Flu and clogged ear, It is usual to question if the flu causes blocked ears and how this interaction happens, given that it is a respiratory condition, but the fact is that there are connections between the throat and the middle ear, which allows inflammation to go from one region to the other.
It is also possible to develop otitis media, an inner ear infection, as a consequence of the common cold or influenza, particularly if the patient has neglected their health or their immune system has been compromised in the past.
Continue reading to discover the connection between influenza and ear congestion. See also how to remedy the situation and safeguard the ear canals during respiratory illnesses.
What is the flu and what are its symptoms?
The flu is a viral illness that affects the whole respiratory system, from the lungs to the upper airways, including the nose, mouth, and throat.
The influenza virus enters the body mostly by the inhalation of saliva particles that have been spread into the air and inhaled. From there, it resides and multiplies inside the respiratory system’s cells.
In order to combat it, the immune system activates a number of processes to halt its progression and minimise its presence; these mechanisms are also responsible for generating the most common flu symptoms, including fever, nasal congestion, sore throat, discomfort, runny nose, and cough.
What is the clogged ear feeling?
A stuffy ear is characterised by a brief loss of hearing and a sense of obstruction in the ear canals. Concurrently, the individual may have earaches and detect the presence of secretion, notably liquid, at the spot.
This is often caused by inflammation in the ear canal, which blocks the duct and impairs hearing. Blood arteries dilate to aid the movement of immune system defence cells, leaving the affected area bloated, red, and painful.
As previously stated, secretory leakage is possible, as if the wax were more liquid and diluted. The ill individual may also have increasing discomfort while laying down and vertigo when moving.
Does Flu Cause Clogged Ears?
Flu and clogged ear, Although not a frequent symptom, particularly in adults, a blocked ear may be caused by the flu. This is because the Eustachian tubes, the middle ear canal, and the back of the throat are connected.
When the throat becomes inflamed as a consequence of colds or the flu, the closeness between these regions may cause the ear canal to also become inflamed, resulting in local swelling, temporary hearing loss, popping in the ear, and moderate to severe discomfort.
The lining of the Eustachian tubes is softer and immature in children, making this area more susceptible to otitis owing to infections and allergens. As a result, children are more susceptible to this condition.
Because of the enlargement, air cannot move correctly through the inner ear, resulting in permanent hearing loss. Therefore, it is crucial to treat the symptoms and take the appropriate precautions to prevent complications such as tinnitus and chronic hearing loss.
Otitis and inner ear infections
In general, a plugged ear is a sign of acute otitis media, which is a painful and deafening viral or bacterial infection of the middle ear. When the body is mistreated or weakened, it may become secretory, or produce fluids.
In most instances of otitis, the eardrum is quite red and has a bulging look. Depending on the severity of the inflammation, the affected individual may feel vertigo, disorientation, headache, loss of balance, and extreme irritation.
Children and babies may endure increased crying, loss of appetite, and symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Clogged ear because of the flu: how to solve it?
In milder situations, as is the case for the majority of individuals, the inflammation causing the plugged ear resolves on its own or with the use of medicines.
In more severe situations, antibiotics may be required, since the ear is more susceptible to bacterial invasion, which is riskier and more common in a weaker area.
Due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant effects on the nose and throat, which often influence the ear canal, anti-allergy drugs may also aid with a flu-related blocked ear.
The most practical and pleasant way to unclog an ear that has been blocked owing to the flu is to apply a warm compress, which may be done using a dry, gently heated cloth.
The heat aids in diluting and draining secretions while offering little pain alleviation. With this, the sensation of an obstructed ear often improves.
When to seek medical attention?
Whenever you have symptoms and think it necessary, you must seek medical assistance in order to get an accurate diagnosis and the most effective therapy. In cases of influenza with ear congestion, it is advised to seek medical attention when:
- if the symptoms persist for more than a day and worsen;
- The symptoms are affecting an infant younger than six months;
- ear pain is acute or hearing impairment is severe;
- there is pus, blood, or excessive secretions streaming into the ear;
- The symptoms of earache include fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Through medical assessment, it is possible to determine the likely causes and amount of harm, as well as the most effective therapy for each individual instance.
Don’t forget to treat flu symptoms correctly to prevent complications such as otitis and ear congestion. Consume copious amounts of water, consume soups, broths, and soup, relax, and consider taking medicine to manage temperature, inflammation, and discomfort.