# Seeking Advice on Clogged Ears, Post Sinus Infection **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 24, 2017, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711 "2017-10-24T13:23:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6bbea6/32.png) [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2017, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/61 "2017-10-30T15:49:48Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > check with your doc before going to prescription-strength doses. I can’t get an appointment with him for a month. He is worthless anyway. ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2017, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/62 "2017-10-30T17:09:15Z")
> [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](#): > > I can’t get an appointment with him for a month. He is worthless anyway. You may be able to get in at an urgent care place. And whatever you do, don’t succumb to the temptation to do more than 800 mg 3/day - 2400 mg a day seems to be the upper bound of what people generally consider safe. And if you have any ulcers or bleeding problems, ibuprofen can make those worse! Taking the Advil with food can ease stomach distress. ---
**Author:** ![Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6bbea6/32.png) [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2017, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/63 "2017-10-30T17:14:58Z")
> [@CandidGamera](#): > > You may be able to get in at an urgent care place. And whatever you do, don’t succumb to the temptation to do more than 800 mg 3/day - 2400 mg a day seems to be the upper bound of what people generally consider safe. And if you have any ulcers or bleeding problems, ibuprofen can make those worse! Taking the Advil with food can ease stomach distress. There is no point in me going to an urgent care place. I’ve been to every ENT in the city and none have helped. I’ve taken high dose Advil before for my back and had no side effects. Thank you though. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2017, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/64 "2017-10-30T17:34:35Z")
> [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](#): > > There is no point in me going to an urgent care place. I’ve been to every ENT in the city and none have helped. I’ve taken high dose Advil before for my back and had no side effects. Thank you though. It’s probably ok IF you know your kidney function is normal. But high dose NSAIDs can play havoc on renal clearance if kidneys are not normal to start with. ---
**Author:** ![Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6bbea6/32.png) [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2017, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/65 "2017-10-30T17:48:44Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > It’s probably ok IF you know your kidney function is normal. But high dose NSAIDs can play havoc on renal clearance if kidneys are not normal to start with. Ok, thank you. I had a physical a few weeks back and all my blood work was in the normal ranges. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2017, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/66 "2017-10-30T17:50:16Z")
> [@CandidGamera](#): > > What are everyone’s thoughts on the valsalva maneuver, forcing the tubes open by pinching the nostrils and applying breath pressure? Am I going to irritate the tubes and prolong my suffering? Am I going to push the gunk further up into the tube? The ENT suggested it was okay, but I thought I’d get some additional experiences. > [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](#): > > Yep, it’s awful. Mine got congested in 2000 and never cleared up. My ears used to get congested all the time. I was doing the Valsalva maneuver so often, someone once asked me if I had Tourette’s-- they thought it was a tic. Every time I got a cold, and I got them 4-5 times a year, and they lasted for 10-12 days, my ears stopped up. I also got lots of bacterial sinus infections. Then, when I was 34, I had my tonsils and adenoids out. I went a full year without a cold. Now, I still get sinus infections that need antibiotics, and the occasional cold, but colds are really rare, and clear up in like, 4 days. More importantly, my ears do not stop up for the duration of a cold or sinus infection. It was the swollen adenoids that were blocking my Eustachian tubes. Before I had my tonsils and adenoids out, I could not fly without my ears stopping up for the whole flight, and usually several hours afterward, and I’d get a terrible headache. Now I can fly in perfect comfort. Maybe you guys should ask your doctors if a tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy would benefit either of you. ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2017, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/67 "2017-10-30T18:22:09Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > My ears used to get congested all the time. I was doing the Valsalva maneuver so often, someone once asked me if I had Tourette’s-- they thought it was a tic. Every time I got a cold, and I got them 4-5 times a year, and they lasted for 10-12 days, my ears stopped up. I also got lots of bacterial sinus infections. > > Then, when I was 34, I had my tonsils and adenoids out. I went a full year without a cold. Now, I still get sinus infections that need antibiotics, and the occasional cold, but colds are really rare, and clear up in like, 4 days. More importantly, my ears do not stop up for the duration of a cold or sinus infection. It was the swollen adenoids that were blocking my Eustachian tubes. > > Before I had my tonsils and adenoids out, I could not fly without my ears stopping up for the whole flight, and usually several hours afterward, and I’d get a terrible headache. Now I can fly in perfect comfort. > > Maybe you guys should ask your doctors if a tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy would benefit either of you. It’s a thought, but… I mean, I’m 39 and this is the first time in my adult life I’ve had an ear blockage like this. I think this may have been just an exceptionally nasty strain of rhinovirus. ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2017, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/68 "2017-10-31T17:42:20Z")
I think I’m going to knock off the pseudoephedrine - it may be causing (or at least exacerbating) my laryngitis. I need my voice back already… ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2017, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/69 "2017-10-31T19:34:56Z")
> [@CandidGamera](#): > > I think I’m going to knock off the pseudoephedrine - it may be causing (or at least exacerbating) my laryngitis. I need my voice back already… I never found it very helpful for congestion in my patients (or myself). ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/70 "2017-11-01T12:57:37Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > I never found it very helpful for congestion in my patients (or myself). It works for me, usually - though I think it’s mainly the blood pressure spiking that helps clear things up. I can achieve the same effect for a short duration by doing a little aerobics. But it doesn’t seem to be doing anything to speed my ear’s recovery, so I’m taking it out of the mix to try and speed my throat’s recovery. It is utterly maddening to have a blocked ear and laryngitis for two straight weeks. ---
**Author:** ![beagledave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6de8d8/32.png) [@beagledave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beagledave)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/71 "2017-11-01T14:05:38Z")
I do nasal saline irrigation using a Water Pik attachment. The “pulsatile” flow supposedly helps to clean out the cilia as well. > **[WyFun Nose Washing Replacement Tips for Waterpik Oral Irrigator Wp-100 Wp-450...](https://www.amazon.com/Washing-Waterpik-irrigator-WP-100-WP-450/dp/B01C4KX384)** > > Buy WyFun Nose Washing Replacement Tips for Waterpik Oral Irrigator Wp-100 Wp-450 Wp-250 Wp-300 Wp-660 Wp-900 by WyFun at Amazon. Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision! I also sometimes add Alkalol to the mix > **[Amazon.com: Alkalol Solution Original Nasal Wash, 3 Count -16 fl oz, 16 fl oz...](https://www.amazon.com/Alkalol-Solution-Original-Nasal-Count/dp/B014UN3YS2)** > > Alkalol Original Nasal Wash 3-Pack - A Natural Soothing Nasal Wash, Mucus Solvent and Cleaner.Refreshing, preservative-free, hypertonic saline solution with natural extracts and essential oils Provides natural relief from nasal congestion caused by... ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/72 "2017-11-01T19:06:55Z")
> [@beagledave](#): > > I do nasal saline irrigation using a Water Pik attachment. The “pulsatile” flow supposedly helps to clean out the cilia as well. > > [Amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com/Washing-Waterpik-irrigator-WP-100-WP-450/dp/B01C4KX384/ref=pd_sbs_121_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01C4KX384&pd_rd_r=A57ATHVWVGTHNZSBN87F&pd_rd_w=J2uKX&pd_rd_wg=wYFhw&psc=1&refRID=A57ATHVWVGTHNZSBN87F) > > I also sometimes add Alkalol to the mix > > [https://www.amazon.com/Alkalol-Solution-Original-Nasal-Count/dp/B014UN3YS2/ref=sr\_1\_1\_s\_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1509545124&sr=1-1&keywords=alkalol](https://www.amazon.com/Alkalol-Solution-Original-Nasal-Count/dp/B014UN3YS2/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1509545124&sr=1-1&keywords=alkalol) Interesting. May give it a look if this continues long enough. A pressurized jet of water might simplify my routine. If I could hit the Eustachian tube opening with it, even better. After about a day without decongestant, I definitely feel some more congestion in the main sinus area - I suspect my theory that the sinus infection is still raging behind the scenes is correct. ---
**Author:** ![Missy2U](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3bc359/32.png) [@Missy2U](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Missy2U)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2017, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/73 "2017-11-02T03:54:21Z")
I have found that when my ears are clogged (I get a lot of sinus infections), if I sleep on my left side instead of my usual right side, after 2 or 3 days, they clear. Don’t know how or why, but it works for me. ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2017, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/74 "2017-11-02T13:04:45Z")
> [@Missy2U](#): > > I have found that when my ears are clogged (I get a lot of sinus infections), if I sleep on my left side instead of my usual right side, after 2 or 3 days, they clear. Don’t know how or why, but it works for me. Odd! I tend to oscillate between my left and right side until I fall asleep. ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2017, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/75 "2017-11-06T14:05:41Z")
Both ears are popping occasionally, now, though they are still thoroughly gummed up. Voice is starting to show signs of life - I think the double humidifier is really helping there. Light at the end of the tunnel, at last… ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2017, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/76 "2017-11-13T14:04:34Z")
Voice volume is back, but my vocal range is still curtailed. This is driving me crazy. ---
**Author:** ![blogflogdog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a5b964/32.png) [@blogflogdog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blogflogdog)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2017, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/77 "2017-11-14T04:55:02Z")
Be thankful god loved you enough to shield you from the worlds bullshit ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2017, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/78 "2017-11-14T13:58:02Z")
> [@blogflogdog](#): > > Be thankful god loved you enough to shield you from the worlds bullshit What the hell are you talking about? ---
**Author:** ![Thylacine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thylacine/32/1143_2.png) [@Thylacine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thylacine)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2017, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/79 "2017-11-16T22:18:08Z")
All the empathies. I go through this annually, one particularly horrendous bout gave me a loud and strong vibrating pulse in my right ear for 2 months straight. I threatened it regularly with an electric drill. I wash out my sinuses daily all year round but when the right ear goes it stays gone. Earplugs definitely help relieve the discombobulating sound delay and some discomfort. I had my adenoids out as a kid as well as annual grommets. Sometimes contracting a good sniffy cold turns all to liquid and clears it, holding babies is often a shortcut to this remedy. Pseudoephedrine seems to solidify it and make it much worse for longer. ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2017, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711/80 "2017-11-17T14:34:01Z")
> [@Thylacine](#): > > Pseudoephedrine seems to solidify it and make it much worse for longer. Really? How odd! Yeah, I sympathize with you repeat sufferers - if I had to go through this every year, I’d probably clean out my sinuses with one of those Second Amendment solutions I’m always hearing about. My ears are … better. I can hear fine, but they’re popping a lot. Like there’s still gummy mucus in the tubes, but it’s not fully obstructing them. My voice is … slowly improving, I think. I still have no falsetto capability whatsoever, but I can shout if an emergency calls for it now. The little white spots on my tonsils are fading. Currently taking benzonatate and Advil every eight hours, using one humidifier at night, and trying to rest my voice as much as possible. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-clogged-ears-post-sinus-infection/799711.md?page=5)