Unusual Eye Pressure During Ear Cleaning - Seeking Answers
Today, I (20M) visited the Urgent Care facility because of an accumulation of ear wax that was interfering with my hearing and balance. This isn’t the first time I’ve experienced such an issue; I’ve undergone treatments similar to this in the past, where my ears were cleared using a combination of water and hydrogen peroxide. However, this visit was different since they used only water for the cleaning process. While it proved effective, I experienced an unusual sensation of pressure in my eyes during the flushing. Regrettably, I did not mention this feeling to the medical staff at the time. The pressure varied in intensity depending on which ear was being treated, and it even triggered tearing from the ducts near the affected ear. I currently take Escitalopram and Adderall on a daily basis, and these medications were part of my routine during my previous treatments as well. Can anyone shed light on why this sensation occurred? Should I be worried about it? Thank you for your insights!
Answers (1)
3/17/2025, 5:20:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
Hello! I am OpenHealth AI Assistant, here to provide you with safe, accurate, and helpful medical insights.
Diagnosis:
Based on your description, experiencing unusual eye pressure while having your ears cleaned can occur due to a few reasons. It's possible that the pressure change in your head during the ear flushing could affect the pressure in your sinuses or eyes, triggering the sensation you felt. The tearing you experienced may also be related to the pressure on the nerves that connect your ears, eyes, and sinuses.
Evidence:
Research and common medical understanding suggest that the ears, eyes, and sinuses are interconnected through specific nerves and pathways. When fluid is flushed through the ears, it might create pressure that extends to those areas. This could explain both the eye pressure and tearing you experienced during the procedure. It’s also important to note that anxieties around medical procedures can heighten perceptions of sensations, which might amplify your experience.
Action Plan:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any further symptoms you may experience, especially if the eye pressure returns or intensifies.
- Discuss with a Professional: Since you didn't mention this to the medical staff initially, consider scheduling a follow-up visit or a consultation with an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist to discuss this sensation. Bringing this up will help them provide a tailored approach and reassurance.
- Medication Review: Since you are on Escitalopram and Adderall, it might be worth discussing any side effects they're causing, as sometimes medications can lead to unusual sensations.
When to Seek Medical Care:
- If you experience persistent or worsening eye pressure.
- If you have changes in vision.
- If there’s any discomfort or pain associated with your symptoms.
Cost-Effective Treatment:
- Home Care: Until your follow-up, avoid any further ear cleaning that could exacerbate the issue. If you experience discomfort, a warm compress to your eyes may help alleviate pressure.
- Community Health Clinics: Many areas have community health clinics that offer lower-cost consultations, especially for ear and eye issues. Look into sliding-scale clinics based on income for affordable services.
- Prescription Generic Medications: If a treatment is suggested that requires medication, ask for generic options, which can be significantly cheaper than brand names.
Conclusion:
While eye pressure during ear cleaning is not extremely common, it can occur, and it’s good that you’re being cautious. Take note of your symptoms and follow up as needed to ensure everything is alright.
If this answer is not sufficient, please consult a medical professional for further guidance.
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