Recovery guide
Eustachian Tube Dilation Recovery Guide
Quick answer: After Eustachian tube balloon dilation, some nasal congestion and more ear fullness at first are normal while the swelling settles. Use saline spray every few hours while awake, keep your head raised for 72 hours, and for 1 week do not blow your nose, lift heavy things or fly. Do not pop your ears for 1 week unless your surgeon tells you otherwise. Most people reach the full benefit in 4 to 6 weeks.
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.
How do I care for my nose and ears?
- Saline spray: use nasal saline spray every few hours while awake 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.
- Pain: pain can usually be controlled with over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) and either ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), taken as directed on the bottle.
- For the first week, do not blow your nose, and do not pop your ears unless your surgeon tells you otherwise.
When can I get back to normal?
- Avoid heavy lifting and intense exercise for 1 week.
- Do not fly until 1 week after the procedure.
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?
Call us for
- A fever over 101°F that does not go away
- Nasal or ear pain that gets worse or becomes severe
- Nausea or dizziness that does not go away
- New swelling of the face, eyelids or neck, or a crackling feeling under the skin
- Bleeding from the nose that does not stop, or any bleeding that worries you
Call 911 or go to the ER for
Severe bleeding that cannot be controlled, or bleeding with lightheadedness or fainting. Sudden weakness or drooping of the face, trouble speaking, a sudden change in vision, or a sudden, severe headache.
Austin 512-339-4040 · Lakeway 512-682-4798 · Marble Falls 830-992-2830
Questions patients ask
Swelling after the procedure can make the ear feel fuller at first. It settles as you heal, and most people reach the full benefit 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure.
Do not fly until 1 week after the procedure.
Do not blow your nose for the first week. Do not pop your ears for the first week either, unless your surgeon tells you otherwise. Use saline spray to keep the nose clear instead.
Yes. You may keep using a steroid nasal spray such as Flonase if you were already using one.
This guide is for educational purposes only and does not replace an in-person evaluation. If your surgeon gave you different instructions, follow theirs.
Full guide: capitalent.com/eustachian-tube-dilation-recovery.html