Hi, I am Dr. Atul Kumar Nimawat MS ENT.
I understand how frustrating and emotionally draining your ongoing symptoms must be, especially after trying multiple medications and even undergoing a myringotomy.
From your description, your condition appears to be a chronic Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD), possibly aggravated or maintained by an underlying chronic nasal or upper respiratory issue—especially since your symptoms started post-viral infection (fever) and persist despite treatment. The crackling sound after myringotomy suggests the tube might be patent but pressure equalization is still not normalized. Lack of relief after tube insertion could mean the primary pathology is still unresolved (like persistent inflammation or nasopharyngeal congestion).
The oral symptoms—bitter taste, itchy tongue, blisters, white line along the inner cheek—raise the possibility of secondary issues like:
Oral candidiasis (especially post steroids)
Vitamin B deficiencies
Lichen planus or frictional keratosis (especially if you clench teeth or cheeks at night, often worsened with stress)
Gastroesophageal reflux (can contribute to oral and nasal symptoms)
It’s completely understandable that anxiety is setting in—chronic ENT issues, especially those that affect balance, hearing, and comfort, often take a toll on mental well-being.
Next Steps
1. Complete Ear and Nasal Endoscopy – To reassess the Eustachian tube opening directly and rule out any anatomical or chronic inflammatory causes missed earlier.
2. High-resolution CT of the temporal bone and paranasal sinuses – To identify subtle pathologies like ossicular chain issues, mastoid disease, or chronic sinus involvement.
3. Blood tests – Especially CBC,
Vitamin B12,
Vitamin D, Iron profile, and random blood
sugar to rule out deficiencies and infections.
4. Re-evaluation by both ENT and oral medicine specialist – For tongue/mouth issues and white line inside the cheek.
5. Trial of an anti-reflux regimen – If symptoms like bitter taste and oral burning persist.