Eustahian Tube Dysfuncton Flashcards
What does the Eustachian tube connect
Connects the middle ear to nasopharynx
What does the Eustachian tube allow for
Ventilation equalizes pressure and drainage from middle ear
What does a healthy ET allow for
Closed and opens with one time every minute as well as with swallowing and yawning
*auto-insufflation
What occurs during ET dysfunction
Air trapped in middle ear and creates a negative pressure in ET tube
What can ET dysfunction lead to
Introduction of nasopharyngeal se creation into the ME
*results in edema of ET tube
*predisposes patient to AOM, serous otitis media
What are the RF of ETD
- Smoking
- Obesity
- URI
- Airborne allergies
- Children
Why are children more at risk for ETD
ET is shorter and straighter
*easier for organisms to travel to middle ear, fluid becomes trapped infection occurs
What are the signs of ETD
- Fullness, plugged
*popping or clicking - Otalgia
- Fluctuating or muffled hearing
- Vertigo, tinnitus
What will be found on PE
- Conductive hearing loss
- TM is dull, translucent, air bubble, fluid line, decreased mobility, retracted, bulging
- Unilateral or bilateral
What is the treatment for ETD
- Alleviate etiology
- Systemic decongestants
*pseudoephedrine
What is the treatment of ETD if caused by allergic rhinitis
- Intranasal corticosteroids
- Oral antihistamines
- Desensitization
When will ETD resolve if no treatment
2-4 weeks
How to treat ETD when flying
Yawn/swallow during ascent and decent
*chewing gum
How to treat ETD when diving
Must descend slowly, avoid diving with active URI or alergies
What is serous otitis media
After infection or ET blocked for prolonged amount of time there will be
1. Fluid in middle ear
2. Conductive hearing loss
3. Air bubbles
