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Hello, I Have Had A Plugged Ear For Almost A
Question: Hello, I have had a plugged ear for almost a month. I did have a sinus infection that was treated with antibiotics, but the plugged ear has remained. The doctor gave me Sudafed for congestion, but it isn't helping.
Brief Answer:
Further ENT evaluation needed...
Detailed Answer:
Hello there,
Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service...
I've gone through your query in details...
I can understand your concerns...
Well, it seems like you've already tried all the initial course of medications but since it's been almost a month and still no improvement, I'd recommend the following:
-First of all, go for a thorough ENT check-up where the ENT specialist will do a direct examination inside the ear canal along with a few basic hearing tests...based on the result, there may be need to do CT scan of the Para-nasal sinuses (PNS) along with a Temporal bone CT.
-If there's any infection or pus-pocket found, then the ENT may do thorough lavage of the area along with an analysis of the pus (Gram stain and Culture sensitivity study) and another course of stronger antibiotics.
-If no infection is found then a short course of steroid medications could be advised to reduce the swelling in the first place...
-With all these, it should regress over time...However, if still persisting, then some surgical measurements (i.e. inserting a small ventilation tube inside the tympanic membrane, removal of debris and micro-surgical cleaning of the sinuses could be the next appropriate step of management)...
Meanwhile, do continue all other medications that you're taking already (including the Sudafed, nasal spray, steam inhalation as well as luke-warm salt water gargling)...
Please go ahead and discuss this with your doctor and proceed accordingly...
Let me know if I can assist you further...
Take Care
Kind Regards
Further ENT evaluation needed...
Detailed Answer:
Hello there,
Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service...
I've gone through your query in details...
I can understand your concerns...
Well, it seems like you've already tried all the initial course of medications but since it's been almost a month and still no improvement, I'd recommend the following:
-First of all, go for a thorough ENT check-up where the ENT specialist will do a direct examination inside the ear canal along with a few basic hearing tests...based on the result, there may be need to do CT scan of the Para-nasal sinuses (PNS) along with a Temporal bone CT.
-If there's any infection or pus-pocket found, then the ENT may do thorough lavage of the area along with an analysis of the pus (Gram stain and Culture sensitivity study) and another course of stronger antibiotics.
-If no infection is found then a short course of steroid medications could be advised to reduce the swelling in the first place...
-With all these, it should regress over time...However, if still persisting, then some surgical measurements (i.e. inserting a small ventilation tube inside the tympanic membrane, removal of debris and micro-surgical cleaning of the sinuses could be the next appropriate step of management)...
Meanwhile, do continue all other medications that you're taking already (including the Sudafed, nasal spray, steam inhalation as well as luke-warm salt water gargling)...
Please go ahead and discuss this with your doctor and proceed accordingly...
Let me know if I can assist you further...
Take Care
Kind Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you, Dr. Banerjee I appreciate your advice, and will follow up with the doctor.
Brief Answer:
Most welcome...
Detailed Answer:
Glad to be of service...
Yes, please do so...
Most welcome in case of any further queries in future...
Take Care
Kind Regards
Most welcome...
Detailed Answer:
Glad to be of service...
Yes, please do so...
Most welcome in case of any further queries in future...
Take Care
Kind 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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