateral surfaces of the nose, the parietal region of the head and the area between the thumb and index finger on the affected side.
• Albucid is dripped into the nose or the affected ear canal when the ear is blocked, despite the fact that the instructions do not provide for such use. Albucid is dripped into the ear for otitis (if the eardrum is not perforated), into the eye for conjunctival inflammation, into the nasal passage for rhinitis and sinusitis. Albucid is an affordable and widely known drug, familiar to many under another name - sodium sulfacyl. For intra-aural use, a 5-10% solution is used, which is dripped into the affected ear and held there for five or ten minutes. The procedure can be repeated three times a day.
• Furacilin alcohol is used in the form of drops or for treating ear tampons when the ear is blocked. It is also permissible to use such alcohol for ear washings - for example, in acute and chronic otitis, barotrauma, tonsillitis, furuncle of the auditory canal. Furacilin alcohol should not be dripped into the ear if the integrity of the eardrum is damaged, there is ear bleeding, or the patient suffers from an allergy to furacilin.
• Nasonex for ear congestion can help if the problem is associated with an exacerbation of allergic rhinitis or chronic inflammation of the nasal sinuses. Nasonex is intended for intranasal use, but it cannot be prescribed for the treatment of pregnant women and children under 2 years of age.
• Azithromycin for ear congestion is used when there is a need for antibiotic therapy - for example, for infectious diseases of the ENT organs (tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media, scarlet fever). Azithromycin is prescribed after diagnosis and determination of the sensitivity of the microflora. The dosage is prescribed individually.
• Menovazin for ear congestion is used for sinusitis, if the disease is not accompanied by high temperature and signs of severe intoxication. Menovazin ointment is applied to the projection area of the maxillary sinuses, three times a day, for 3-4 weeks. If there are no noticeable improvements within a week, then it is necessary to consult a doctor and change the treatment regimen.
• Boric acid acts as an antiseptic for ear congestion, killing pathogenic microorganisms. Boric alcohol based on the acid of the same name is often used for external otitis, but only if the eardrum is intact and not perforated. A gauze turunda is soaked in alcohol and inserted into the ear canal for 2-3 hours. This is repeated up to 3 times a day, but not longer than five days in a row. With longer use of the drug, the risk of developing side effects increases, including headaches, skin rashes, nausea, and dizziness.
• Hydrogen peroxide for ear congestion is used in a 3% concentration. This affordable remedy is appropriate for use in two cases: with external otitis and with blockage of the auditory canal by sulfur accumulation. Peroxide is dripped into the affected ear for congestion daily until the congestion disappears, but not more than 1 week. If there is no positive dynamics, then you should definitely consult a doctor.
• Antibiotics for ear congestion help to cope with pathogenic microorganisms that cause an inflammatory reaction in the ear. Antibiotics can be included in the treatment regimen for otitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, etc. If ear congestion is caused by a viral infection - for example, flu or acute respiratory viral infection, then the use of antibiotic therapy will be inappropriate. For otitis, most patients are prescribed antibacterial agents such as Ampicillin, Ceftriaxone.
• Candibiotics for ear congestion are ear drops that contain an antibacterial agent (chloramphenicol), an antifungal agent (clotrimazole), a corticosteroid (beclomethasone) and an anesthetic component (lidocaine). Candibiotic successfully copes with external and middle otitis - the drug is dripped five drops into the ear up to 4 times a day, for a week or 10 days.
• Camphor alcohol for ear congestion is a natural remedy with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, distracting and analgesic effects. When applied externally, alcohol causes dilation of small vessels and improvement of capillary circulation. Camphor alcohol should be used with caution, as it can cause various allergic reactions. In addition, camphor alcohol is contraindicated in case of a perforated eardrum. The standard method for ear congestion is to drip 2-3 drops of alcohol twice a day onto a sterile turunda, which is inserted into the ear canal. The duration of the procedures is up to five days.

[ 7 ], [ 8 ]

Is it possible to warm the ear when it is blocked?

Warming up the ear is allowed at the initial stage of ear inflammation development, or at the stage of inflammation resolution. If serous or purulent fluid oozes from the ear, then warming up should not be used.

Doctors strictly prohibit warming your ears:

• in catarrhal processes;
• with otorrhea;
• in case of perforation of the eardrum;
• for any type of tumor in the ear.

Therefore, you can think about warming up your hearing organs only after making a final diagnosis – and only after consulting with a doctor.

Tablets for ear congestion

The doctor may prescribe tablet forms of the drugs for the treatment of acute otitis, acute infections in the nose, throat and nasopharynx. The main focus of such therapy is to stop the inflammatory reaction and prevent further development of the disease.

The doctor may include the following ear congestion pills in the treatment regimen:

• Antibiotics – Amoxiclav, Ampicillin – are prescribed for tonsillitis, otitis, sinusitis and other infectious inflammations.
• Tablets with antiviral action, interferons - they are prescribed for viral diseases, for example, acute respiratory viral infections, flu, etc.
• Non-steroidal antiviral drugs - Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, act in a complex manner, simultaneously relieving inflammation and eliminating pain. Such drugs effectively relieve tissue swelling, which often causes a feeling of stuffiness in the ears, as well as fever and headache.
• Antiallergic drugs - Tavegil, Suprastin, slow down the development of allergies, preventing swelling of mucous tissues. These medications often help to alleviate the condition in such pathologies as bronchitis, otitis, tonsillitis, etc.

Compress for ear congestion

Warming procedures often become an accessible means for local temperature increase and improvement of capillary blood circulation in tissues. Courses of treatment with compresses lead to resorption of inflamed areas, improvement of lymph flow, and removal of tissue edema. Such processes help to relieve pressure on the Eustachian tube, which in turn will help to eliminate congestion.

The compress is applied in the following order:

• fold the gauze piece in five layers, make a hole in the center for the ear;
• in the same way, layers of polyethylene and cotton wool are prepared;
• soak gauze in the prepared solution and apply it to the parotid area;
• Cover the gauze with layers of polyethylene and cotton wool on top, then secure and insulate the compress with a warm scarf or shawl.

To achieve the best effect and get rid of ear congestion, you need to apply compresses twice a day, unless your doctor prescribes otherwise.

[ 9 ]

Inhalations for ear congestion

If ear congestion is associated with inflammatory diseases in the nasal cavity, then you can resort to the help of a nebulizer - this is a safe treatment method that can eliminate swelling of the mucous membrane, while simultaneously relieving congestion in the ear and nose.

When using a nebulizer, you need to remember a number of specific rules:

• Inhalations can only be performed with medications prescribed by a doctor;
• If several inhalation medications are prescribed at the same time, they cannot be mixed together: the interval between procedures should be about 15 minutes;
• Oil solutions should never be poured into the nebulizer;
• The inhalation solution must be heated to a temperature of at least 25°C.

You should not independently select the composition of the inhalation solution. Ear congestion can occur for various reasons, so self-medication can in some cases cause harm. Consult a doctor before starting inhalation procedures.

Ointments for ear congestion

Ointments and other external agents are appropriate for use in inflammation of the outer and middle ear. Such ointments usually contain antimicrobial and pain-relieving components, as well as anti-inflammatory substances, such as corticosteroids.

The ointment is used in several ways. The first of them is the most common: a small ball of ointment is placed in the external auditory canal on the affected side, twice a day, for five to seven days in a row.

The second method of application: the ointment is applied to a gauze turunda, which is then inserted into the ear canal. It is preferable to carry out this procedure at night.

The third method is an ointment compress - it is prescribed for damage to the external auditory organs.

If ear congestion is associated with diseases of the nasal cavity, then ointments can be used to lubricate the nasal mucosa - such products as Pinosol, Doctor Mom, Evamenthol, as well as Viferon ointment (for viral etiology of the disease) are suitable.

Vasoconstrictor ear drops for ear congestion

It happens that doctors recommend dripping vasoconstrictor drops into the ears - for example, the drug naphazoline Naphthyzinum. Indeed, such drops quickly have a therapeutic effect and can be used for inflammation in the Eustachian tube and other infections. Before starting treatment, it is important to make sure that the eardrum is intact, otherwise the problem can only get worse. Therefore, before dripping this or that remedy, it is imperative to consult a doctor.

It is important to pay attention to contraindications: Vasoconstrictor drugs cannot be used in cases of hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart problems, or during antibiotic therapy.

In addition to Naphthyzinum, Sanorin, Vibrocil, and Otrivin are often used. It should be remembered that the use of vasoconstrictor drops for ear congestion does not replace treatment and elimination of the underlying problem, so such drops can only be used as a temporary measure.

Anti-inflammatory ear drops for ear congestion

Ear drops with an anti-inflammatory effect are one of the main drugs for the treatment of ear inflammation of various etiologies. Anti-inflammatory drops may contain non-hormonal components, steroid substances, antibiotics. As a rule, if the drops are aimed at eliminating inflammation, they also have an analgesic effect. However, the best effect is achieved by combination drugs containing, in addition to the anti-inflammatory component, for example, an antibiotic.

Anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed if ear congestion is associated with the following diseases:

• initial stage of otitis media;
• otitis externa;
• catarrhal otitis;
• barotrauma;
• postoperative condition after surgery on the middle ear, removal of earwax.

It should be noted that purulent otitis can be in the perforative stage, when the membrane loses its integrity and purulent mass is released from the ear canal. In such a situation, the use of most anti-inflammatory drops is contraindicated: permission to use them is given by the doctor after examining the patient through an otoscope.

In case of internal otitis, anti-inflammatory drops may be ineffective: the inflammatory focus is located deep and is reliably covered by the eardrum.

[ 10 ], [ 11 ], [ 12 ]

Pharmacodynamics

We suggest considering the pharmacological properties of ear congestion remedies using the example of popular earwax drops – Remo-Vax. This remedy can be used to eliminate or prevent the formation of earwax accumulations in children or adults.

Earwax that accumulates in the ear canal is a secretion from the glandular system of the external ear canal. The earwax contains large amounts of proteins, fats, lysozyme and immunoglobulins - these substances provide constant moisture to the tissues of the hearing organs, and also protect them from the penetration of microbes, insects, etc.

It is believed that sulfur mass should be removed on its own during chewing movements. But in some cases, sulfur secretion increases: this can happen with frequent dust and water getting into the ears, with the use of vacuum headphones or thick earplugs, with frequent use of cotton swabs, as well as with metabolic disorders, dermatological diseases. With increased production of sulfur mass, it does not have time to be removed on its own - a stagnant blockage is formed, which causes a feeling of stuffiness in the ears, deterioration of hearing function, headaches, dizziness.

[ 13 ], [ 14 ]

Pharmacokinetics

Remo-Vax is a preparation with a special composition, the complex action of which provides easy and gentle cleaning of the ear canal. Special substances soften and facilitate the removal of excess sulfur from the ear.

The product is recommended both for removing sulfur deposits and for preventing their formation - this is especially necessary when using hearing aids and in-ear vacuum headsets. The use of Remo-Vax is recommended for prolonged stays in conditions of high humidity or increased dust accumulation in the air. The product is allowed to be used as a medicine to eliminate congestion in the ear.

[ 15 ], [ 16 ]

Dosing and administration

The remedy for ear congestion and the formation of sulfur accumulations, Remo-Vax, is used by following a certain sequence of actions:

1. Warm the bottle with the product to body temperature.
2. The patient is placed on his side, with the “blocked” ear facing up.
3. The doctor gently pulls the affected ear down and back by the lobe – this position allows the external ear canal to be straightened.
4. The doctor drips 15-20 drops of Remo-Vax onto the back wall, and the liquid level should stop at the edge of the canal exit into the auricle. The total volume of liquid may vary, depending on the length and diameter of the auditory canal.
5. The doctor waits five or ten minutes, then asks the patient to stand up and places a special tray under the ear so that the solution can flow out. There is no need to rinse the ear additionally.
6. The second ear is cleaned in a similar manner.

If the sulfur accumulation is too large and the ear congestion remains, then the procedure can be repeated the next day: in this case, the exposure period should be increased to 25 minutes.

[ 19 ], [ 20 ], [ 21 ]

Use ear drops for ear congestion. during pregnancy

The ear congestion remedy Remo-Vax is approved for use by women during pregnancy: this medicine does not have a systemic effect and does not penetrate into the general bloodstream.

Contraindications

The product for removing earwax plugs and relieving ear congestion Remo-Wax has a small number of contraindications:

• high sensitivity to the composition of drops;
• acute inflammation in the "clogged" ear;
• painful sensations in a "clogged" ear;
• the presence of discharge from the ear canal (transparent or with pus);
• perforated membrane.

If the patient suffers from acute otitis, or there is an exacerbation of chronic otitis, then it is necessary to wait until the acute stage is over, and only then begin using the medication.

[ 17 ], [ 18 ]

Side effects ear drops for ear congestion.

The ear decongestant Remo-Vax rarely causes skin irritation – mainly only in patients with hypersensitivity to the ingredients of the product. No other side effects have been detected when using this solution.

Overdose

At present, there is no information about a possible overdose of Remo-Vax solution.

[ 22 ]

Interactions with other drugs

The ear decongestant Remo-Wax should not be used simultaneously with other medications for dissolving earwax build-up.

[ 23 ]

Storage conditions

Store the ear decongestant Remo-Wax in a dark place, at normal room temperature, out of the reach of children.

[ 24 ], [ 25 ]

Shelf life

Ear drops and other ear congestion remedies have their own shelf life. In particular, Remo-Vax drops are stored for up to 4 years, regardless of whether the bottle is opened or sealed.