Quote:
Originally Posted by onesnowyowl
When you try to do that, what you're actually doing is evening out the pressure between your throat and inner ear by popping your Eustachian tube briefly. This tube can become inflamed and infected when you have a cold, causing it to feel swollen as if there is a pressure inequality. But if your Eustachian tube is inflamed, it's really pointless to try and do this, as you can force mucus and bacteria into your ear if you're not careful.
NSAIDS can help some with the inflammation, but the best thing I've found to work on swollen Eustachian tubes is prescription Flonase, because it's an inhaled corticosteroid. If you live in an area where it's available, pseudoephedrine will also help with the swelling and congestion in your ear.
I would stop blowing on it and attempt to treat the swelling that's most likely causing it. If you have access to medical care, I would see a doctor about it.
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Can't agree more. Getting to the problem is much better than treating a symptom.
The only time you should need to perform this act is when you are scuba diving or free diving. Then it is done every 10 feet or soo to equalize the pressure of the water. Other than that, yawning or chewing gum should be enough - like on a plane.