Suggest Remedy For Pain In Ear And Swollen Eyes

Posted on Mon, 9 Feb 2015

Question: Hi, I have a pain in my left ear and woke up this morning and underneath my left eye is really swollen. I am also very tired. Thanks, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Acute sinusitis and otitis media in the left ear...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,

Thanks for posting the query

The pain in the left ear could be due to otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear) and the swelling below the left eye, could be secondary to sinusitis.

Acute otitis media of the ear happens when the Eustachian tube (the tube connecting nose and the ear) gets blocked secondary to sinusitis or common cold.

Do not worry! With appropriate measures and medicines, both of these conditions can be taken care of.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water. Warm water re-hydrates the mucosa of the nose and the throat, thus reducing the irritation.
2. Do steam inhalation 3-4 times a day.
3. Use saline nasal spray (available OTC). Saline reduces the nasal congestion and the block.
4. Try taking mucolytic such as ambroxol or bromhexine. Mucolytic medicine reduces the consistency of the sinus secretions.
5. OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac can be tried.
6. If you do not get better with the above medicines within a couple of days, consult your doctor to start broad spectrum antibiotics.
7. Avoid coffee/chilled food and beverages/smoking if any.

Hope I have answered the query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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. Vinay Bhardwaj