How to relieve ear congestion caused by blowing the nose

Generally, ear stuffiness or a feeling of blockage after blowing the nose may be caused by environmental factors, excessive force, impacted earwax, and other reasons. This can be relieved by methods such as swallowing saliva, chewing gum, pinching the nose and blowing gently, massaging the ears, applying heat to the ears, or seeking medical examination and treatment. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Swallowing Saliva or Chewing Gum

The Eustachian tube is the passage connecting the middle ear cavity and the nasopharynx. Normally, it helps regulate air pressure. Improper nose-blowing can easily affect its function. Swallowing or chewing can activate the muscles around the ear, opening the Eustachian tube and thereby balancing the air pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment. This helps relieve the feeling of ear blockage caused by pressure imbalance.

2. Pinching the Nose and Blowing Gently

By pinching the nose closed, keeping the mouth shut, and then gently blowing, air can pass through the Eustachian tube into the middle ear cavity, adjusting the internal ear pressure and rebalancing it with the external air pressure, thus alleviating the feeling of ear blockage. However, care should be taken not to blow too hard, as this could damage the eardrum or other ear structures.

3. Massaging the Ears

Massearaging around the ears—for example, pulling the earlobes or massaging acupoints such as Ermen (TE21), Tinggong (SI19), and Tinghui (GB2)—can improve blood circulation in the ears. This helps alleviate discomfort caused by pressure changes, relieves the feeling of blockage, relaxes the muscles around the ears, and promotes the recovery of normal ear function.

4. Applying Heat to the Ears

Applying a warm towel or hot water bag to the ears can improve blood circulation and help the ear tissues and blood vessels relax, thereby relieving the feeling of blockage caused by pressure imbalance or ear muscle tension and promoting the recovery of ear function. However, the temperature should not be too high to avoid burns.

5. Seeking Medical Examination and Treatment

If the feeling of ear blockage persists for a long time or is accompanied by other symptoms such as ear pain, tinnitus, or hearing loss, there may be an underlying ear condition such as otitis media. It is recommended to undergo a detailed examination using an otoscope or other tools under a doctor's guidance. Medications such as amoxicillin capsules, roxithromycin tablets, or cephalexin dry suspension may be used as directed by a physician.

In daily life, avoid forceful nose picking or blowing the nose too hard to prevent unnecessary irritation to the nasal passages and ear canals.