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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Bronchitis And Sinusitis In An Elderly Person
Question: I have swelling and pain between my ear lobe and eye socket, left side only. It came on suddenly last night. Pain is moderate and seems to be soothed more by moist heat than cold compress. I have chronic bronchitis and sinusitis. I am 82 years old. There is no problem or sensitive in gums or teeth. Glands in neck do not seem to be involved. Center of problem seems to be the bone just outside of ear, about 1 inch wide and 1 and one half inch long. I am taking tylenol mucinex. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Possible cellulitis
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. Johnston,
This may be from a sinus infection, but I am concerned that the area you described could be cellulitis which is a soft tissue infection. When this type of infection happens near the eye it is more concerning. So I recommend that you go in to be seen today to have it looked at. If there is an urgent care clinic near you, they can take a look at it. If the urgent care clinic employs physician assistants and nurse practitioners, ask to see the physician. It may be more of a wait, but I think what you are describing warrants being seen by a physician.
If they give you an antibiotic, consider also taking a probiotic to keep your gut healthy. Don't take both at the same time - space it out by a couple of hours.
And continue to use moist heat as often as possible as heat can help abate soft tissue infections, which can take awhile for an oral antibiotic to reach.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information. But do go in to be seen.
Possible cellulitis
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. Johnston,
This may be from a sinus infection, but I am concerned that the area you described could be cellulitis which is a soft tissue infection. When this type of infection happens near the eye it is more concerning. So I recommend that you go in to be seen today to have it looked at. If there is an urgent care clinic near you, they can take a look at it. If the urgent care clinic employs physician assistants and nurse practitioners, ask to see the physician. It may be more of a wait, but I think what you are describing warrants being seen by a physician.
If they give you an antibiotic, consider also taking a probiotic to keep your gut healthy. Don't take both at the same time - space it out by a couple of hours.
And continue to use moist heat as often as possible as heat can help abate soft tissue infections, which can take awhile for an oral antibiotic to reach.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information. But do go in to be seen.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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