For over 7 months now, following a cold, I have experienced a plugged left ear and very congested sinuses that alternate with moments of relief and drainage. The mucus is abnormally white thick and gluey, and despite being prescribed nasal steroids, using neti pot rinses, antihistamines, oral decongestants my nose and ears continue to be plugged. Yet there is no pain felt in my sinuses generally, other than discomfort of being restricted and feeling seriously tired. My hearing generally improves through the day once I am upright, but often the plugged feeling last through the day. Laying down results in
my ears being blocked and knocks my hearing back down. I have seen numerous doctors, with opinions suggesting an underlying infection to more towards allergies, but yet I feel no itchy eyes, ichy pallet or other allergy symptoms. Could this be a smoldering sinus infection that is causing glue ear even though I am not getting any clear answers. I am very concerned about losing my hearing if this continues. Any thoughts?
I am running regularly a low fever and have as well a continuous horse voice.
By the way, this is the longest I have ever experienced this problem in a specific year. For the past 10 years, I have experienced this sinus trouble that comes often following colds and always corresponds to ear trouble which lasts 1 to 3 months But this year, with 7 months this has been the longest and the most ill I have felt continuously. There is no specific correlation to the time of year that I get this, and its onset seems to occur any season. I am concerned about taking antibiotics in fear of making it more problematic, but won't rule it out. I only tried one 2 week period of penicillin with only improvement for a couple days. I welcome your advice. Sincerely, frustrated.