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Suggest Treatment For Viral Ear Infection

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Posted on Thu, 11 Sep 2014
Question: hi I have a viral ear infection my ear is ringing very itchy and pain!! is there any non prescription drugs that can cure this acyclovir requires a prescription so I am unable to get that at the moment
doctor
Answered by Dr. Praveen (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
All antivirals are available only on prescription

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for giving me an opportunity to address your query.

At the first place I would be glad to know if you have been diagnosed to have viral ear infection since a similar presentation is seen with yeast infection.

Secondly, I completely understand your difficulty to procure Acyclovir.But I regret to say that all antiviral medications including acyclovir are available only on prescription.None of them are available as over the counter medication.

Analgesic(Ibuprofen 400mg) is available as non prescription medication.You may have to take it thrice daily after food for about 1 week.But this just relieves your pain.

Please feel free to reach me for further clarifications.

Hope this answers your query.Get well soon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Praveen (9 minutes later)
well my ear is ringing and at the sametime my nose wuld be runny for a fewmin then dissapear then at other times I wuld get a hard verydry cough for fewmin then goes away thats why I think its virus ear infection bc bacteria cant do that I have tried antibiotics and ringing is still there along with itchyness!! so thata why I think it culd be virus infection
doctor
Answered by Dr. Praveen (57 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Antivirals not given routinely for ear infections

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for writing me back.

This is typically an upper respiratory tract infection(which has ascended through the wind pipe and reached the ear) and yes it is due to virus and most of the times superimposed by bacteria.Classically the symptoms take 1 to 2 weeks to subside completely and I guess it's in the remission.

Cough is due to irritation of the throat and a Linctus Codeine syrup 5ml thrice a day gives adequate relief.

I would like to know how long you have taken antibiotics(name them).If the ringing and itchiness persist I were to examine your ear to rule out Otitis(infection and inflammation) which can lead to collection of fluid in the middle ear cavity.

Classically, in routine practice antivirals are not prescribed to most of the ear infections though they are viral in origin.

Hope this answers your query.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Praveen (49 minutes later)
my other docter didnot know what was wrong with my ear he looked in it and squirted water in it and I felt pain when he squurted water in my ear I told him that and he still said I was fine he dumb... lol
doctor
Answered by Dr. Praveen (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Is he an ENT surgeon?

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for sharing your history.

If he is a ENT specialist then you may not need a second opinion.Since he would have examined your ear drum (checked for noticeable bulging, congestion which are obvious signs of otitis).Follow his advise.If he is a general practitioner I would suggest you to take an ENT opinion.

Pain and inflammation gets relieved by taking Ibuprofen as advised.Tinnitus generally subsides over a few weeks gradually and there is no need to use any medication, in-fact does not subside with medication.I were to follow up with ENT in case it increases or becomes more troublesome disturbing your routine.Get well soon.

Hope this answers your query.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Praveen (10 hours later)
ive taken amoxicillan (antibiotics for a week only) thats all our docters like to give out!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Praveen (41 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Recommend Amox 3 times/day for 1week.

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for writing me back.

Amox normally takes care of the infection.Observe whether the tinnitus (for a week's time)is decreasing.If not then I would recommend a follow up visit (preferably to ENT) rule out the possibility of collection of fluid as discussed above.

Running nose and dry cough are sequel of upper respiratory infection and shall subside within 2 weeks(maximum).Nothing to worry.

Hope this answers your query.
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Praveen

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1055 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Viral Ear Infection

Brief Answer: All antivirals are available only on prescription Detailed Answer: Hi dear.Thanks for giving me an opportunity to address your query. At the first place I would be glad to know if you have been diagnosed to have viral ear infection since a similar presentation is seen with yeast infection. Secondly, I completely understand your difficulty to procure Acyclovir.But I regret to say that all antiviral medications including acyclovir are available only on prescription.None of them are available as over the counter medication. Analgesic(Ibuprofen 400mg) is available as non prescription medication.You may have to take it thrice daily after food for about 1 week.But this just relieves your pain. Please feel free to reach me for further clarifications. Hope this answers your query.Get well soon.