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What Causes Ear Pain When Diagnosed With Flu?
Question: Hi there. I was diagnosed with the flu on Friday. I have been taking lidocaine, tamiflu, and ibuprofen since then. This morning I woke up with a very bad ear ache and I'm wondering if that's a normal side affect of the flu or if it's something separate that I should be seeing my doctor for?
Brief Answer:
Ear ache most probably due to Flu
Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on health care magic.
I have gone through your query and can understand your concern.
The ear ache which you are suffering from seems most likely due to Flu.
During Flu,there is inflammation of the respiratory tract.It may lead to Eustachian tube blockage.It is a tube which connects the middle ear with the nose and is responsible for equalization of the middle ear pressure with the outer atmospheric pressure.In case of blockage of the tube,it will create negative middle ear pressure which might result in fluid collection in the middle ear.This is the cause of the ear ache.
Along with Analgesic like Ibuprofen,
You may also find relief by taking Oral Decongestant like Pseudoephedrine with Nasal Decongestant drops like Oxymetazoline(take decongestant only if you are not suffering from Hypertension),
and a mucolytic like Ambroxol(if you are suffering from cough or thick nasal discharge).
Also drink lots of warm fluids.Do steam inhalation.Avoid cold food and dust.
Hope this answers your question.I would be happy to answer if you have any follow-up questions.Take care.
Ear ache most probably due to Flu
Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on health care magic.
I have gone through your query and can understand your concern.
The ear ache which you are suffering from seems most likely due to Flu.
During Flu,there is inflammation of the respiratory tract.It may lead to Eustachian tube blockage.It is a tube which connects the middle ear with the nose and is responsible for equalization of the middle ear pressure with the outer atmospheric pressure.In case of blockage of the tube,it will create negative middle ear pressure which might result in fluid collection in the middle ear.This is the cause of the ear ache.
Along with Analgesic like Ibuprofen,
You may also find relief by taking Oral Decongestant like Pseudoephedrine with Nasal Decongestant drops like Oxymetazoline(take decongestant only if you are not suffering from Hypertension),
and a mucolytic like Ambroxol(if you are suffering from cough or thick nasal discharge).
Also drink lots of warm fluids.Do steam inhalation.Avoid cold food and dust.
Hope this answers your question.I would be happy to answer if you have any follow-up questions.Take care.
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. Prasad
Answered by
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