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I Have Been Struggling With An Ear Infection I Believe.
Question: I have been struggling with an ear infection I believe. it sounds like I'm under water, and it aches sometimes. I have gone to an urgent twice and it still hasn't improved.i have pictures of my ear attached.
Brief Answer:
Details as discussed below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The image of the ear drum appears to be upside down. Looks like the right ear. There is definitely congestion along the visible edges of the ear drum, adjacent external ear canal and at the centre. The light reflex is present. There is a bluish dis-coloration in the middle ear. The image clarity is low and cannot replace direct examination.
2. If there is a recent history of a cold, middle ear fluid build-up should be ruled out with Impedance Audiometry and a Pure Tone Audiogram. If there is a history of recent air travel, this may also be ear barotrauma. Any history of cleaning the ear?
3. Ciprofloxacin ear drops, a broad spectrum antibiotic and routine supportive (anti-allergy, decongestants, anti-inflammation medication) will settle this.
4. An accurate diagnosis requires the above test results. In addition, the details of medication, if any, taken in urgent care will help.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Details as discussed below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The image of the ear drum appears to be upside down. Looks like the right ear. There is definitely congestion along the visible edges of the ear drum, adjacent external ear canal and at the centre. The light reflex is present. There is a bluish dis-coloration in the middle ear. The image clarity is low and cannot replace direct examination.
2. If there is a recent history of a cold, middle ear fluid build-up should be ruled out with Impedance Audiometry and a Pure Tone Audiogram. If there is a history of recent air travel, this may also be ear barotrauma. Any history of cleaning the ear?
3. Ciprofloxacin ear drops, a broad spectrum antibiotic and routine supportive (anti-allergy, decongestants, anti-inflammation medication) will settle this.
4. An accurate diagnosis requires the above test results. In addition, the details of medication, if any, taken in urgent care will help.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you for the response. I was stationed for a year in South Korea and came back in February with numerous stops along the way back to
the states. I was also sick a few weeks before I had left. I have been using OTC ear drops, are those okay to use? Also I have been using hydrogen peroxide, is that okay to keep using? Is there a prescription you recommend or can prescribe for me? Or should I go back to the urgent care and have them prescribe a different medicine than they gave me the two prior times I went?
the states. I was also sick a few weeks before I had left. I have been using OTC ear drops, are those okay to use? Also I have been using hydrogen peroxide, is that okay to keep using? Is there a prescription you recommend or can prescribe for me? Or should I go back to the urgent care and have them prescribe a different medicine than they gave me the two prior times I went?
Brief Answer:
Details as discussed below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for following up.
1. With your travel history, an Impedance Audiogram (I/A or Tympanogram) and a Pure Tone Audiogram (PTA) is recommended.
2. Avoid hydrogen peroxide.
3. Use ciprofloxacin ear drops. They are the safest. Ciprofloxacin ear drops, a broad-spectrum antibiotic and routine supportive (anti-allergy, decongestants, anti-inflammation medication) will settle this. You will need a prescription from a local specialist or from urgent care.
4. Upload the audiometry (I/A and PTA) results to discuss further treatment options.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards
Details as discussed below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for following up.
1. With your travel history, an Impedance Audiogram (I/A or Tympanogram) and a Pure Tone Audiogram (PTA) is recommended.
2. Avoid hydrogen peroxide.
3. Use ciprofloxacin ear drops. They are the safest. Ciprofloxacin ear drops, a broad-spectrum antibiotic and routine supportive (anti-allergy, decongestants, anti-inflammation medication) will settle this. You will need a prescription from a local specialist or from urgent care.
4. Upload the audiometry (I/A and PTA) results to discuss further treatment options.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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