No Relief Despite Taking Z Pack And Alcohol Drops For Fluid In Ear, What Should I Do?

Posted on Wed, 8 Jan 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 8 Jan 2014 Answered on

Sat, 25 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have experienced fluid in my right ear for almost two weeks. I have tried a Z Pack prescribed by my doctor. I still have no relief. I am not dizzy, nor do I feel bad.have tried alcohol drops. What must I do?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (-8 hours later)

Brief Answer: What other symptoms do you have? Detailed Answer: Hi, Fluid in right ear to most medical doctors mean fluid within the middle ear behind the ear drum. This condition is termed as otitis media. I am not sure if you meant the same or you meant you are discharging fluid from the ear. Please clarify. I would also like to know what other symptoms you have besides this one. Are you able to hear properly especially with the right ear and do you have pain? Otitis media is strongly associated with nasal and throat condition. Therefore I recommend my patients to use steam inhalation and nasal decongestant drops along with antibiotics. Valsalva manoeuver such as chewing a gum is also known to drain the fluid out. I suggest my patients to try these three along with antibiotics before opting for grommet (tube) insertion. Looking forwards to hear from you... Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (10 minutes later)

Thank you. I meant that fluid is trapped in my right ear. There is a sense of pressure and fullness, but no pain. Is amoxicillin better for this than a z pack? I have tried nasonex, but not on a regular basis. Would ten days of antibiotics be a good thing? Should I visit my doctor? Best Regards, XXXX I do not notice impaired hearing, but a slight difference in hearing at times when my ear feels full.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: I prefer penicillin group of drugs.... Detailed Answer: Hi, I prefer amoxicillin + clavulanic acid combination three times a day in ear infections. But a few people do not tolerate this medicine very well. I would use either Z-pack (azithromycin) or cefixime group of drugs. 10 days of antibiotic is sufficient to take care of ear infection. But I would prefer you to start appropriate antibiotic after you consult a doctor. Unethical use of antibiotics before consulting a doctor can mask physicial signs making it extremely difficult for your doctors to decide the right step of action in case you don't respond well to amoxicillin. Moreover blocked ear may just be due to a wax collection which doesn't need antibiotic therapy. Therefore it is worthwhile to see a doctor now. Hope this helps. Let me know if you need any more information. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (7 hours later)

Thank you very much for your help

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (12 hours later)

Brief Answer: Wish you a speedy recovery.... Detailed Answer: I'm glad it helped you. And I hope you solve your ear problem soon with the able guidance. If you have no more questions can you spare a few minutes to rate my answer. You can do it by closing the discussion. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar