Eustachian Tube Dysfunction? Mild pain!

Hi, I am Dr. Atul Kumar Nimawat MS ENT. The feeling of the ear being “full” after staying in AC, along with irritation behind the nose, thick whitish fluid discharge from the ear, and mild pain, suggests that there may be ear congestion with possible infection or inflammation. AC air is often cold and dry, which can cause the Eustachian tube (the small passage connecting the ear and the back of the nose) to become blocked or irritated. This leads to fluid buildup in the middle ear, making it feel full or heavy. The thick white discharge from the ear may indicate otitis externa (outer ear infection) or otitis media with effusion (middle ear fluid collection), sometimes associated with mild infection. The irritation behind the nose may be due to nasal congestion or inflammation that’s affecting the Eustachian tube’s function. This condition is usually temporary and improves with proper care, but if the discharge persists, pain worsens, or hearing is affected, it’s important to visit nearby ENT specialist for evaluation and treatment.