Brief Answer:
Sinus problems:

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

The medicine you have been using in your ear is for Otitis Externa ("swimmer's ear"), which is an infection of the ear canal rather than of the middle ear. I make this distinction because when there are upper respiratory problems (sinus, throat) such as from allergies or infection, then the middle ear can get infected and an oral antibiotic can be helpful. But not the external ear, which is from the ear drum to the outside of the ear.

If your new pain is in your sinuses, and you have copious drainage, either out your nose or down your throat, then you may have sinusitis, either from allergy or an infection. And if it is an infection (low grade fever, discolored mucus all day), recommendations now are to not treat with an antibiotic unless it has gone on for over 2 weeks. This is the recommendation now because most sinus infections will clear in 3 weeks without antibiotics, and using antibiotics for things that we don't have to is leading to antibiotic resistance, where the antibiotic will not work for you in the future for things that definitely need it like pneumonia.

If you are having a lot of drainage, you can try the following non-prescription medications:
1. Flonase nasal spray. This is a corticosteroid spray that stabilizes the mucus membranes and decreases inflammation in the nose and sinuses.
2. If there is a lot of stuffiness, you can try pseudoephedrine. You have to ask the pharmacist for this as it is kept behind the counter.
3. If the secretions are very thick, try guaifenesin, which is a mucus thinner. You have to drink a lot of water for this medicine to work well.
4. Saline irrigation, such as Simply Saline, or nettipot, to help wash away secretions and decrease inflammation. Do not use within 1-2 hours of the Flonase as it will cause the Flonase to drip down into your stomach where it will not help you!

Does this information help? Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.

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Brief Answer:
moisten sinuses

Detailed Answer:
Did you inhale something irritating perhaps?

For this, I suggest saline nasal spray to moisten dry mucus membranes. You can either by a pump spray that is ready-made such as Simply Saline, or you can irrigate your sinuses by using a porcelain nettipot, salt packets (Neil Med makes these) and previously boiled or distilled water.

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Brief Answer:
Sinus problems:

Detailed Answer:
Yes, sometimes the air in airplanes can be drying and irritating.

Hopefully with saline irrigation and a little time it will resolve.

You can also try some ibuprofen or acetaminophen until it resolves too.

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Brief Answer:
Your welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Your welcome! I hope you are soon feeling well. Glad to help where I can.

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