Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

[thefourth]

Any had an experience with this... this thing? I have not been diagnosed with this because I haven't been able to see any doctor recently, but I am almost positive that this is what I have.
If anyone has had and cured this please let me know what you did... maybe a strict Wai diet will also help once I know I can keep to it (i.e. my parent's will agree to me eating this way)

Thanks

[RRM]

I would REALLY advice you to see a dr for this!!
as its not caused by diet, and can therefore not be treated by changing your diet.

[thefourth]

I finaly am, thank god lol. My dad agreed to me seeing a naturopath/homeopath and if that doesnt work after a while I will have to see an ENT specializing on ears.

[TheRealDeal]

I am a singer in LA and have spoken to a renowned ENT about Patulous Eustachian Tube (PET) because it affects my singing terribly. Unfortunately there is no cure for PET. I don't know if this is the same problem you have or not. They have tried surgery on patients but it is dangerous and most treatment medications are still very experimental.

I have not been diagnosed with this because I haven't been able to see any doctor recently, but I am almost positive that this is what I have.

One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between PET and just being congested (which is what most doctors will tell you is happening) is when you feel the symptoms simply sit on a couch and either place your head down below you knees or lay down and bring your head off the couch so your head is inverted. If you no longer feel the symptoms then that's probably PET. Of course you should still always consult a specialist to get a professional opinion but just know that there is no cure for it so there is not much you can do. (avoid any crazy treatments they offer).

I will say that it is greatly affected by your diet though. If you start to lose weight and your body starts breaking down fat storage in your body the Eustachian Tube is one of the places it goes for fat and ultimately leads to problems with the Eustachian Tube functioning properly. Caffeine can also cause problems with the Eustachian Tube.

For me it hasn't been too much of a problem because I'm a skinny guy and I'd rather be gaining weight than losing it so when my PET flares up I know I need to be eating more. I also avoid caffeine entirely.

Hope some of this helps. Keep me updated on what any specialists or ENT's tell you. This is an area I am very interested in.

[Rivera]

My dad agreed to me seeing a naturopath/homeopath

I doubt about this in the PET problem. Go directly to see an ENT.

[RRM]

I agree.

[thefourth]

I don't think it's PET (I'm almost positive, because wouldnt the pressur measuring device show 'room pressure' in my ear if it were?) comparing symptoms. I think it is basically the opposite (blocked tubes rather than always open tubes). I went to a speciallist recently and he said nothing is wrong and nobody can help, though I highly doubt this as he didn't listen to a word I said other than ringing. Yes, sir, I am aware that ears ring normally, mine did ring in silence before they started RINGING. Are you also saying it is normal to have the inside of my ears itch and have odd pressures and make a crackling sound? Or did you just ignore me to get my money more quickly and easily? I'm getting pissed at all the inadequacies I am finding in the medical world... Sorry I'm taking it out here... any suggestions of what to do now? Would acupuncture do anything? I've heard of chiropractors adjusting ears? Also... I've still yet to see the naturopath... she was pretty booked, but I see her next week.

[RRM]

Im sorry, i really dont know.

[polyeska]

Hi, I hope ETD is not bothering you anymore. I have it for a couple of years now, and it is very annoying. The ENT will be able to tell you what causes it, (for example, colds or allergies or) and will try to treat the cause. In most cases it spontaneously goes away. Your ENT will tell you your options.