[56M] Experiencing ear congestion and voice changes

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possible conditions:

• Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: This tube connects your middle ear to your throat. If it becomes blocked, you may experience symptoms such as ear congestion, difficulty hearing, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). This condition often follows an upper respiratory infection, like a cold, which you mentioned having had.

  • Treatment typically involves over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms, such as decongestants, antihistamines, or nasal steroids. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a procedure to drain fluid from the middle ear.

• Sinusitis: This is inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses, often due to an infection. Given your history of sinus pressure and the fact that your symptoms seem to be worse in the morning, this could be a possibility.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics if it's caused by a bacterial infection, as well as nasal decongestants and steroids.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus and potentially cause voice changes. Given that you're taking Pepcid and Prilosec, which are both used to treat GERD, this could be a possibility.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications, and over-the-counter or prescription medications to reduce stomach acid.

What you can do

1. Continue taking your current medications as directed by your doctor.
2. Try to identify any potential triggers for your symptoms and avoid them if possible.
3. Keep a symptom diary, noting when your symptoms occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This can be helpful information to share with your doctor.
4. Stay hydrated and try to rest as much as possible.
5. If you smoke, consider quitting as this can worsen both Eustachian tube dysfunction and GERD.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe pain or discomfort
• Symptoms that persist for more than a week despite treatment
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Fever or chills
• Dizziness or balance problems

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms and medical history to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan.