Can I Use Nasal Spray to Unclog My Ear?

Your sinuses are connected from the nasal passage to the ears and down the back of the throat. A sinus inflammation or sinus blockage can create pressure inside the ear, thus causing a clogged sensation.

鼻sprays shrink the blood vessels and tissues in the sinuses, thereby reducing swelling and inflammation. It also provides moisture and relieves sinus blockage.

鼻sprays should be used with care to reduce the risk of eardrum damage caused by the high pressure:

• 保持你的头在一个直立的位置。
• Shake the bottle well before use and read instructions carefully.
• Gently squeeze or pump the bottle.
• Inhale gently with your mouth closed.
• Point the nozzle towards your neck or ear.
• Bend your head and look at the floor as you spray into your nose.
• Keep sniffing as you spray but only hard enough to feel it in the back of the nose.
• Pinch your nose as you pop your ear and blow gently (this action draws the spray into the eustachian tube).
• Never use the nasal spray in the ears, especially if you have ear discharge or a history of ear perforation.

• Use a humidifier or inhale steam to treat sinus inflammation and pressure.
• Apply a warm washcloth or covered heating pad against the ear.
• Blow through one nostril while blocking the other.
• Drink plenty of water or other fluids to thin out nasalmucus.
• Avoidcaffeine, tobacco,alcohol, andhigh-sodiumfoods to prevent worsening of congestion
• Check for wax buildup.

If you experience the following symptoms along with a clogged ear, you should consult your doctor:

• Fever
• Earpain
• Nosebleed
• Painin the head and face
• Fever
• Severe swelling and congestion that does not resolve
• No improvement even after 3 days of usingover-the-countermedications