Eustachian tubes
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Eustachian tubes
When you yawn or swallow, the eustachian tubes open briefly to make the pressure equal inside and outside the ears (top picture). The tubes also drain fluid from the ears. If a eustachian 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 | May 24, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 24, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Reviewed By: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology |
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