Ear Congestion

Pediatric HouseCalls Online

DEFINITION

  • Sudden onset of muffled hearing.
  • Crackling or popping noises in the ear.
  • A stuffy, full sensation in the ear.
  • No ear pain.
  • Unusual complaint until after age 4 or 5 years.

Causes

  • Blockage of ear tube (eustachian tube) during nose allergies, a cold or airplane/mountain travel.
  • Not from an ear infection

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If

  • You think your child needs to be seen.
  • Earache.
  • Possible foreign body in ear canal.
  • Ear congestion lasts over 48 hours.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns.

Parent Care at Home If

  • Ear congestion (probably from blocked eustachian tube) and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR EAR CONGESTION

  1. More Chewing and Swallowing: Swallow water or other fluid while the nose is pinched closed. (Reason: creates a vacuum in the nose that helps the Eustachian tube to open up.) After age 6, can also use chewing gum.

  2. Decongestant Nasal Spray:

    • If chewing doesn't help after 1 or 2 hours, use a long-acting decongestant nasal spray. You can ask your pharmacist to recommend a brand.
    • Don't use more than 5 days. (Reason: rebound swelling)
    • An oral decongestant (psuedoephedrine) may help if the nasal spray is not available (See Dosage table).

  3. Antihistamines: If your child has hay fever or other allergies, give an antihistamine

  4. Expected Course: The symptoms usually clear within 2 days (48 hours) with treatment. It's safe for your child to swim.

  5. Prevention for Airplane/Mountain Travel:

    • Swallow during descent using a pacifier or fluids.
    • Children over age 6 can chew on gum during descent.
    • Yawning also can open the middle ear.
  6. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Ear pain occurs
    • Ear congestion lasts over 48 hours
    • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Copyright:Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D. Clinical content review provided by Senior Reviewer and Healthpoint Medical Network.

Last Review Date: 9/3/2006

Last Revised: 8/5/2006 2:20:46 PM

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online

Version Year: 2006

Copyright 1994-2006 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

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Is Your Child Sick?

Pediatric HouseCalls Online is a guide for treating your child at home, calling your child's doctor or seeking immediate medical attention. Developed by Dr. Barton Schmitt, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician on staff at The Children’s Hospital. Dr. Schmitt has developed health tools for parents, including Pediatric HouseCalls Online, the Parent Advice Line and his 3rd edition of Your Child’s Health, which is available in bookstores.

Are You Sick?

David A Thompson, MD is the author of Adult HouseCalls Online. He is a board-certified emergency medicine physician at MacNeal Hospital in Chicago. He has a national reputation in telephone triage, decision support tools, medical information technology and quality improvement. Adult HouseCalls Online is a decision support tool for adults that has been reviewed and approved by adult physicians.

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