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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Sinusitis

Posted on Thu, 23 Mar 2017

Question: I had sinusitis and took some antibiotics for it and it cleared up mostly. I went for a follow up where the doctor said to try a nasal rinse. I completed a single rinse and after a couple of days my hearing in both ears seemed to dull a little. Things weren't as sharp

I have since been back and doctor advised my ear drums were a little grey and prescribed decongestant and Avamys.

I'm assuming doctor thinks there could be fluid behind ear drum?

Hearing seems to improve at times (been on avamys just under a week)

I get ear popping only going a few floors in a lift and small vertical gradients which I never have before.

Do I have ETD and how long can this take to clear?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It can be due to eustachian tube blockage

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to HealthcareMagic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all it is to know what you had gone through.

Based on the history you have shared, it can be related to your previous incidence of upper respiratory tract infection as both possibilities of extension if infection as well as related infammation causing pressure differences on both sides of ear drum leading to such sensations which you had been experiencing lately.

Though possibility of fluid due to infection in middle ear needs to be ruled out. Using anti histamines like cetrizine or loratidine alongwith continuing the decongestants drops as well as steam inhalations can be of help.

If fever kicks in or a repeat review by an otolaryngologist with a detailed otoscope examination reveals signs of middle ear infection, it may need course of oral antibiotics.

Chewing gum on both sides may temporarily open up the eustachian tube and can be a useful excercise.

Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (22 hours later)

Thanks for your response.

So I have been told the fluid behind the ears can take some time to go away (in some instances up to 2-3 months). I have no ear pain and when I had the sinusitis there was no ear pain

Is this known as otitis media with effusion?

I still have some stuffiness in the nose but that comes and goes with no real blockage of either nostril. There also is hardly any mucus as well.

I am rather anxious regarding this and concerned about paranasal sinus cancer -

Are you able to shed any further light? I have had 2 opinions from doctors who both believe it is fluid behind the ears that is causing the dullness in hearing

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (41 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Don't worry, too early and unlikely to call it cancer

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Thanks for the feedback.

Yes it can either be fluid or air pressure differences causing the same and though other symptoms have resolved but these may last longer than other symptoms and may take few weeks to resolve completely.

But labelling it cancer is too early and in any case a good otoscope examination by an otolaryngologist is mandatory for a final opinion as well if needed CT or MRI of head and neck, specially temporal bone and ear cavities as well as Paranasal sinuses to rule out any such growth.

Meanwhile the management measures which we've discussed earlier can be continued.

Regards.

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. Arnab Banerjee