HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Do Ear Popping And Severe Pain Indicate While Diagnosed With Sinus Infection?

default
Posted on Wed, 4 Oct 2017
Question: My daughter who is 37 years old went to urgent care today and was diagnosed with a very severe ear and sinus infection. She was given an antioboitic and flonase. She is very prone to ear infections. Tonight she contacted me and said her right ear has popped and she is in severe pain in that right ear. I am thinking of taking her in somewhere, but I don't know where to go...Is the emergency room too drastic. All the urgent cares are closed at this hour in New Mexico. I don't know what to do....
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes - severe pain warrants being seen promptly.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Betty,

Most likely this pain is from the ear drum bulging from bacteria/pus behind it. Pain can also happen from eustachian tube dysfunction (problems with equalizing the pressure in the ear with the throat because of drainage down the throat and congestion in the ear). That can cause the "pop" she might have heard.

The amoxicillin hasn't had time to work yet, but if she is isn severe pain, then yes, take her to the ER. They can give her pain medications until the amoxicillin kicks in. They may also recommend a decongestant. But given how severe her pain is, yes, it is warranted to take her in to the ER.

Usually if the ear drum ruptures, there is some drainage noted and typically feeling of relief, but that may be about to happen.

I hope this information helps, and I'm sorry no one has responded to you before in the 50+ minutes since you posted your question.
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Do Ear Popping And Severe Pain Indicate While Diagnosed With Sinus Infection?

Brief Answer: Yes - severe pain warrants being seen promptly. Detailed Answer: Hello Betty, Most likely this pain is from the ear drum bulging from bacteria/pus behind it. Pain can also happen from eustachian tube dysfunction (problems with equalizing the pressure in the ear with the throat because of drainage down the throat and congestion in the ear). That can cause the "pop" she might have heard. The amoxicillin hasn't had time to work yet, but if she is isn severe pain, then yes, take her to the ER. They can give her pain medications until the amoxicillin kicks in. They may also recommend a decongestant. But given how severe her pain is, yes, it is warranted to take her in to the ER. Usually if the ear drum ruptures, there is some drainage noted and typically feeling of relief, but that may be about to happen. I hope this information helps, and I'm sorry no one has responded to you before in the 50+ minutes since you posted your question.