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What Causes Sore Throat, Congested Sinus And Blocked Right Ear?

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Posted on Fri, 6 May 2016
Question: Hey dr,

I recently started to come down with a cold as of yesterday with it starting with a sore throat and it now progressing on the second day with congested sinuses and overall feeling down. I also have a blocked right ear but with no associated pain as of yet and I was wondering what I can do to prevent it from developing into an ear infection since ive had them a few times in the past? I've heard pseudoephedrine as a decongestant is good at preventing ear infections but i've never had it. At the moment I have been taking Demazin cold and flu syrup 15ml which only contains phenylephrine which hasn't been as effective for the blocked ear but has been decent for congestion along with Pandol for pain and fess saline nasal spray. I have also been eating healthy, keeping fluids up and started taking vitamin C 1000mg a day at the first sign of the cold and have been resting with taking work off. Also how long do colds usually last and when would I start to feel better?

Kind Regards,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saad Sultan (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Add antibiotics and anti allergic medicines

Detailed Answer:
Welcome Danial at HCM
I am dr Saad Sultan and will be answering your query. I have read and understood your health concerns.
Based upon the history provided, in my opinion it would be better to add antibiotics to your prescription. Clarithromycin 500mg two times a day would be my choice for five days. Daily anti allergic like cetrizine at bed time would greatly help you. You can continue with your syrup along with the nasal spray. Saline gargles should be done three times a day.
I fear pseudoephedrine is not an over the counter medicine. Add panadol two tabs if you feel temperature and pain.
It takes at least a week to settle.
Drink hot fluids, wear mask and avoid cold exposure.
Hope it helps
Feel free to ask me in HCM any time
Get well soon
Regards
Dr Saad Sultan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Saad Sultan (1 hour later)
I'd much rather avoid antibiotics completely unless it is really neccessary. I don't see the point in having them for a viral cold I usually always get a blocked ear with a cold and it always clears up on it's own but there has been the odd occasion when ABs were needed but very few. I brought cold/flu tablets from the chemist that contain pseudoephedrine and paracetamol which is available in Australia if you're 18 or over and have valid ID. I will attach an image of it below. I was planning on just taking it at nightime as I don't feel overly bad during the day let me know your thoughts.

Regards,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saad Sultan (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes , you can use it.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome at HCM
Thank you for the follow up query.

Antibiotics are used for the secondary bacterial infections in cold.
Yes, you can use this medicine. It is logical to use it in bed time .

Feel free to ask me anytime.
Regards
Dr Saad Sultan
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. Deepak
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Answered by
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Dr. Saad Sultan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1049 Questions

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What Causes Sore Throat, Congested Sinus And Blocked Right Ear?

Brief Answer: Add antibiotics and anti allergic medicines Detailed Answer: Welcome Danial at HCM I am dr Saad Sultan and will be answering your query. I have read and understood your health concerns. Based upon the history provided, in my opinion it would be better to add antibiotics to your prescription. Clarithromycin 500mg two times a day would be my choice for five days. Daily anti allergic like cetrizine at bed time would greatly help you. You can continue with your syrup along with the nasal spray. Saline gargles should be done three times a day. I fear pseudoephedrine is not an over the counter medicine. Add panadol two tabs if you feel temperature and pain. It takes at least a week to settle. Drink hot fluids, wear mask and avoid cold exposure. Hope it helps Feel free to ask me in HCM any time Get well soon Regards Dr Saad Sultan