Zyrtec (cetirizine) might offer some relief for ear congestion linked to allergies by reducing swelling, especially when combined with a decongestant (like in Zyrtec-D), but strong evidence shows antihistamines alone don't effectively clear persistent fluid (otitis media with effusion) and can have side effects, with experts often recommending watchful waiting or other treatments for ongoing fluid issues, according to guidelines from the NIH and other sources.
Other medications that are sometimes recommended such as antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec) and nasal steroid sprays (Flonase) have very little impact on the otitis media and should only be added if other conditions accompany the ear infection.
Antihistamines are best for treating ear congestion caused by allergies. Over-the-counter options like Loratadine (Claritin), Cetirizine (Zyrtec), or Fexofenadine (Allegra) are effective. Decongestants like pseudoephedrine can also help. For severe cases, consult a healthcare professional for prescription medication.
Usually a decongestant/antihistamine combination is given. An antibiotic is also frequently given with the decongestant. The fluid will go away with these medications in a period of six to twelve weeks. If the fluid doesn't clear, the second treatment is then used.
If your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this doesn't work, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut. If you hear a popping noise, you know you have succeeded.
“Antihistamines can help to restore function to the tiny eustachian tubes within your ear, because the drug helps to reduce inflammation within the ears, alleviating the dizziness,” says Dr. Younus.
During this procedure, an ENT surgeon creates a tiny hole in the eardrum to suction out fluid from the middle ear. Then a tiny tube is placed in the opening to ventilate the ear and prevent the buildup of fluid in the future. Usually, tubes remain in place for four to 18 months and will fall out on their own.
OME most often goes away on its own over a few weeks or months. Treatment may speed up this process. Glue ear may not clear up as quickly as OME with a thinner fluid. OME is most often not life threatening.
Fluid from your ear may be caused by middle or outer ear infections, damage to the ear drum, a foreign body in your ear or a more serious infection or injury. See your doctor if you notice any fluid leaking from your ear, especially if you have a fever, hearing loss or dizziness or if your ear is red and swollen.
A myringotomy is a procedure to create a hole in the ear drum to allow fluid that is trapped in the middle ear to drain out. The fluid may be blood, pus and/or water. In many cases, a small tube is inserted into the hole in the ear drum to help maintain drainage.
Medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays can help reduce nasal congestion, easing ear congestion and fluid buildup. Ear Care During Allergy Season: Stay hydrated, use saline nasal sprays to clear nasal passages, and avoid allergens to maintain ear health and prevent congestion.
One of the most serious side effects of untreated ear infections is the risk of hearing loss. Persistent fluid buildup and inflammation can damage the ear's delicate structures, leading to temporary–or even permanent–hearing impairment.
Decongestant & Antihistamine Medications
Antihistamine medications, such as Claritin, Zyrtec or Benadryl, can also offer sinus infection symptom relief. While these medications specifically target allergy symptoms, sinus infection symptoms are similar, making antihistamines worth a try.
A common course of treatment for Eustachian tube dysfunction is the use of decongestants or antihistamines. In some cases, this treatment may make the condition worse. If decongestants or antihistamines do not provide relief, contact your doctor. You may need to see an ear, nose and throat specialist for treatment.
Antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) can help if allergies are causing your postnasal drip symptoms. These medications can lessen swelling and congestion in your nasal passages and ease postnasal drip and cough.
You may have water in your ears. You can even get sweat trapped in your ears from wearing earbuds. If you don't take care of it soon, you can end up with an infection known as otitis externa, or swimmer's ear. When water sits in your ear canal, bacteria that live there all the time can multiply and cause an infection.
Five home remedies
Symptoms and Causes
Three-finger test: Keep one finger at cymba conchae, second finger over posterior border of mastoid and third finger at mastoid tip. Maximum tenderness under first finger signifies tenderness over suprameatal triangle.
In this procedure, a small incision is made in the tympanic membrane and the built-up fluid is drained out. A small tube is then inserted into the incision to allow continuous drainage over a period of a few months.
Your ENT specialist may recommend a nasal/sinus irrigation to open you your nasal passages if you have allergies, sinusitis (sinus infection), or a viral URI.
The best medicines to help dry up infected fluid within the ear are antihistamines like Benadryl and decongestants such as Sudafed. These medicines can dry up the fluids within the middle ear as well as relieve some of the symptoms.
Antihistamines work by blocking signals to the brain that cause symptoms of vertigo, including dizziness, nausea, and sickness. Most cases of vertigo are benign and may not require medication.
Symptoms of labyrinthitis