Eustachian Tube Dilation Recovery Guide

What should I expect?

The balloon is passed through the nose to the opening of the Eustachian tube, so most of the first week is about the nose. Expect:

• Some nasal congestion and soreness.
• More ear fullness at first, from swelling after the procedure.
• Gradual improvement: most people reach the full benefit 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure.

Some people also have:

• A mild nosebleed on the first day.
• Mild nausea or dizziness, which should pass quickly.

1. 1Eardrum
2. 2Middle ear (filled with air)
3. 3Eustachian tube (runs to the back of the nose)
4. 4Balloon, inflated in the part of the tube nearest the nose

Where the balloon goes. A thin tube passed through the nose carries the balloon into the part of the Eustachian tube nearest the nose. Inflating it gently stretches and reshapes the tube; then it is deflated and removed.

What is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

Our team explains how the Eustachian tube works and what happens when it does not open well.

Watch on YouTube

How do I care for my nose and ears?

• Saline spray: use 2 sprays of nasal saline in each nostril every 2 to 3 hours while awake (about 5 or 6 times a day) until your follow-up visit.
• Afrin (oxymetazoline): you may use it as needed for bleeding and congestion for 3 to 5 days, then stop.
• Steroid spray: you may keep using a steroid nasal spray such as Flonase if you were already using one.
• Sleep with your head raised on an extra pillow or two for 72 hours.
• For the first week, do not blow your nose, and do not pop your ears unless your surgeon tells you otherwise.

How should I manage pain?

Most people have mild to moderate pain that over-the-counter medicine controls well. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen together work better than either one alone.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): 1,000 mg every 6 hours, no more than 4,000 mg in 24 hours (or 3,000 mg if your package says so, or if you have liver problems or drink alcohol regularly).
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): 400 mg every 8 hours with food, or naproxen (Aleve): 1 tablet (220 mg) every 8 to 12 hours with food, no more than 3 tablets in 24 hours. Skip them if you have a stomach ulcer or kidney disease, or if your surgeon told you not to take them.
• If we prescribed medicine, take it exactly as directed.
• If you take aspirin or a blood thinner, follow your surgeon’s instructions on when to restart it.

When can I get back to normal?

• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 1 week.
• Do not fly until 1 week after the procedure.
• If you had sedation or general anesthesia: for 24 hours, do not drive, drink alcohol, use machinery or sign important papers. After general anesthesia, we recommend having an adult stay with you the first night.

What these limits mean: heavy lifting means anything over about 10 pounds (a gallon of milk weighs about 8), such as a full laundry basket, a case of water or a suitcase. Strenuous activity means anything that makes you breathe hard, strain or sweat: running, weight training, yard work, hard cycling or sports. Walking, light housework, desk work and showering are fine. When the limit ends, start at about half your usual effort and build up over a week; if bleeding starts, stop and rest.

Had balloon sinuplasty or sinus surgery too?

Eustachian tube dilation is often done at the same time as balloon sinuplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery. If you had either one, follow that guide too:

• Use its saline rinse routine in place of the saline spray in this guide.
• Follow its instructions on steroid sprays or rinses.
• Follow its longer limit on flying and out-of-town travel (2 weeks).
• Everything else in this guide still applies, including the instructions on popping your ears.

When should I call?