burning eyes, ear pain

i started having a stuffy nose then a little ear pain.so i started my allegry medicine "Clairtin" after seven to eight days, some of my symptoms were gone. But I had a very bad taste in my mouth, burning in my eyes, and then I went to the doctor for a check up. He gave me a antibiotic SMZ/TMP DS TAB 800-160 for ten days, twice in a day. This is my ninth day. I"m about to finish the ninth day. I feel stuffed and i still feel a little pain in the ear. I feel burning in my eyes when i wear contact lenses even after half an hour. I have been wearing contacts for fourteen years, and I've never experienced this. What is the reason for this?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Your stuffy nose and burning of eyes can be due to allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is a collection of symptoms, predominantly in the nose and eyes, caused by airborne particles of dust, dander, or plant pollens in people who are allergic to these substances.

Allergic rhinitis and production of mucus by your sinuses due to allergic sinusitis are responsible for this burning sensation in eyes.In addition to the antibiotics prescribed use an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant combined with an anti-inflammatory analgesic (pain reliever) like Ibuprofen. However, you should not use decongestants for more than 5-7 days at a time. Symptoms can also be relieved by using a nasal spray that contains corticosteroids. Corticosteroids work by helping to reduce inflammation and congestion.Also inhale plenty of steam as it helps in loosening of catarrh.

Once the nasal congestion and sinusitis is gone,burning of eyes will also subside.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional queries.