Ear pressure can have a variety of causes, but it is often the result of a problem with the Eustachian tube, which is an opening that runs from the back of the nose and throat to the middle ear. Ear pressure occurs when this tube is blocked, swollen, or collapsed. This tube works to ventilate the middle ear space by regulating air pressure, so when it is block, swollen, collapsed, or improperly functioning, ear pressure can build and become uncomfortable.
FastMed Urgent Care is open 365 days a year with extended hours. Our highly-trained medical professionals are available to treat your non-life-threatening conditions whenever an illness, injury, or infection arises. Come into one of our walk-in clinics, and we will strive to get you the treatment you need within an hour.
FastMed Can Find You Quick Relief for Ear Pressure
When the Eustachian tube is blocked, swollen, or collapsed, air or fluid can build up in the middle ear and cause uncomfortable or painful ear pressure. Sometimes home remedies are enough to relieve ear pressure, so ear problems may need medical attention to avoid a more serious condition.
Ear pressure can have a variety of causes:
- Congenital factor (some people are born with narrow Eustachian tubes that are more prone to dysfunction)
- Altitude changes (shifts in environmental air pressure that occur during plane take-off and landing, mountain climbing, or scuba diving)
- Infections (caused by fluid accumulation or respiratory infections that affect the sinuses)
- Other health conditions (such as allergies, excessive ear wax, or tumors)
Symptoms of ear pressure may include:
- Dizziness
- Mild hearing loss
- Feeling of fullness or stiffness in the ear
- Pain and pressure
- Bleeding from the nose
If you are experiencing mild ear pressure, you may be able to relieve your symptoms by yawning or chewing gum (especially if the cause is due to environmental air pressure changes), applying a warm compress, or taking an over-the-counter decongestant. Seek medical attention if your ear pressure is more severe.
FastMed Urgent Care’s compassionate medical professionals can help you treat your ear pressure and prevent your condition from worsening. We accept most major forms of insurance, so quick and convenient care remains affordable.
The FastMed Urgent Care mission is to serve our communities and patients with a high level of quality, personal care, affordable and convenient urgent care, family practice, and other specialty medicine services.
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About FastMed
FastMed is a leading provider of high-quality, convenient, affordable, and compassionate healthcare in 34 counties across North Carolina. FastMed serves both urban and rural communities across the state with a wide range of care options, including preventive, telemedicine, occupational health, and primary and urgent care. FastMed is one of the few urgent care providers in the nation that has earned The Joint Commission’s coveted Gold Seal of Approval® for quality, safety, and infection control in ambulatory healthcare. For more information, visit www.fastmed.com.