When blowing the nose, air pushes out from the ear.
Apr 12, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
In general, ear bulging during nose-blowing may be a normal phenomenon, but it can also be caused by nasal congestion, eardrum perforation, Eustachian tube dysfunction, or acute suppurative otitis media. Sometimes, when blowing the nose, the pressure changes may affect the ventilation of the nasopharyngeal passage and the middle ear, leading to altered air pressure that causes a sensation of fullness or discomfort in the eardrum.
Under normal circumstances, the sensation of ear fullness or outward bulging when blowing the nose may be caused by normal physiological responses, nasal congestion, eardrum perforation, Eustachian tube dysfunction, acute suppurative otitis media, and other reasons. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Normal phenomenon
Sometimes, when blowing the nose, mucus discharge may affect ventilation between the nasopharynx and the middle ear. This can lead to changes in air pressure, causing a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the eardrum.
2. Nasal congestion
When nasal passages are blocked—such as during a cold or allergic rhinitis—the pressure within the nasal cavity cannot be properly regulated, and air cannot flow smoothly through the Eustachian tube. This may result in sensations of pressure change and fullness in the ears.
3. Eardrum perforation
If the eardrum is damaged due to inflammation or trauma, a perforation may occur. In such cases, forcefully blowing the nose may cause air leakage from the ear. Patients may use medications such as lomefloxacin hydrochloride ear drops or levofloxacin hydrochloride ear drops as directed by a physician.
4. Eustachian tube dysfunction
The Eustachian tube, which connects the ear and nasal cavity, helps balance air pressure inside and outside the middle ear. If the tube's function is impaired or obstructed—due to infection, allergies, or nasal congestion—air cannot flow normally during nose-blowing, leading to sensations of pressure changes in the ear.
5. Acute suppurative otitis media
Acute suppurative otitis media causes purulent inflammation of the middle ear mucosa, resulting in symptoms such as ear discharge, ear pain, and eardrum hemorrhage. Some patients may also experience the aforementioned sensation of ear fullness. Patients may take medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, amoxicillin capsules, or sodium oxacillin capsules under medical guidance.
In addition to the above, nasopharyngeal carcinoma could also be a possible cause. It is recommended that patients avoid water entering the ear canal in daily life to prevent worsening of the condition.
