Deliberately yawning or chewing gum can activate the muscles that control the Eustachian tubes, encouraging them to open. 2. Moisture and Heat

| Medication | How it helps | Timing | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | (Pseudoephedrine—the kind behind the pharmacy counter) | Shrinks blood vessels in the tube lining. | Take 60 minutes before attempted popping. | | Nasal Corticosteroid (Flonase, Nasacort) | Reduces local inflammation over 12-24 hours. | Use morning and night for 3 days. | | Nasal Saline Spray | Washes out viral debris and thins mucus so it doesn't block the tube opening. | Use 5 minutes before decongestant. |

By trying these methods, you can help relieve clogged ears and breathe a sigh of relief!

To manually open the Eustachian tubes and relieve that "full" sensation, you can try these maneuvers:

Clogged ears during a cold are primarily caused by . These small tubes connect the middle ear to the back of the throat and can become inflamed or blocked with mucus, trapping fluid and pressure behind the eardrum. Immediate Pressure-Equalizing Techniques

: Repeatedly yawning, swallowing hard, or chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate the muscles that control the Eustachian tubes. At-Home Therapeutic Remedies