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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Cold And Fluid Retention In The Ears?

Hey, I got a very bad very sudden cold a couple of days ago which seemed like nothing but progressively I ve been getting this strange sensation in my ear which feels like I m under water when I speak or like there s liquid in my ear. Upon online research I ve assumed it s a middle ear infection that should clear up in a few days however people have stated they experience lots of pain with this which I have not however, I will get sharp pains that last a few seconds every once in awhile. I tried applying heat on the side of my face to help this but it only causes more pain and discomfort. My mother looked down my ear to see if anything was wrong, she said the eardrum was swollen and looked puffy, she looked again today, a day later and said it didn t look as puffy. Today is day 3 of this and now my ear feels itchy within as well. I still have a mild cold but not nearly as bad as it was to begin with. Is this a middle ear infection or am I wrong?
posted on Sat, 16 Sep 2017
Twitter Tue, 31 Jul 2018 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 31 Jul 2018 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Upper respiratory infection (common cold)can cause nasal blockage resulting in insufficient functioning of the eustachian tube draining the ear to nose. This results in build up of fluid in ear which can get secondarily infected resulting in middle ear infection.
An ENT examination can confirm the diagnosis and assess the need for antibiotic. Meanwhile. You can use Otrivin nasal drops (limit use to less than 10 days) and steam inhalation to reduce nose block.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.


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What Causes Cold And Fluid Retention In The Ears?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Upper respiratory infection (common cold)can cause nasal blockage resulting in insufficient functioning of the eustachian tube draining the ear to nose. This results in build up of fluid in ear which can get secondarily infected resulting in middle ear infection. An ENT examination can confirm the diagnosis and assess the need for antibiotic. Meanwhile. You can use Otrivin nasal drops (limit use to less than 10 days) and steam inhalation to reduce nose block. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.