There's no single "best" antihistamine, but combined antihistamine/decongestants like Zyrtec-D (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine), Allegra-D (fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine), or Claritin-D (loratadine/pseudoephedrine) are often recommended for clogged ears from allergies, as they tackle both histamine and congestion by shrinking swollen nasal passages, helping the Eustachian tube open. Non-drowsy options like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) also work by reducing allergy symptoms that cause fluid buildup. Always check with a doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have high blood pressure, as decongestants can raise it.
It may also allow drainage of fluid from the middle ear. If mucous membrane congestion is caused by allergy then anti‐allergy medications such as antihistamines may work to reduce congestion and similarly improve Eustachian tube dysfunction.
For kid's ear pain relief, use child-safe paracetamol or ibuprofen, apply a warm compress, help them stay upright (especially when sleeping) to ease pressure, and ensure they drink water, but always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and prescribed drops, avoiding anything in the ear (like oil or cotton) unless advised. Avoid aspirin for kids and cotton swabs in the ear canal.
Simple measures like yawning, swallowing or applying a warm compress can help manage ear congestion. Contact your doctor if symptoms don't improve. It may also be tempting to get over-the-counter decongestants from places like Ward Road Pharmacy, but they are not a safe choice during pregnancy.
Ocular and Otic Effects
Blepharospasm, altered lacrimation, blurred vision, ocular pain, earache, and tinnitus occurred in at least one pediatric or adult patient receiving loratadine.
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.
People hear ringing, hissing, roaring, crickets, screeching, sirens, whooshing, static, pulsing, ocean waves, buzzing, clicking, dial tones, and even music. With such a wide range in the sounds of tinnitus, each person experiences it a little bit differently.
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.
Ear pain and blocked ears are relatively common complaints among pregnant women. The exact prevalence is not well-documented, but anecdotal evidence suggests that a significant number of expectant mothers experience these symptoms.
Q: How long does a blocked ear from COVID usually last? A: The duration of a blocked ear with COVID-19 varies depending on the individual and the severity of the infection. It can last a few hours or days, or it may persist for extended periods and require medical intervention.
Call Your Doctor If:
The symptoms of an ear infection usually start quickly and include:
Here are some remedies for sinus pressure in the ears:
Which one should you take? For true cold symptoms, a decongestant will provide more relief than an antihistamine. If you notice your “cold” symptoms occur at the same time each year (spring for examine), or are consistent year-round, you may actually have allergies that could benefit from antihistamine medication.
posted: Jun. 02, 2025. If you've ever felt fullness or pressure in your ears during allergy season, you're not imagining it. Allergies can absolutely lead to ear pressure, and sometimes that pressure can be more than just a nuisance.
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.
Earwax. Some cerumen (earwax) is normal and healthy. But when too much earwax builds up in the outer ear, it can get impacted or blocked. This can cause muffled hearing and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
Symptoms of early pregnancy include missed periods, breast changes, tiredness, frequent urination, and nausea and vomiting (morning sickness).
A bacterium or virus in the middle ear causes an ear infection. This infection often comes from another illness, such as a cold, flu or allergy. These can cause the inside the nose, throat and ears to be swollen and stuffy.
Ears can become clogged for various reasons, ranging from wax build-up to changes in pressure. Common causes include excess ear wax, sinus congestion, allergies, changes in altitude, water trapped in the ear canal, upper respiratory infections and Eustachian tube dysfunction.
But if left untreated, it could lead to serious issues like hearing loss, tinnitus or damage to your eardrum and middle ear. If you notice that symptoms don't go away on their own in a week or two, it's important to schedule a visit with your healthcare provider.
A few days is usually enough time for your body to get rid of any blockage. But the general rule of thumb is that if things persist for more than a week or so, it may be a wise idea to come in for a consultation. That sensation of feeling like your ears are blocked can also be an indication of hearing loss.
Diabetes, migraines, thyroid disorders, anemia, and certain autoimmune disorders such as lupus and multiple sclerosis are among the chronic conditions that have been linked to tinnitus.
Vicks VapoRub. According to Kari, there is a myth that Vick's VapoRub alleviates tinnitus, but she says that there is no evidence that it works, and, in fact, it can be dangerous. "I have not heard this to be effective, and I would be careful because applying it in your ears can lead to toxic effects," Kari says.
Tinnitus includes sounds such as ringing, hissing, roaring, pulsing, whooshing, chirping, whistling, static, buzzing or clicking. Some people describe it as sounding like crickets while, for others, it's a high-pitched ringing in the ears. Tinnitus can: Be constant or intermittent.