HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Can Azithromycin Be Taken For Nasal Congestion And Ear Pain?

Posted on Wed, 4 Feb 2015

Question: Ive been suffering from nasal congestion. I have a lot of pressure im my sinuses. My right ear is starting to hurt and loosing hearing from the pressure. The ear pressure and pain comes and goes with allergies in the past few months. I have a prescription for 250mg of azithromycin. Should i start taking it?
Thanks, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Paparaja S (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Dont take azithromycin

Detailed Answer:
Hi..welcome to healthcare magic...
I had gone through your question..as an ENT surgeon I seen many patients of similar complaints in my practice... You have allergic rhinosinusitis causing nasal congestion ..secondary to nasal congestion your ear also affected ...I will tell you how..you know there is something called Eustachian tube connecting the ear and back of nose..which helps in ventilating and draining the ear..so when the nose is congested this function is affected leading to ear block and fluid build up... Don't worry you will be alright ...I recommend the following...

1) for sinus levofloxacin works better than azithromycin...take levofloxacin 500 once a day after food 5 days. This is a prescription drug, please get it prescribed by your doctor.
2) nasal decongestant oxymetazoline drops
3) tab levocetrizine with montelucast once at night for 15 days for allergic symptoms
4) after 5 days of antibiotic course if the ear block still persists do an exercise Valsalva that is blowing air into mouth keeping the mouth closed and nose closed by pinching...this will open up blocked ear.. Then release ..repeat this 5 to 6 times a day...
5) very important avoid allergens like dust..
Hope I have answered your question ..if you have any further questions am happy to help you...
Dr. Paparaja S MBBS MS
Consultant ENT surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Paparaja S (26 hours later)

I ended up with a kenalog shot, amoxicillin-pot clavulante tablet, and fluticasone. Hope it works . What do you think?

Answered by Dr. Paparaja S (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes it will work..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..thanks for your follow up question...
Yes you can take amoxicillin with clavulinic acid.. And fluticasone ..it will give you effective relief...nothing to worry...wish you a speedy recovery... Take care...
If you like my answer you can close the discussion and rate my answer...

Truly,
Dr Paparaja S

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. Shanthi.E