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Suggest Treatment For Ear Ache And Dizziness

Posted on Sat, 6 Sep 2014

Question: I have had an ear ache and head ache for two weeks now. Monday, I was given amoxicilin as both ears are infected. the pain and headache have not subsided as they usually do when I have this problem ( which is about 2-3 times a year). I'm getting scared, the pain comes with dizziness and I can feel the congestion I just don't know why it doesn't stop. I can't take a decongestant, I have anxiety disorder. I'm also on Claritin and nasonex. Help! Of course I'm thinking the worst. :( Maybe I should see an ENT tomorrow? How would I know if it turns into like meningitis or something? What can I use as a decongestant? I had tubes in my ears as a baby. Allergies have been getting worse over the last 5 years, I never had them before. will Shots help?

Answered by Dr. Rajkishori Godhi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
local decongestant nose drops.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic,

If you cannot use systemic decongestants then you can use local decongestants like otrivin. There is a tube called the eustachian tube that connects the ear to the nose. In cases of infection this tube gets blocked. Properly functioning eustachian tube is of utmost importance for middle ear infection to subside. You can use decongestant nose drops like otrivin in order to open this tube. Instill 3 drops of otrivin in each nostril 3 times a day for 6 days and follow it up with steam.

I suggest you see an ENT as soon as possible to rule out complications secondary to the infection.

Till then for the pain you can take a painkiller like tylenol or ibuprofen after checking the dose.

Nasal allergies are predisposing factors for recurrent ear infections. So please get your allergy treatment reconsidered.

Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Rajkishori Godhi (8 hours later)

Thank you. I will visit an ENT today if I can find one available. Is saline a decongestant or does it just help clean the nose? I am using saline and nasonex alternately. Are the nasal allergies also a probable cause for my anxiety? Does menthol actually help or does it "trick the brain into thinking the nose is clear"?

Answered by Dr. Rajkishori Godhi (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
saline not decongestant

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Saline drops does not act as a decongestant. It definitely helps to clean the nose and keep it well hydrated.
Nasonex should be used continuosly and not intermittently.

Nasal allergies do not cause anxiety.

And you are right about menthol... it tricks the brain into thinking that the nose is clear.

Please seea an ENT as soon as possible.

Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi.

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

Follow up: Dr. Rajkishori Godhi (11 hours later)

How often can I use Nasonex per day without damaging the tissues in my nose, or becoming dependent? I have an ENT appointment Monday, thank you for recommending it.

Answered by Dr. Rajkishori Godhi (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
not to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Nasonex should be used twice a day. You do not get addicted to it, so dont worry. But please talk to your doctor before using it.

Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj