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What Causes Severe Ear Infection With Tooth Ache?

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Posted on Tue, 5 Jan 2016
Question: I have had an ear infection the last 3 weeks been on 2 antibiotics orally one pinamox for 7 days and then augmentin 500 mg for another 7... ear drops sofradex the whole time... Once a day in the beginning and now twice to 3 times a day.. my ear is still sore also my teeth are hurting now on the same side u have been to dentist all ok there no abscess on teeth ..... I am at my wits end dr only continued me in drops for another few days... I am taking paracetamol and difene for pain.... when will this go
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Ear swab C/S. Change medication accordingly.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. Pinamox and Augmentin contain the same generic drug (amoxicillin). Sofradex contains Neomycin which has a wider spectrum of action against bacteria but is being locally applied. It also contains steroid which may flare up an acute infection.

2. Get an ear swab sent for culture and antibiotic sensitivity (C/S) tests. The report should take 3 days.

3. The dental pain is most likely to be referred pain from the ear due to the nerve supply being common (shared) between these structures.

4. Paracetamol and Difene may not be enough to ease the pain.

5. Request you doctor to change the antibiotics and the anti-inflammatory medications while you wait for the C/S report.

6. Upload the C/S report.

I hope 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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (3 minutes later)
Doctor has told me no more antibiotics... I am back on Friday . I have even resorted to netti pot to see if that would do anything !
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Repeat ear examination. Stronger painkillers. Ear swab C/S.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. An ear examination is important. if you can upload a close-up endoscopic image of the ear drum or the clinical examination reports, it will help.

2. Go ahead with the ear swab.

3. If you doctor is suggesting stopping antibiotics, it is important to remember that pain is a sign of continuing inflammation and/or infection. At least stronger pain killers will help relieve symptoms till the swab reports come in.

I hope 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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 days later)
Swab taken and sent away should have results back early next week.... I have been now put on flucloxacillin 500mg 4 times a day and cifloxager 500mg twice a day... pain has subsided some what ... panadol seems to keep it at bay..... will these combination of antibiotics clear up infection quickly ... I am at my wits end now with this going into its 4th week ....
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (26 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes. This combination is better.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. Yes, this combination of antibiotics should be sufficient at present.

2. These can be changed as per the C/S report.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more 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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sumit Bhatti

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 2685 Questions

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What Causes Severe Ear Infection With Tooth Ache?

Brief Answer: Ear swab C/S. Change medication accordingly. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for your query. 1. Pinamox and Augmentin contain the same generic drug (amoxicillin). Sofradex contains Neomycin which has a wider spectrum of action against bacteria but is being locally applied. It also contains steroid which may flare up an acute infection. 2. Get an ear swab sent for culture and antibiotic sensitivity (C/S) tests. The report should take 3 days. 3. The dental pain is most likely to be referred pain from the ear due to the nerve supply being common (shared) between these structures. 4. Paracetamol and Difene may not be enough to ease the pain. 5. Request you doctor to change the antibiotics and the anti-inflammatory medications while you wait for the C/S report. 6. Upload the C/S report. I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be available to answer them. Regards.