Eustachian Tubes

The Eustachian tube connects the anterior wall of the middle ear to the lateral wall of the nasopharynx (at the level of the inferior nasal concha). The tube extends from the bony portion located in the temporal bone to the lateral fibrocartilaginous wall of the nasopharynx and therefore has both bony and cartilaginous elements.

In adults, the Eustachian tube is between 35 and 45 mm in length and has a variable diameter, i.e. it is wider at the pharyngeal opening and tympanic cavity and narrower at the isthmus, a narrowing present in the central part where the bony part passes into the cartilaginous part. 

• The bony section comprises one third of its total length. It begins at the anterior wall of the tympanic cavity, narrows and ends at the connection of the squamous portions and the petrous rock of the temporal bone. The irregular margin that this creates allows for the attachment of the cartilaginous section of the Eustachian tube.
• The cartilaginous section of the Eustachian tube is formed by a triangular plate of fibrocartilage. The apex of this triangle is attached to the medial end of the bony section of the Eustachian tube and the base of the triangle is directly under the mucosa of the nasopharynx. This triangular fibrocartilage lies in a groove between the great wing of the sphenoid bone and the petrous rock of the temporal bone. The cartilaginous section of the tube is also tilted further downwards, has more mucous glands and significant adenoid tissue and tubular tonsils surrounding the pharyngeal opening, i.e. the torus tubarius.

What are the remedies for tubular catarrh? A visit to the doctor is particularly important if excessive catarrh in the Eustachian tube becomes chronic. The treatment depends on the stage of the inflammation and its causes. 

The focus of treatment is often on the nose due to the disturbance of ventilation of the tube and the resulting insufficient ventilation caused by the accumulation of phlegm. To ensure regular ventilation again, doctors often recommend:

• Nasal wash with saline solution
• Decongestant nasal sprays
• Decongestant medication 
• Heating pads

In the case of a chronic course, treatment for tubal catarrh may also necessitate medical interventions:

• Mucus suction
• Placement of a tube to aid ventilation
• Surgical removal of any obstacles to ventilation