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Hello, I Was Wondering How Long It Normally Takes For
Question: Hello, I was wondering how long it normally takes for the symptoms of a middle ear infection to go away? I have been on antibiotics for 6 days and the pain is gone but it still feels like there is fluid in my ear, is that normal?
Additionally, I have to fly tomorrow morning which will be my 7th day on amoxacillin. Are there any additional measures I can take to ensure my earsdrum doesn%E2%80%99t burst? I have EarPlane ear plugs, a nasal spray decongestent, and Sudafed. I was planning on taking Sudafed 1-2 hours before the flight, nasal spray before takeoff and landing, and keeping the earplugs for the duration of the flight. Does that sound safe/effective?
Brief Answer:
Fullness sensation might take a few weeks to go away, further advice below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask a Doctor' service,
The fullness sensation in the ear after an ear infection might take longer to go away than the pain. Generally, it goes away within 2 weeks and rarely it might take up to 6 weeks for some patients. So, it is normal you have the sensation of fullness in the ear.
As for measures to help to protect the eardrum: decongestants are generally tried especially in the context of an ear infection, this generally with the hope that they will help open the eustachian tube (the tube that connects the ear space with the throat) and help balance the pressures in both sides of the eardrum. It is something to be tried, but not necessarily it helps in all patients.
You may take both the oral tablet Sudafed and the nasal decongestant as long as you don't have high blood pressure (you are young and I would expect you don't have hypertension).
As for the earplugs, they can be used during takeoff and landing, they are not needed during the flight generally (times when the plane is not changing much height).
Other measures to try is to chew a pack of gum during taking off and landing and frequent swallowing during these as well to help balance the pressures on both sides of the eardrum.
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Fullness sensation might take a few weeks to go away, further advice below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask a Doctor' service,
The fullness sensation in the ear after an ear infection might take longer to go away than the pain. Generally, it goes away within 2 weeks and rarely it might take up to 6 weeks for some patients. So, it is normal you have the sensation of fullness in the ear.
As for measures to help to protect the eardrum: decongestants are generally tried especially in the context of an ear infection, this generally with the hope that they will help open the eustachian tube (the tube that connects the ear space with the throat) and help balance the pressures in both sides of the eardrum. It is something to be tried, but not necessarily it helps in all patients.
You may take both the oral tablet Sudafed and the nasal decongestant as long as you don't have high blood pressure (you are young and I would expect you don't have hypertension).
As for the earplugs, they can be used during takeoff and landing, they are not needed during the flight generally (times when the plane is not changing much height).
Other measures to try is to chew a pack of gum during taking off and landing and frequent swallowing during these as well to help balance the pressures on both sides of the eardrum.
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you! My most recent blood pressure was about 3 weeks ago and it measured around 125/75. That should be fine, right?
Brief Answer:
Your blood pressure is fine, no worries
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Your blood pressure is normal so no worries. I expected it to be so but there are rare cases that patients might have hypertension ang get a crisis due to these medications so we have to mention it.
In your case I would not worry.
I wish you will get completely better and enjoy your trip.
Please feel free to let me know if you need further assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General & Family Physician
Your blood pressure is fine, no worries
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Your blood pressure is normal so no worries. I expected it to be so but there are rare cases that patients might have hypertension ang get a crisis due to these medications so we have to mention it.
In your case I would not worry.
I wish you will get completely better and enjoy your trip.
Please feel free to let me know if you need further assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General & Family Physician
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. Vaishalee Punj
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