Resolved question:
Hi There
I have been struggling with a couple of things and wwondering if they are connceted. I have had an on off inner ear problem since May where it feels full and needs to be popped. With that i have also been struggling with feeling hot generally ill and sometimes breaking out in a sweat but no temperature. Yesterday i had to sit down for a moment as i was a bit unsteady. The only way i can get the ear to pop is by holding my nose and blowing out but it doesnt clear anything
I have seen the doctor and he has referred me to an ENT specialist which is a month away but i am really worried. I have also been snoring extremely loudly recently according to my partner. I have alwys snored but suddenly it is off the rictor scale and i am not sure if this is connected.
I have tried decongestents and ear drops but they have failed to work. When i first had it it cleared up and was a month or so before it returned but now it comes back more frequently.
Any Advice?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hello.
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I understand your concern.
It seems from your history that you have eustachian tube blockage. It is commonly referred to as the airplane ear. The ET connects the middle of the ear to the back of the throat, drains the fluid in the ear, and maintains the air pressure inside. Hence any blockage in the inner ear will give that kind of a feeling that you're experiencing along with dizziness. It can also lead to considerable ear pain along with some difficulty in hearing.
It would have been better if you were examined by an ENT specialist as soon as possible, since the medication will depend on the level of the block which is only possible once the ear is examined with an otoscope. Mostly this problem arises, due to infection, sinus blockage, or most commonly allergies. The way you have been poppint is known as Valsalva, and that is one of the ways to open it momentarily.
Regarding your snoring, yes it is possible that due to the blocked ear, and possibly sinuses, it is getting louder. Any partial obstruction to breathing, mostly which we don't even realize can lead to snoring.
I will advise you to continue the nasal decongestants for the time being. Also take the following medicines :
1) Tab. Levocetrizine 5 mg once daily at bed time for 5 days.
2) Tab. Augmentin 650 mg twice daily for 5 days.
It is difficult to predict whether it is due to infection or allergies, hence i am suggesting you both. Levocet is for allergies. You can try levocet with the nasal decongestants for 2 days, and if it still does not resolve start augmentin too.
However i will recommend you get it examined by ENT specialist as soon as possible. You can't suffer for one month.
Hope this was helpful,
Regards.
Hi doctor
thank you for your response! Can these things come and go? When my ear problem isn't there I tend to feel a lot better ! But everytime it comes back it lasts longer! Also if I have a hot bath in the past that has made the ear feel clogged
Hello.
Yes these kind of symptoms do come and go.
Especially if the etiology is allergy.
Even extremes of temperature can predispose to ear block.
But i will sincerely advise you take the medicines as i prescribed and also get an ENT opinion as soon as possible.
Only after otoscopy the etiology can be established.
Regards.
Ok thanks. I googled the symptoms and it made me panic with some of the stuff coming up including ear cancer . I am going to try and get an earlier appointment . I am getting a lot ofphlegm in my throat today and feel bit better could this be a good sign?
Hello.
Please don't think along those terms.
Ear cancer will have a completely different presentation and also it is not common.
The fact that you're getting phlegm means there is an infection and the antibiotic i prescribed will help.
If you see my earlier reply, i told you that ET connects the middle ear to back of the throat. So you can understand how if the ET has infection and blockage there is a good chance of the infection going to the throat. That is what has happened in your case.
I can reassure you, it is due to infection and nothing else.
Please take both the meds i prescribed, and you will feel better soon.
Regards.