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

Suggest Remedies For Severe Ear Ache While Treating Otitis Media

Posted on Thu, 21 Apr 2016

Question: Hi
I'm suffering with Otitis media at the moment. This coexist with tonsillitis and a jaw infection. I started penicillin V 500mg 3 days ago and I'm also taking metronidazole for the jaw infection. The pain in my ears is still excruciating. I'm taking regular ibuprofen and paracetamol and only seem to have some relief when I take them together. I'm due to fly for about 4 hours in 9 days. What can I do to speedy up the healing process? Will it be safe to fly? Will using olive oil drops alleviate my pain in the meantime or can that cause more problems?
email: YYYY@YYYY
Sincerely XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Take nasal decongestant

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,
I have gone through your query; and suggest you that you may take

1. Proper antibiotic course after the throat swab culture and antibiotic sensitivity and the antibiotic according to the test result.
2. Oral and nasal decongestant because most of the time Eustachian tube dysfunction is the main culprit for the otitis media.
3. Hot fomentation around the ear as much as possible to relieve the pain.
4. Steam inhalation at least three times a day to clear up the airway.
5. Tablet containing aceclofenac sodium, serratiopeptidase and paracetamol for pain as required.

Better to avoid flying if possible and also avoid putting water, oil and earbud in the ear instead you may use antibiotic ear drop such as ofloxacin ear drop.

Regards
Dr Hariom Sharma MS, XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Hariom Sharma (17 hours later)

Thank you. Your answer is very helpful. I have been using fluticasone 400mcg nasal drops. Are steroids contraindicated in my situacion? Why are non steroid anti-inflammatories preferable?

Unfortunately in England we cannot buy any antibiotics over the counter. Will see my GP tomorrow and hope he'll give me antibiotic ear drops.

Kind regards XXXXXXX XXXX

Sorry, forgot to ask this. Could a sinus rinse be helpful to help clear sinuses well? I have a NeilMed bottle. Only used it once in the past and found it made me more congested.
Regards XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Steroids are not contraindicatedin your situation

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,
I have gone through your follow up query; and for your kind information steroids nasal drops are not contraindicated in your situation.

Yes, Sinus rinse may also be helpful to help clear your sinuses.

Regards
Dr Hariom Sharma MS, XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak

Follow up: Dr. Hariom Sharma (42 hours later)

Thank you so much doctor. Your answers are very helpful. Just a last question about flying. Is it of any benefit to use air pressure ear buds on take off and landing? How soon before the plain starts to descend should I put the ear plugs back in my ears?

Kind regards XXXXXXX Paixao

Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Air pressur earplugs help to lessen symptoms caused by fly

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,
I have gone through your follow up query; and for your kind information it is beneficial to use ear pressure ear buds on take off and landing, they help to lessen the symptoms caused by fly.

Insert them one hour before takeoff and landing to help equalize the pressure between your environment and your inner ear, and you may well experience fewer symptoms and a pain-free flight,

Regards
DR Hariom Sharma MS, XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Hariom Sharma (1 hour later)

Thank you Dr Harum. This discussion is being extremely helpful to me. I may not have further questions but will keep discussion open until express in case any doubt still comes to me.
Kind regards XXXXXXX

Sorry about spelling mistakes caused by automatic texting Dr XXXXXXX
*express* should read *expires*.

Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are most welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,
You are most welcome.

If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards
Dr Hariom Sharma

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. Sonia Raina