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Suggest Treatment For Inner Ear Infection

Posted on Wed, 8 Apr 2015

Question: I have been taking 500 mg of amoxiciillan 3x a day for 2 days now for a sinus/ inner ear infection w absolutely no improvement. My left ear is so full of fluid the eustachian tube is clogged and will not pop. Its strange bc i have the sensation that its draining constantly but yet it never unclogs. This is unbearable i have already been to urgent care and the ER for this. What else can i do? Should i go to ENT and have them cut a hole to drain it? Or do u think the anibiotics willl work soon. Please let me known thank you. Also i have been taking mucinex sudafed and using neilmed sinus rinse for weeks before i started anibiotics . Nothing helping at all

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nasal decongestant drops, Steam. ear exam, I/A, Myringotomy, Sinus CT.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. In my opinion, the only medication to add is OTC Nasal Decongestant drops/sprays (0.1% Xylometazoline), 3-4 drops on both sides or specifically on the left. Steam inhalation should help. If your local doctor cannot prescribe it, ENT specialist will be able to.

2. Get an ear drum examination and an Impedance Audiogram (Tympanogram) done. As these tests are routinely done by ENT, it will help to consult one. Upload the test result and clinical findings.

3. A Myringotomy can be done if the above treatment does not work in a day or two.

4. Get a plain Sinus CT done since you have chronic sinusitis. Upload the images here.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (5 minutes later)

Thank you so much. I have flonase at my house but can i use that w amoxicilan??

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do not use Flonase yet.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. Steroid sprays like Flonase (fluticasone) should ideally be avoided in the acute phase of a cold as they can flare up an infection.

2. It is possible to take Flonase under antibiotic cover (amoxicillin) but with due caution.

3. These sprays take up to 10 days to achieve full effect and hence immediate relief is gained by other medications such as the medication suggested and the currrent medication you are taking.

4. Steroid nasal sprays work better with ant-allergic medication and steam inhalation.

5. I recommend that you do not use Flonase yet. You can start Flonase a few days after the ear opens up.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

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

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (40 minutes later)

Ok thanks

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back. Please close this discussion and review if you have no more questions.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

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. Prasad