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What Causes Throbbing Ear Pain And Blocked Nose?
Question: I started to get an ear ache at around 9:30-10ish and it was pretty bad and came on fast. I took a 200mg ibuprofen and went to bed after a couple hours .. I woke up at 3am with throbbing ear pain and all down have my jaw. There was a lot of pressure laying down. I then took 400mg and went to bed. I woke up at 10:30 with little to no pain and everything has an echo. Almost like a robot or an alien haha. I have had a cold lately. My nasal passages won't open up my left nostril vibrates when I breathe even when I use super nasal spray. It causes me to breathe through my mouth. While normally I would just take a trip to the doctor both of my parents passed away recently so I no longer have insurance. I'm not opposed to the doctor but I just want to make sure it's necessary before spending a lot of money for it. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
may be sinus congestion or ear infection
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The most common causes of ear pain are: (1) infection of some aspect of the ear- eg outer or middle ear most usually
(2)sinusitis
(3)referred pain from the mouth, neck, related to sore throat
(4)neuralgia- nerve related pain
With a history of symptoms that could affect the sinuses (the cold symptoms), it is possible that the pain is related to sinusitis or otitis media (infection of the middle ear).
If there is an infection of the ear, the lack of pain at the moment may mean that ear drum has burst.
This would not be permanent, it normally heals within 4 weeks after treatment of the infection.
If home therapy is not effective then you would need to see your doctor it would mean that it is not sinus related and antibiotics may be needed.
Home therapy would consist of : (1)using the pain relief if needed
(2)oral and topical decongestant to the nose- over the counter allergy meds would have an oral decongestant
Examples of topical decongestants are normal saline drops, otrivine
(3)oral antihistamine- would normally be found in allergy med combination.
If the use of these medications for a 24 hour period is not associated with any relief at all or there is a worsening of your symptoms then you need to see your doctor because antibiotics may be needed.
If it is sinus congestion the cause of your symptoms then the above would help, if it is an infection, then it would not.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
may be sinus congestion or ear infection
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The most common causes of ear pain are: (1) infection of some aspect of the ear- eg outer or middle ear most usually
(2)sinusitis
(3)referred pain from the mouth, neck, related to sore throat
(4)neuralgia- nerve related pain
With a history of symptoms that could affect the sinuses (the cold symptoms), it is possible that the pain is related to sinusitis or otitis media (infection of the middle ear).
If there is an infection of the ear, the lack of pain at the moment may mean that ear drum has burst.
This would not be permanent, it normally heals within 4 weeks after treatment of the infection.
If home therapy is not effective then you would need to see your doctor it would mean that it is not sinus related and antibiotics may be needed.
Home therapy would consist of : (1)using the pain relief if needed
(2)oral and topical decongestant to the nose- over the counter allergy meds would have an oral decongestant
Examples of topical decongestants are normal saline drops, otrivine
(3)oral antihistamine- would normally be found in allergy med combination.
If the use of these medications for a 24 hour period is not associated with any relief at all or there is a worsening of your symptoms then you need to see your doctor because antibiotics may be needed.
If it is sinus congestion the cause of your symptoms then the above would help, if it is an infection, then it would not.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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