The good news? In most cases, you can relieve this pressure safely at home. This guide explains why it happens and provides a step-by-step strategy to find relief, ranging from simple maneuvers to when you should absolutely see a doctor. To fix the problem, you first need to understand the anatomy.
That plugged, stuffy, underwater sensation in your ears when you have a cold, the flu, or a sinus infection is miserable. It can muffle hearing, cause popping or crackling, and even be painful. This feeling is medically known as Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) , and it’s an incredibly common side effect of upper respiratory infections. how to relieve ear pressure when sick