Which gives the most problems? I have allergies and I never know if my allergies are acting up or if it's TMJ. For instance: When I swallow right now, it feels a little sore on the right side. My sinus's I THINK have been draining but I do know our weather has gone from one extreme to the other right now. My left ear feels a little full and I hear what sounds like someone walking into a Wal-Mart store in tennis shoes after coming in from the rain. I do get food or something stuck in my left tonsil only and I have to dig it out pretty often and yet my jaw feels tight. Allergies or TMJ or none of the above? It's driving me nuts!!!!:dizzy:
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Allergies vs. TMJ...
- Thread starter Talb S.
- Start date
I thnk it can be both. I know that is the case for me. I've just got acid reflux and bruxism in the mix as well that both can cause me ear symptoms. The main difference is that for me it is the right side. I can get the same symptom from several different things and it is tough to tell if it is just one thing triggering or a combination of things. I know for me, it takes treating all at the same time sometimes.
Have you seen an ENT about this?
Hope you find the solution that works for you.
Have you seen an ENT about this?
Hope you find the solution that works for you.
squeekyboard
New member
Bruxism is the grinding of teeth. I don't grind during the day, I grind while I'm sleeping at night. Have for most of my life. After so many years, my jaw is showing the wear and tear. I wear a guard during the night to help protect my teeth, but it doesn't protect my jaw.
For my allergies, I am on immunotherapy (allergy desensitation shots, in my 3rd year of treatment), Astelin and Singulair. I recently went off of Allegra and Flonase that I'd also been on for many many years because the immunotherapy has been helping. Use of a neti pot seems to help some too. I also try to avoid triggers when possible as well.
I've also had "silent" reflux/ LPR. My main symptom is a chronic cough or difficulty breathing. I had some reflux surgery a bit over a year ago. I've found that acid much have been coming up into my sinuses and causing sinus/ear pain because I've had a lot fewer problems post-surgery. I also take PPI's and watch my diet and sleep on an incline.
For the jaw issues, I went to an ENT a couple times and two audiologists and they said my ear itself was fine. Through internet research, I found that possibly the ear pain and constant stuffiness I have had since last March might be TMJ. I found a jaw disorder specialist who confirmed this. He also diagnosed Myofacial Pain and Cervicalgia. Those are basically tightness of muscles around my face, neck and shoulder. That muscle tightness in my jaw area trying to hold my jaw in place is pressing on my eustasian tube and causing the tightness in my neck and down. He also has me trying relaxation techniques and he adjusted my mouth guard.
For my allergies, I am on immunotherapy (allergy desensitation shots, in my 3rd year of treatment), Astelin and Singulair. I recently went off of Allegra and Flonase that I'd also been on for many many years because the immunotherapy has been helping. Use of a neti pot seems to help some too. I also try to avoid triggers when possible as well.
I've also had "silent" reflux/ LPR. My main symptom is a chronic cough or difficulty breathing. I had some reflux surgery a bit over a year ago. I've found that acid much have been coming up into my sinuses and causing sinus/ear pain because I've had a lot fewer problems post-surgery. I also take PPI's and watch my diet and sleep on an incline.
For the jaw issues, I went to an ENT a couple times and two audiologists and they said my ear itself was fine. Through internet research, I found that possibly the ear pain and constant stuffiness I have had since last March might be TMJ. I found a jaw disorder specialist who confirmed this. He also diagnosed Myofacial Pain and Cervicalgia. Those are basically tightness of muscles around my face, neck and shoulder. That muscle tightness in my jaw area trying to hold my jaw in place is pressing on my eustasian tube and causing the tightness in my neck and down. He also has me trying relaxation techniques and he adjusted my mouth guard.