Eustachian tubes
When you yawn or swallow, the eustachian tubes open briefly and make the
air pressure equal inside and outside the ears (top picture). Also, the eustachian tubes drain fluid from the ears. But if a tube can't
open, fluid can get trapped in the middle ear (bottom picture). This creates
pressure that can cause ear pain.
Credits
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics | | Specialist Medical Reviewer | Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology | | Last Updated | February 2, 2009 |
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Last Updated: February 2, 2009 |
| Medical Review: |
Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology |
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