PHX Reporter

Dr. John Stewart of Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers recently spoke to PHX Reporter about helping patients alleviate pain from eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).

Eustachian tubes are small tubes that run between the middle ears and the upper throat. They are responsible for equalizing ear pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear, the part behind the eardrum. The eustachian tubes are usually closed, except for when people are chewing, swallowing or yawning, according to Healthline.

"It may be a surprise to some people, but your ear, in fact, is a part of your sinus anatomy," Stewart told PHX Reporter. "The definition of a sinus is a mucous-membrane-lined cavity, with a valve, that drains into the nose. Your eustachian tube is a mucous-membrane-lined cavity, has a valve and connects your middle ear to your nose. Eustachian tube dysfunction can occur due to untreated, chronic sinusitis and can cause symptoms such as pain, pressure and fullness in one or both ears.”

Dr. John Stewart | zocdoc.com

These passageways are small in size and can get plugged for a variety of reasons. Blocked eustachian tubes can cause pain, hearing difficulties and a feeling of fullness in the ears. Such a phenomenon is referred to as eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).

"A study by the National Institutes of Health showed that over a one-year period, there were up to 73 million restricted-activity days related to sinusitis and total direct medical costs of almost 2.4 billion, not including surgery or radiographic imaging," Stewart said. "Unresolved sinusitis becomes a quality-of-life issue, taking people away from their jobs, family, friends and obligations.“

ETD is a relatively common condition. Depending on the cause, it may resolve on its own or through simple at-home treatment measures. Severe or recurring cases, however, may require a visit to the doctor.

If you think you could benefit from seeing a doctor about allergy or sinus issues -- or ETD -- please take this online sinus quiz.