Clogged Ear Cold -

There’s a unique kind of frustration that comes with a head cold. Your nose is stuffy, your throat is sore, and suddenly—your ears feel like they’ve been packed with cotton.

Blowing with both nostrils blocked shoots mucus backward into your Eustachian tubes, making the clog worse. Blow one nostril at a time, gently. clogged ear cold

Drink more water than you think you need. Water thins the mucus in your entire head. Run a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep to keep those membranes moist. There’s a unique kind of frustration that comes

Since the tubes connect to your throat, you need to decongest the nose first. Use an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray (like oxymetazoline) or an oral decongestant (like pseudoephedrine). Warning: Don’t use nasal sprays for more than 3 days, or you risk rebound congestion. Blow one nostril at a time, gently

Have you ever had a cold that turned into a full-blown ear infection? Share your experience in the comments below (but always get a medical opinion for your specific case)!

Steam is a natural decongestant. Take a hot shower, or lean over a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head for 5–10 minutes. The moist heat helps thin mucus and relax the swollen tissues around the tubes.