Correct Nasal Spray Use for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Assuming you thoroughly understand what eustachian tube dysfunction is, the question now becomes how does one use nasal sprays to correctly treat this disorder. Obviously, ear drops will not work because the eardrum prevents anything administered through the ear canal from getting to the eustachian tube which is located BEHIND the eardrum.

Image is a modification of that found in Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License.

Therefore, the only way medication can be delivered directly to the eustachian tube is through the nose where the other end of the eustachian tube is located (eustachian tube goes from your ear to the back of your nose).

That's why when you yawn, swallow, chew, or blow your nose, you can (normally) hear a "pop" in your ears. The "pop" is the eustachian tube opening up.

To see what an actual eustachian tube looks like in the nose, here is a picture or a video (velopharyngeal closure video: the eustachian tube can be seen towards the end of the video clip on the screen left).

Image is a modification of that found in Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License.

SO, when one uses a nasal spray as prescribed by your physician (steroid nasal spray and/or Afrin), it needs to be directed towards the eustachian tube... the spray angle is perpendicular to the face (the nozzle needs to be pointed toward your neck).

One sniffs as one sprays just hard enough so one can feel it in the back of the nose, but not so hard that it goes straight down into your mouth.

Because spray bottles use a straw, one needs to bend the head down so you are looking at the floor when you use the spray.

CORRECT spray angle. Image is a modification of that found in Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License.

DO NOT use the spray the way most people automatically assume which is with the spray nozzle directed to the top of the head. This is incorrect and the spray will help your sinuses... but not your ears.

INCORRECT spray angle. Image is a modification of that found in Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License.

It may take up to 4 weeks for the ears to start feeling normal. One must try to pop the ears immediately after nasal spray use and every hour while awake throughout this period of time. When one tries to pop the ears, try to blow out your nose with your nose pinched shut with your fingers. Popping the ears in this manner, esp after nasal spray use helps to squeeze some of the medication into the eustachian tube. Do not exceed the pressure one uses as if you have mild constipation.

If this method fails, your physician may give a trial of prednisone and if that fails, placement of tubes is curative.

If eustachian tube dysfunction is affecting your quality of life, please contact our office for an appointment.

Any information provided on this Web site should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for a consultation with a physician. If you have a medical problem, contact your local physician for diagnosis and treatment.