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Suggest Treatment For Ear Infection
Question: Hi i am 33 and the last 4 years i keep getting ear infections my last one was in september and was given antibiotics for it. Since then my ear has itched everyday and now i have an infection again but this time in both ears why do i keep getting it back? My ears feel like they are full of water and feel like a bruse to touch and are wet inside.
Brief Answer:
Resistance, see ENt specialist, predisposing conditions (diabetes, growths)
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
I understand how uncomfortable this could be. However, there are a few things that have to be considered. It might be important to check properly if the anti biotics prescribed are appropriate and if they are taken for the required period of time and taken as prescribed. If the drugs have always been carefully and appropriately taken, the possibility of drug resistance from the germ causing this infection could be checked. Your ear, nose, throat (ENT) specialist might take specimens and send them to the laboratory for cultures and anti biotic sensitivity and resistance patterns to be checked.
Predisposing conditions to ear infections like some growths in the ear, nose and throat sphere might require to be checked. this shall involve a proper ENT exam and use of some fibroscopy (tubes inserted into the ears and throat) to better visualize what could be going on.
It is also important to know if you have any allergic diseases, for instance, regular blocking of the nasal passages or history sinusitis. This could also predispose to recurrent ear infections.
Diseases like diabetes, when not well controlled, make response to anti biotics sub optimal.
I strongly suggest a review from your ENT specialist for a reevaluation from the resistance patterns, drug choice, duration of treatment, predisposing conditions.
Thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health.
Dr Bain
Resistance, see ENt specialist, predisposing conditions (diabetes, growths)
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
I understand how uncomfortable this could be. However, there are a few things that have to be considered. It might be important to check properly if the anti biotics prescribed are appropriate and if they are taken for the required period of time and taken as prescribed. If the drugs have always been carefully and appropriately taken, the possibility of drug resistance from the germ causing this infection could be checked. Your ear, nose, throat (ENT) specialist might take specimens and send them to the laboratory for cultures and anti biotic sensitivity and resistance patterns to be checked.
Predisposing conditions to ear infections like some growths in the ear, nose and throat sphere might require to be checked. this shall involve a proper ENT exam and use of some fibroscopy (tubes inserted into the ears and throat) to better visualize what could be going on.
It is also important to know if you have any allergic diseases, for instance, regular blocking of the nasal passages or history sinusitis. This could also predispose to recurrent ear infections.
Diseases like diabetes, when not well controlled, make response to anti biotics sub optimal.
I strongly suggest a review from your ENT specialist for a reevaluation from the resistance patterns, drug choice, duration of treatment, predisposing conditions.
Thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health.
Dr Bain
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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