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Suggest Treatmemt For Severe Cold And Plugged Ears
Question: I had a bad cold which started in my throat but then landed and remained in my ears. I was exhausted and this lasted 5 weeks before I could really function. My ear drums both perforated and drained somewhat but they were really plugged up. I went to the doctor and got amoxicillon and decongestants. I went for a follow up and the infection was gone but my ears were still plugged. He told me to keep taking the decongestants and also gave me a nasal spray. Now it's been several weeks since I saw my doctor and my ears are still plugged. I stopped taking the decongestants - both the pills and the nasal spray because they were starting to affect my digestion. Now there are a few new symptoms: My face / sinus area is sore and the sides of my tongue is numb and sore. I've also recently been taking allergy medicine for seasonal allergies. This has changed my tongue or sinus problems. What should I do?
Brief Answer:
local decongestant nose drops.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
Ear infections typically take long to heal.
They can take 4 - 6 weeks to subside completelely
Nasal sprays or decongestants do not affect digestion.
You will do well with local decongestant nasal drops like otrivin.
Decongestant nose drops improve the fuctioning of the eustachian tube which in turn helps to ventilate the ear. Good ventilation of the ear aids in early recovery from infection.
You should instill 3 drops of otrivin in each nostril 3 times daily and then follow it up with steam.
One word of caution - please check the contents of the nasal spray that has been prescribed to you. If it contains decongestant then it cannot be used continuosly for more than 7 days at a time.
Also you mentioned that you have allergies. Please have your ENT check for nasal allergies as well. If present then they should be treated immediately. In the presence of untreated nasal allergies ear infections tend to persist.
You should also blow balloons and chew gum , they help to ventilate the ear.
Drink plenty of water and avoid airconditioning.
If your sinus symptoms persist then you should see a doctor soon because you may need another course of antibiotics.
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi.
local decongestant nose drops.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
Ear infections typically take long to heal.
They can take 4 - 6 weeks to subside completelely
Nasal sprays or decongestants do not affect digestion.
You will do well with local decongestant nasal drops like otrivin.
Decongestant nose drops improve the fuctioning of the eustachian tube which in turn helps to ventilate the ear. Good ventilation of the ear aids in early recovery from infection.
You should instill 3 drops of otrivin in each nostril 3 times daily and then follow it up with steam.
One word of caution - please check the contents of the nasal spray that has been prescribed to you. If it contains decongestant then it cannot be used continuosly for more than 7 days at a time.
Also you mentioned that you have allergies. Please have your ENT check for nasal allergies as well. If present then they should be treated immediately. In the presence of untreated nasal allergies ear infections tend to persist.
You should also blow balloons and chew gum , they help to ventilate the ear.
Drink plenty of water and avoid airconditioning.
If your sinus symptoms persist then you should see a doctor soon because you may need another course of antibiotics.
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
I have just noticed that the numbing has now affected my chin as well as my tongue. Could this be caused by my sinus issues?
Brief Answer:
not related to sinus
Detailed Answer:
hello,
Numbness of chin and tingue is not because of sinus problems.
Numbness is caused due to problems related to nerves.
Please see a doctor for complete examination.
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi
not related to sinus
Detailed Answer:
hello,
Numbness of chin and tingue is not because of sinus problems.
Numbness is caused due to problems related to nerves.
Please see a doctor for complete examination.
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi
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. Prasad
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