Pontiac, IL
A 26-year-old female asked:
I have been getting frequent ear infections due to sinus problems. what's the best way to prevent these if your tubes don't drain right?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Greeranswered
Family Medicine 46 years experience
Tube in ear: Usually done in younger patients but maybe ENT would recommend a very small tube in your ear drum to equalize pressure.
Make sure diabetes is not a cause.
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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Jay Bayeranswered
Family Medicine 53 years experience
Sticky snot: Most cases due non allergic rhinitis. Nose is filter- think all pollution in air- molds, dust. Dust mite poop, viruses. Nose produces mucous to capture particles. But w enuf irritation, environmental dryness, snot thickens. Best consult family doc or ent. There are nasal corticosteroid . All drainage goes over tubes middle ear. Otc_ neil med nasal wash and saline sprays to clear nasal passages.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A Verified Doctoranswered
Family Medicine 40 years experience
Otitis; sinusitis: What tubes do you mean? Tympanostomy tubes to drain fluid from middle ear, or the eustachian tubes? For t-tubes, consult with pcp/ent. Eustachian tubes may be inflammed & swollen shut; so antiinflammatory NSAID should help as well as decongestant (not antihistamine) like sudafed.. Avoid smoking or 2nd-hand smoke, allergens. Ent may have other options for opening eustachian tubes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 23, 2017
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