To understand why your ear is plugged, you have to look at the anatomy of your ear, nose, and throat. These systems are connected by the .
The Eustachian tube is a narrow passage that connects your middle ear to the back of your throat. Its job is to equalize pressure and drain normal fluids. When you have a cold, the same nasal congestion and inflammation that stuffs up your nose can also swell and block this tiny tube. With the tube closed off, air gets trapped in the middle ear, pressure drops, and fluid can’t drain—creating that plugged, underwater feeling. plugged ear with cold
While it can be uncomfortable and even slightly alarming, a "plugged ear" is a standard side effect of the common cold. Here is a breakdown of why it happens and how to find relief. To understand why your ear is plugged, you