About 2 months ago I got an infection in my left ear. The first doctor
I consulted prescribed the ear drops "Garasone". He told me that the
lining in my ear was quite yellow.
After finishing the entire bottle of ear drops, the pain in my ear was
still there. I then went to another doctor and he prescribed me
Novo-Cephalexin. After finishing the entire prescription my outer ear
seemed to feel better. The problem is that I am still experiencing pain
behind my ear. The pain shoots down my neck, up into the side of my
head and down through my jaw. The pain seems to be worse when I lie
down to go to bed at night.
I was recently refered to a ENT by yet a third doctor. The ENT
examined me and found my hearing to be fine. He claims that I have some
problems with my eustachian tube. His advice was that I was to hold my
nose and pop my ears. He said I should do this 4 or 5 times a day for
the next six weeks. If nothing has changed he wants me to return.
My problem is that I have been doing it for a few days and the pain is
not any better. I don't feel very confident with his evaluation of my
problem. Could you suggest some other possibilities.
I am losing sleep over this problem and am having trouble concentrating
on work. Should I be worried that it is something bigger than an ear
problem?
I would greatly appreciate a response to this letter.
Thank-You.
Reply: ----------------------------
Eustachian tube dysfunction is certainly one possible explanation for your symptom. If it is indeed the cause of your ear discomfort it is not likely to improve in the time frame you have described even with appropriate treatment - in other words it may well take 6 or more weeks to completely resolve - this is not unusual with eustachian tube dysfunction. I too, generally recommend autoinflation of the ears for this condition as your otolaryngologist has. Additionally I will also advise short term (3-5 days) concomitant use of Afrin nasal spray or longer term (several weeks) use of topical nasal steroid.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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