From the Guidelines
Flonase (fluticasone propionate) can be used to help relieve ear fullness caused by eustachian tube dysfunction or allergies. For ear fullness, use 1-2 sprays in each nostril once or twice daily as directed on the package. The standard adult dose is typically 1-2 sprays per nostril once daily, but you may need to use it for 3-7 days before noticing improvement. Flonase works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, which can help open the eustachian tubes that connect your middle ear to your throat, allowing pressure to equalize and reducing the sensation of fullness. Alternative options include other nasal steroid sprays like Nasacort (triamcinolone) or Rhinocort (budesonide), which work similarly. You can also try combining a nasal steroid with pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) for short-term relief, though pseudoephedrine shouldn't be used for more than 3-5 days. If symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks of treatment or are accompanied by pain, hearing loss, or discharge, consult a healthcare provider as this could indicate a more serious condition requiring different treatment, as suggested by 1 and 1. It's essential to note that while Flonase can help with ear fullness, it's crucial to address the underlying cause of the issue, and a healthcare provider may recommend further evaluation or treatment, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent, as highlighted in 1. In terms of the effectiveness of Flonase, studies have shown that it can provide significant relief of symptoms, including ear fullness, as seen in 1 and 1. However, it's crucial to follow the recommended dosage and usage guidelines to minimize potential side effects and ensure optimal efficacy, as noted in 1. Overall, Flonase can be a useful treatment option for ear fullness caused by eustachian tube dysfunction or allergies, but it's essential to use it under the guidance of a healthcare provider and in conjunction with other treatments as needed.
From the Research
Ear Fullness and Flonase
- Ear fullness is a common complaint among patients presenting to otolaryngology clinics, and its association with disease development has not been clearly determined 2
- A study found that ear fullness was most frequently diagnosed as Eustachian tube dysfunction, followed by otitis media with effusion and chronic otitis media 2
- There is no direct evidence that Flonase (fluticasone propionate) is used as a replacement for ear fullness, but it is used to treat allergic rhinitis, which can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and itching 3, 4, 5, 6
Flonase and Allergic Rhinitis
- Flonase is an intranasal corticosteroid that is accepted as a safe and effective first-line therapy for allergic rhinitis 3
- It has been shown to relieve nasal congestion and itching, rhinorrhea, and sneezing that occur in the early and late phases of allergic response 3, 4, 5, 6
- Flonase has also been shown to provide significant relief of symptoms of sinus pain and pressure arising from allergic rhinitis 5
Treatment of Ear Fullness
- The treatment of ear fullness depends on the underlying cause, and may include the use of otoscopy, nasal endoscopy, the Valsalva maneuver, and additional audiological tests to exclude other diseases 2
- While Flonase may not be a direct replacement for ear fullness, it may be used to treat underlying conditions such as allergic rhinitis that can contribute to ear fullness 3, 4, 5, 6