Ears still blocked

[Helennn]

Hi all, signed off work ATM. From my last post I was given 10 days of antibiotics and ear drops to use twice a day. Went on holiday for one week after finishing my course of antibiotics and ear drops to return and my ears feeling very blocked and painful again. Went back to the docs last Wednesday to see a loccum as my doc is on holiday. She said that the ear is inflamed and sore and prescribed an ear spray.

Back to the docs on Monday this week, again with another doctor. Said it feels like there is water or fluid stuck in my ear and still very painful especially at night. They also had done a swab of my ear the time before which the results showed there was no infection. So this doctors first thought was of course another 10 days of antibiotics. I did question if she thought they would help and why I needed them if the swab said my ear was not infected but said if the ear spray is not working then it sounds like it may be more internal. I've stared them but don't think they'll make a difference if I'm honest. Just fed up of doctors first thoughts to always prescribe antibiotics!

[Karjade]

I had an ear infection in both ears six weeks ago following a sinus infection. I had two lots of antibiotics and also antibiotic ear drops and my ears are still blocked! I feel it is fluid in the inner ear and I cannot hear very well and it is driving me crazy. I have still got sinus problems and my nose is blocked up as well so not sure what I should do next. I am allergic to grass and tree pollen which has a lot to do with it. Can you ask to get referred to ENT as they can wash out the inner ears which should unblock them? I know after an ear infection it does take a long time for the fluid to go but in the meantime try yawning and holding it as this can help the ears to drain.

[Helennn in reply to Karjade]

Hi Karjade thank you for your reply. Oh really? It sounds like our stories are very similar, how are your ears now? Have you been referred to an ENT now? I've suffered with sinus problems for the last 6 years and have on/off sinus infections quite a bit. Had a septoplasty operation on my nose to straighten a deviated septum but didn't really help much so yes maybe that's not helping our ears either! Thank you for the tip! X

[Karjade in reply to Helennn]

My ears are still slightly blocked and they do sort of crackle especially when I am eating. I am always saying "pardon" to people when they talk as I can't hear clearly. They are not as bad as they were but still not right and very annoying. I have had a septoplasty and nasal polyps removed and used nasal washes which I have stopped as the water gets in my ears! I am now using Beconase once a day and take antihistamine tablets. I asked my doctor if I could be referred again to ENT but he just said there is nothing more they could do but I don't believe that. We live near loads of trees and fields which certainly does not help because come April it all gets worse. It eases off a bit when October comes but it never goes away completely. I had an allergy test at ENT a they told me I was allergic to tree and grass pollen. Also I get mild asthma so it is all connected to allergies. I googled how to clear blocked ears and there was some useful tips on some websites xxx

[Helennn in reply to Karjade]

My seem to pop or crackle too when I yawn or move! Aww bless you. Wow our stories are very similar then, I use a Neilmed salt sinus rinse daily but maybe I should stop this if it can get in to your ears? I've used Beconase too but was prescribed for my sinuses not my ears. There is probably a lot more they can do at an ENT. Do you think the allergy tablets are helping with your ears? Read something online about how allergies can sometimes be the cause of fluid in the ear xxx

[Karjade in reply to Helennn]

Not sure about the antihistamine helping my ears but suppose they help with sinus and therefore should help with ears. However I now take a Cetrizine every day and hope they help eventually. I think a lot of the time it is trial and error as to what works for you. Some people say give up dairy to help sinus but I have not tried that yet. Have seriously thought about moving to get away from all the trees around here but we could move and then nothing changes! I have read also that a weak immune system can cause allergies to be worse so I have started taking probiotics. Well at least I do try!

[Helennn in reply to Karjade]

Ok thank you. Yes I've read that too about a weak immune system and take probiotics daily for probably the last 2/3 years. If you love your home where you are, I would stay. There are trees everywhere. The pain in my ear is extremely bad tonight, need to try and go back to the doctors tomorrow xxx

[Karjade in reply to Helennn]

Yes I would go back to the doctors to see if anything else can be done. Let me know how you get on xxx