An overview of ear congestion treatment
Sometimes we are too busy to notice a slight blockage or pressure mounting up in the ear. We neglect it and hardly pay any attention, thinking that it will probably go away with time. Muffled noises, puffy ears, ear swellings, slight pain, and the like are sometimes too negligible for us to consider. However, in reality, a minor problem like that could soon become something serious if the ear congestion escalates.

What are some of the common points/causes that can lead to ear congestion?
The following things can lead to an ear congestion:

• When you are not very careful about your personal hygiene
• You do not clean your ears regularly.
• You wear headphones or earphones for a long period of time and do not clean them.
• You use headphones or earphones used by others.
• You try cleaning your ears using objects like toothpicks, or you incorrectly use earbuds.
• Excess water during a swim or shower can clog your ear passage, which can later cause pain.
• Pain can occur in ears when excess cold air enters the ear passage during winters.

How long does ear congestion last, and when should you consider ear congestion – treatment?
Depending on the cause and the resulting effect, congestion may last anywhere between 48 hours to 2 weeks. If you feel pain after 48 hours, you may go for basic precautions like the following:

• Using a nasal decongestant
• Giving a mild blow to your nose
• Applying hot compression
• If the pain, blockage, or discomfort exceeds two weeks, you should go and see a doctor

Whom should you consider for ear congestion treatment: a general physician or an ENT specialist?

• If an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist is not accessible at the first instance, a general physician could give you ear congestion treatment that might give you initial relief.
• It is still better to approach an ENT specialist, who would instantly get to the root of the ear congestion cause and prescribe you a treatment or medication that suits you best.

Are there ear congestion – treatments that can be taken up at home?
Let’s say you do not have medicine available at home or an ENT specialist is inaccessible; in such a case, there are some brilliant home remedies for treating ear blockage:

• Gargling with salt and water has a soothing effect on the eustachian tube, which connects directly to the throat.
• Dip a hand towel in hot water, squeeze out the extra water, and place the hand towel on the affected ear gently. This will loosen the tightness that ear congestion causes.
• You could also try to cure congestion by pouring 2-3 drops of garlic-olive oil.
• To do this, in hot olive oil, smash a couple of garlic cloves. Let this oil cool, and then pour a couple of drops in the affected ear.
• Since garlic has antifungal and antibacterial properties, it is very effective in getting rid of all kinds of ear infections.

Is there a diet to be followed if suffering from a congested ear?

• If you have a congested ear, stay away from cold food and water, as this could exacerbate the condition.
• It is advisable to consume hot food and liquids, like soup and tea. This can help open up any congestion by altering the pressure in your ears and nose.

What essential points should be kept in mind when using an ear decongestant for ear congestion – treatment?

• The first and the most important thing is that if you are using a decongestant for the first time, you should seek advice from a doctor, or a friend or relative who has had similar ear congestion and has been using the decongestant for a long period.
• Do not overdo the dosage, especially with children.
• It is advisable that a decongestant is used at a time interval of 12 hours for a maximum of 5 days.
• An overdose may cause the infection to rebound.
• Decongestants are generally not advised for children below 12 years of age.