Allergic rhinitis and blocked ears

Allergic rhinitis and blocked ears

The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose thereby allowing any fluid in the ear to drain away. However, when histamine leads to inflammation of the mucous membranes, fluid isn’t able to drain from the middle ear as it normally would and this is what causes blocked ears, tinnitus and sometime dizziness.

What can you do?

Avoid foods high in histamine – this includes milk-based products, foods with artificial colourings, cashew nuts, walnuts and smoked meats. These are likely to increase the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms such as congestion and inflammation.

Drink lots of water – it’s always important to stay hydrated but especially if you’re suffering from allergic rhinitis. That’s because water can loosen and thin mucus which can, in turn, help ease congestion and relieve pressure build-up in the ears.

Give your immune system a helping hand – when busy fighting off allergens left, right and centre, the immune system has to work a lot harder than would normally be the case so it may need a little more assistance. Echinaforce Echinacea Drops  are perfect for this as they help to strengthen and support the immune system. Also, uniquely, they are made from fresh Echinacea so that they do not lose any of their beneficial properties as can be the case with some dried varieties.

Have a warm bath or shower - steam contains moisture and heat which thins mucus and therefore reduces congestion. So, having lots of warm showers and baths is a simple step to take in order to improve your allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Opt for foods low in histamine – this includes fresh fruit, meat and vegetables.

How to avoid allergens

Avoiding allergens will improve your allergic rhinitis symptoms but this can be difficult – after all, allergens like pollen are literally everywhere! Nevertheless, here are a few ideas to help you avoid allergens.

Animal dander – if you have pets, create pet-free zones within your home to reduce your contact with the allergen.

Dust mites – use allergy-proof bedding and wash bedding regularly.

Mould spores – address any sources of dampness.

Pollen – keep an eye on your local pollen count and avoid going out when counts are high.

Herbal remedies

Pollinosan Hayfever Tablets combine seven tropical herbs in order to address symptoms of allergic rhinitis including congestion, sneezing and inflammation. 

These are non-drowsy and can be used alongside other allergic rhinitis treatments so are a great option if you’re suffering from blocked ears.

Plantago may also prove beneficial as it is thought to reduce inflammation in the mucous membranes which could, in turn, ease the problem of blocked ears.

Conventional treatments

A doctor may choose to prescribe a steroid nasal spray if your congestion and blocked ears are particularly bad. However, this is only a short-term solution as using them for a pro-longed period can cause nasty side effects.

As an alternative, a doctor or pharmacist can offer anti-histamines as these block the release of histamine to ease problems like congestion and blocked ears.