Symptom 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.
  

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• COLDS is also present.
  
• HAY FEVER is also present.
  
• EAR DISCHARGE or drainage is also present.
  (To go directly to these topics, click the links following this document.)
  

WHEN TO CALL YOUR

DOCTOR FOR EAR CONGESTION

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

• You think your child needs to be seen.
  
• Earache.
  
• Possible foreign body in ear canal.
  
• Ear congestion lasts for more than 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:  Have your child chew gum if over age 4.  Also swallow water while the nose is pinched closed.

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.  

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 older than age 4 can chew on gum during descent.
  
• Yawning also can open the middle ear.
  

6.  Call Your Doctor If:

• Ear pain occurs.
  
• Ear congestion lasts for more than 48 hours.
  
• Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
  

See Other Topics:

• Cold
• Ear Discharge
• Hay Fever (Nose Allergies)
View Alphabetical Categories List







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Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is located in Palo Alto, adjacent to Stanford University Hospital, approximately 20 miles north of San Jose, CA and 40 miles south of San Francisco.




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(650) 497-8000





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