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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Pain, Swollen Lump Behind Ears. Relief With Antibiotics, Warm Compression. Should I Continue Same Treatment?

A couple of days ago I notice a small lump behind my ear near the bottom. This morning a woke with a fair amount of pain and increased swelling . My ear lob has double in size and the swelling behind my ear is huge. I saw a nurse practitioner this afternoon and she prescribed antibiotics and advised to put warm compressed on the affected area which I have been doing for several hours. The pain now is getting to be no fun and the swelling has not subsided. My question is should I continue with the treatment plan or should I go see a physician? It s a real pain in the .....ear! Thanks
Wed, 19 Dec 2012
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ENT Specialist 's  Response
First of all i welcome you to HCM.

I was going through the questions sent to me by HCM and i picked your questions as the most important one. I very much appreciate your concern to your condition and also the detail history you have given.

Being a doctor, i would like to answer your health issue first and then talk to you. OK!!!

Now, let me concentrate in the following line ----- "My ear lobe has double in size and the swelling behind my ear is huge".

This i think is clearly proceeding towards "cellulitis". The cause may be many but "infection" and "pus under tension" are few of them. If you have history of ear discharge, then it might be bezolds abscess. Anyway, the cause can be made out only after examination. So, straight away I would like to advise you to get checked by an ENT specialist. So, here lies the answer to your question ----- “My question is should I continue with the treatment plan or should I go see a physician?”

Ans: You should immediately consult an ENT surgeon

Definitely, you can continue with your antibiotic if it has been suggested according to Culture & Sensitivity.

BUT, you should consult an ENT specialist, as only after examining he will be able to tell whether pus is there or not or only cellulitis. Mind it, if there is pus, it must be drained out. It’s an universal rule. Only antibiotic is NOT allowed in this type of condition.

Anyway, please do not worry, nothing is a big issue. Your condition is definitely curable. Please keep the mental strength and have faith in almighty.

I think, with this, i could at least ease some of your pain if not all. I wish you an early recovery and a very very healthy life ahead.

Thanks and take care
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Pain, Swollen Lump Behind Ears. Relief With Antibiotics, Warm Compression. Should I Continue Same Treatment?

First of all i welcome you to HCM. I was going through the questions sent to me by HCM and i picked your questions as the most important one. I very much appreciate your concern to your condition and also the detail history you have given. Being a doctor, i would like to answer your health issue first and then talk to you. OK!!! Now, let me concentrate in the following line ----- My ear lobe has double in size and the swelling behind my ear is huge . This i think is clearly proceeding towards cellulitis . The cause may be many but infection and pus under tension are few of them. If you have history of ear discharge, then it might be bezolds abscess. Anyway, the cause can be made out only after examination. So, straight away I would like to advise you to get checked by an ENT specialist. So, here lies the answer to your question ----- “My question is should I continue with the treatment plan or should I go see a physician?” Ans: You should immediately consult an ENT surgeon Definitely, you can continue with your antibiotic if it has been suggested according to Culture & Sensitivity. BUT, you should consult an ENT specialist, as only after examining he will be able to tell whether pus is there or not or only cellulitis. Mind it, if there is pus, it must be drained out. It’s an universal rule. Only antibiotic is NOT allowed in this type of condition. Anyway, please do not worry, nothing is a big issue. Your condition is definitely curable. Please keep the mental strength and have faith in almighty. I think, with this, i could at least ease some of your pain if not all. I wish you an early recovery and a very very healthy life ahead. Thanks and take care