eustachian tube dysfunction

Question 1

what happens

Answer 1

air pressure cannot equalise properly and fluid cannot drain freely from middle ear

unequal air pressure between middle ear and environment
middle ear fills with fluid

Question 2

may be related to

Answer 2

viral UTRI
allergies
smoking

Question 3

presentation

Answer 3

reduced/altered hearing 
popping noise/sensation in ear
sensation of fullness in ear
pain/discomfort
tinnitus

Question 4

otoscopy

Answer 4

can appear normal

important to exclude other causes

Question 5

Ix

Answer 5

tympanometry
audiometry
nasopharyngoscopy
CT scan

Question 6

pressure difference between middle ear and environment if ET dysfunction

Answer 6

air pressure in middle ear may be lower than ambient air pressure

Question 7

Mx

Answer 7

nothing - wait for spontaneous resolution
valsalva manoeuvre
decongesent nasal spray

Question 8

Mx if allergies or rhinitis

Answer 8

antihistamine

steroid nasal spray

Question 9

surgical options

Answer 9

treat underlying pathology
grommet
balloon dilatation eustachian tubuplasta

Question 10

grommets

Answer 10

tiny tubes inserted into tympanic membrane

allows air or fluid to drain from middle ear through TM