Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition. Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only
Forcing a yawn opens the tensor veli palatini muscle—the muscle that actually pulls the Eustachian tube open. Immediately follow the yawn with a hard swallow. This is more effective than the Valsalva maneuver for viral clogs.
The Muffled World: Why Your Ear Clogs When You Have a Cold (And How to Fix It) Immediately follow the yawn with a hard swallow
A topical nasal spray (like oxymetazoline—Afrin) shrinks the tissue at the opening of the Eustachian tube. Limit use to 3 days to avoid "rebound congestion." Oral decongestants (pseudoephedrine) work systemically but take longer.
Use a saline spray to thin the mucus in the nose. Then, close your mouth, pinch your nose, and try to sniff gently as if you are smelling a flower. This pulls the thin mucus out of the tube rather than pushing germs in.
It’s not just mucus. Here’s the anatomy behind the "blocked ear" feeling and the science of popping it.
Thick, sticky mucus is the enemy. A hot shower or a bowl of steaming water with a towel over your head loosens the glue-like consistency. Drink 2-3 extra glasses of water than normal to keep secretions thin.