Eardrum and dizzy issues

[eireann]

Hi,
I have retracted ear drums, so I often feel plugged up in my ears no matter how much I attempt to pop/equalize, and a bit dizzy. I also have a deviated septum and allergies that inflame my sinuses. Awesome!

The ENT and allergist suggested a nasal steroid and sudafed. I am looking for an alternative and wondering if anyone had any success in this area.

ps I cannot use a neti pot - the water gets into my ear canals every time.

[changingseasons]

Well, my environmental allergies and sinus issues cleared up about 90% when I moved to a different part of the country... but that's not always the easiest solution.

Other things to try are lots of vitamin C, quercetin (for inflammation), nettle (you can get it in freeze-dried capsule form; good for seasonal allergies). Also, you might try taking dairy out of your diet if you use it, because that can be really mucus forming.

Oh- have you tried just a saline nasal spray or mist? The mist shouldn't get into your ear canals, but it will still keep your nasal passages moisturized.

[eireann]

Thank you. I use saline spray occasionally and it helps. I just hate the woozy/off balance feeling. I cut out wheat since I just tested positive for a wheat allergy, among many other things, on the skin test (though 100% negative on the blood test for everything...) Hoping that will help. I really dont want to take Sudafed nor the steroid but if the alternatives dont work, I might have to.