Exploring Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation: Is It Beneficial?
I am a generally healthy individual from Afab, Germany, with a normal weight. My first experience with air travel happened in 1993, and it was for an international flight. Unfortunately, I caught a cold just before my return journey, which made equalizing the pressure in my ears during the landing incredibly painful. Fortunately, after a few days, I felt fine again and decided to head to my local swimming pool to try my skills from the 5-meter diving board. Not my smartest move! I lost all sense of direction under the water at nearly 6 meters deep, but thankfully, I remembered to blow out and eventually surfaced. I wouldn’t recommend that experience to anyone. For years afterward, I've faced ongoing issues with my ears. About eight years ago, I discovered I could manage to equalize one ear somewhat, but the other ear still poses challenges. I find myself on around three to six flights each year, and I have a keen interest in learning how to dive as well. Back in 1993, doctors examined my ears and reassured me that everything appeared normal. They advised me to take a decongestant before flying or diving, but that suggestion didn’t yield any results. Recently, I took to the internet to investigate possible solutions and came across the concept of eustachian tube balloon dilation. Could this be a potential remedy for me? My next step would involve locating an ENT specialist who performs this procedure, but, unfortunately, there aren’t any in my city. If it’s a procedure with significant risks, it may not be worth pursuing at all. What are your thoughts on this?
Answers (1)
4/21/2025, 2:51:07 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been experiencing significant discomfort with your ears, especially during flying and diving, due to issues with equalizing pressure. Eustachian tube balloon dilation could potentially be beneficial for you, particularly since you’ve had chronic problems in this area for several years. However, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against potential risks.
Explanation:
The Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the back of the nose and help regulate ear pressure. When these tubes don't function properly, it can lead to discomfort during altitude changes, like flying or diving. Balloon dilation is a procedure where a small balloon is inserted into the Eustachian tube and inflated to help open up the passage. This can potentially improve function and alleviate pressure-related issues.
However, the procedure is relatively new, and its long-term effectiveness, as well as potential risks (like infection or worsening symptoms), should be considered. You mentioned you’re having trouble finding an ENT specialist in your area, which is key since not all clinics offer this service, and the expertise of the provider matters.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed journal of your ear symptoms, noting the frequency, severity, and specific situations (like flights or dives) that trigger discomfort. This information will be useful for any healthcare professional you consult.
-
Consult a General Practitioner: If you haven’t already, speak with your primary healthcare provider about your ongoing ear troubles. They may refer you to an ENT specialist, even if it's outside your immediate area.
-
Consider Alternative Strategies:
- Practice Equalization Techniques: Techniques like the Valsalva maneuver or the Toynbee maneuver can help you equalize ear pressure. Practicing these before flights or dives may reduce discomfort.
- Stay Hydrated and Use Decongestants: Continue using decongestants or saline nasal sprays if they help, especially before flying. Staying hydrated can also assist in keeping sinuses clear.
-
Research EENT Specialists: While it might require some travel, look for specialized ENT clinics in nearby cities. They may offer the balloon dilation procedure and can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your ear health.
-
Evaluate Risks vs. Benefits Carefully: If you do find a specialist, have a detailed discussion about your symptoms, the procedure, and any potential risks involved. This way, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s worth pursuing given your health history.
Your ear health is important, especially given your interests in travel and diving. Remember that you don’t have to rush into any decisions, and obtaining a thorough understanding of your options is crucial. Please keep me updated on your journey!
Related Questions
Considering Trazodone with 2nd Degree AV Block Mobitz Type I: A Personal Inquiry
Recently, I consulted with a psychiatrist on the recommendation of my therapist. During that visit, I was prescribed sertraline, starting at 25 mg for the first week before increasing to 50 mg, alongside trazodone at a similar dosage, to help with my sleeplessness. After undergoing an EKG, which revealed a first-degree AV block, further testing with a Holter monitor indicated a second-degree AV block. Two cardiologists advised me against using trazodone, leading me to solely take sertraline, which I have been on for 12 days without any adverse effects so far. Just two days prior, I had a follow-up appointment with my psychiatrist. To my surprise, she informed me that a lower dose of trazodone, specifically 25 mg, could be an option. I've been contemplating trying it given that the AV block isn't causing me any issues – I wouldn’t have known about it had it not been for the EKG – and also because melatonin isn’t consistently effective for me. I'm reaching out for advice since I haven't come across much information online about the safety of trazodone in conjunction with this type of AV block; most findings seem to focus on trazodone overdose. Thank you for your insights! (Please excuse any language errors; English is not my native tongue.)
Seeking Relief: Ongoing Ear and Facial Discomfort After Two Weeks of Respiratory Illness
I am currently experiencing day 14 of a lingering respiratory illness, the origins of which remain unclear. It initially presented with relentless sneezing and a persistent runny nose, accompanied by a low-grade fever ranging from 99 to 100 degrees. Additionally, I have suffered from facial and sinus pain, conjunctivitis, intense headaches, fatigue, and general body aches. After visiting urgent care, I underwent tests for COVID-19, influenza types A and B, and RSV, all returning negative results. The doctor provided me with azelastine; however, he indicated that no further interventions were necessary at that time. While the sneezing and excessive nasal discharge subsided within a few days, I continue to endure headaches, congestion, generalized aches, and overwhelming fatigue at this two-week mark. Moreover, I've recently started experiencing pain in my left ear, with persistent sinus discomfort on that same side. Occasionally, I find myself running a fever of around 99 degrees. Unfortunately, I am unable to make an appointment with my primary care physician for another couple of weeks. I am contemplating whether another visit to urgent care would be worthwhile. Is there any potential relief available for my ear pain? Due to my allergy to aspirin and NSAIDs, I can only use Tylenol, which hasn't alleviated the discomfort. I suspect that I may simply need to ride out this troublesome illness, but could the symptoms indicate a bacterial infection that warrants an antibiotic treatment? Additional Information: - Age: 60 - Gender: Female - Height: 5'2" - Weight: 120 lbs - Ethnicity: White/Asian - Duration of symptoms: 14 days - Pain location: Left ear and left side of the face - Relevant medical history: MCAS, POTS, hEDS, one adrenal gland - Current medications: loratadine, famotidine, fluticasone, prescription potassium, metoprolol, montelukast, azelastine
Seeking Help for Severe Duodenal Reflux Gastritis
Hello, f30. I'm reaching out for guidance on how to effectively communicate my condition to a gastroenterologist. I’m experiencing significant duodenal reflux, resulting in bile and fluid accumulating in my stomach. After only a few bites of food, my stomach fills with liquid rather than emptying properly, leading to prolonged retention that causes irritation. Over time, my digestive function has steadily declined. I’ve lost 13 kilograms and now find it challenging to consume even a single glass of water or two meals a day. While I don't experience nausea, I'm plagued by continuous liquid retention and a persistent dull burning sensation that is worsening, accompanied by a swallowing reflex that feels like water pooling in my throat. Previous symptoms, such as sporadic but intense feelings of hunger that were alleviated by eating, as well as brief periods of gnawing discomfort, were ignored during earlier consultations. I later realized these could indicate a mild form of erosive gastritis. Regrettably, the delay in proper diagnosis and the misleading advice from alternative healthcare providers have exacerbated my situation, something that is quite difficult to accept given that I may have been treatable at that time. In contrast, I’ve observed online communities where people suffering from gastritis report more severe experiences than I initially had, leading me to unknowingly consume foods that exacerbated my condition. Many healthcare professionals attribute my issues to anxiety or stress. Although I acknowledge that worrying about my health has not contributed positively to my situation, I have not seen a direct correlation between stress and physical symptoms. Moreover, I have no history of mental health disorders. I would have been open to a diagnosis of gastritis along with a stress-related component, but the biological factors have never been thoroughly explored. I felt as though I was on a path to recovery but, lacking essential knowledge, I inadvertently consumed inappropriate foods and drinks. My primary challenge lies in articulating the severity and progressive nature of my condition without coming off as self-diagnosing or exaggerating my symptoms. I wish to convey the abnormal and uncontrollable accumulation of liquid and its damaging effects, yet I am continually dismissed because I still consume food and my digestion appears normal. I seek an assessment of whether the fluids I'm retaining are from my stomach or the pancreas. A year ago, an endoscopy indicated a healthy stomach (only a month following an injury), yet my health has deteriorated since, a point that was previously dismissed. I now recognize this decline to be linked to more severe bile reflux, triggered by my injury, which has led to a gradual loss of stomach function. I am exploring the possibility of the DeMeester duodenal switch surgery, but it’s not feasible in my country. I hope to attain the necessary diagnosis to discuss this possibility. How can I express to a doctor that my issues are no longer merely psychological? I am unable to eat or drink the necessary amount for survival, and relying solely on a once-daily meal is not sustainable. How should I approach asking for further investigation or an open dialogue regarding future treatments, including the potential for surgery, when prior referrals have been declined without a full understanding of my situation? I appreciate any advice you might have regarding my language or strategy when addressing this. A candid discussion concerning the risks and benefits of surgery in my circumstance is crucial. Additionally, has my stomach lost neural function? Are the fluids I’m experiencing pancreatic, or are they unusual protective secretions from the stomach? It is vital for me to gain a realistic perspective on my future. I realize that whenever I suspect bile, the subsequent day becomes noticeably more challenging. Can surgery potentially reverse this damage, or is that a futile hope? Those are the types of questions I want to explore with a medical professional.
Experiencing Pressure in My Teeth Again After Sinus Surgery
**Age:** 33 **Gender:** Female **Weight:** 150 lbs (Height: 5'4", Ethnicity: Caucasian) **Concern Area:** Upper right molars and nasal passages **Medical Background:** Underwent sinus surgery in August 2025 for silent sinus syndrome; no history of significant surgical procedures. **Current Medications:** 40mg of Prozac, 300mg of Wellbutrin, 10mg of Zyrtec, Aurovela contraceptive (all taken daily) **Additional Info:** Occasionally consume HHC and THC gummies, usually 125mg or 50mg if I haven’t taken them in a while. ***Rest assured, I avoided any use prior to my surgery.*** I mention this because my usage tends to cause nasal congestion. I have allergies to pet dander and live with two cats, which necessitates my daily Zyrtec intake; however, I frequently experience nasal congestion. The medication mainly helps with preventing runny nose and alleviating itchy/watery eyes. ---- Here’s some background! For a lengthy period, whenever I caught a cold or experienced significant nasal congestion, blowing my nose would result in intense pressure in my upper right molars, as if something was pushing against them. This was quite alarming. A dentist conducted a CT scan and discovered that my right maxillary sinus was completely obstructed. Consequently, I was referred to an ENT specialist who confirmed the diagnosis of silent sinus syndrome and subsequently performed the surgery. At my last follow-up, the ENT informed me that I should discontinue using the sinus rinse. However, I am currently facing similar sensations again. The same teeth are experiencing that troubling pressure right now, coinciding with a cold. Since August, despite having multiple colds, I had not felt this discomfort until now. ---- Should I reach out to the ENT once more? Is it better to wait until my upcoming dental appointment, which is in a week, to discuss it with them first? Would it be wise to purchase a new sinus rinse bottle (as they recommend replacement every three months) and start using it again? I would appreciate any advice. Thank you!
Postpartum Blood Pressure Concerns: Seeking Guidance
Hello, I’m reaching out for some guidance. I’m a 26-year-old female,14 days postpartum after a cesarean section, which went smoothly. Upon discharge, I was given voltaren suppositories (which I’ve used up) and Panado instead of Stilpane, as I requested a switch. I’ve recently stopped taking painkillers since my discomfort has minimized and I prefer to avoid unnecessary medication. Following the birth, I’ve experienced several issues: I have carpal tunnel syndrome in my right wrist, considerable pain in my left hip making it difficult to bear weight, and both legs have developed intensely itchy rashes, which my doctor has indicated are due to allergies. However, my primary concern is persistent high blood pressure. Just two days ago, it was recorded at 158 over 90. My obstetrician was worried about potential preeclampsia and had some blood tests done, which came back normal, allowing me to leave the office without concerns. Today, after checking at home, my reading was alarmingly high at 170 over 113. I’m quite apprehensive about going to the hospital for fear of being admitted and separated from my newborn, which is a thought I find distressing. I’m hoping for advice on this situation. I recognize this is a significant reading, but should I panic? Am I putting myself at serious risk by choosing to stay home? If I do go to the hospital, might they keep me there or would they likely just provide treatment through medication? I sincerely appreciate your understanding as I navigate this emotional time.