ears full and popping!

[CatGoddess]

Help!  I live in Tucson, Arizona.. we are having a really really bad allergy season due to the winter rains.  I have never really had bad allergies, but about 6 days ago, my right ear started to fill.  I went to the dr. on Thursday.. i'm on nasonex, allegra d and now prednisone.  Nothing seems to be working!  I feel like I'm going crazy.. suggestions??  He said my right ear drum was distended from the pressure behind it.. he also told me to chew gum and drink hot liquids.  I'm going to call an ENT today, but wanted to know what others have done.  Thanks so much

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It would be best to consult an ENT specialist and get a proper clinical evaluation done.

From what you mention your doctor has told you, this would take some time to resolve. You need to continue taking the medications. Are you taking any antibiotics currently?

Have you had similar episodes in the past? Do you have any nasal symptoms etc?

You should also try some warm saline gargles. Do you have any throat infection too?

Let us know what the ENT specialist advises and post us about how you are doing.

Regards.

[CatGoddess]

I'm going to an ENT tomorrow and am seeing my DO today.  I'm not on antibiotic, have never had anything like this happen before and don't have nasal symptoms either nor a throat infection.  I have had a mild cought the last few weeks and we are having a record high pollen season here in Tucson which is when my problems started.  My ears are very itchy today as well.  Left ear is doing ok, just itchy.  Right ear still full, but I can pop for a second if I try plugging my nose and blowing gently.  How long do these issues usually take to resolve?  Is there anything else I could be doing?  I'll update after my ENT appointment tomorrow morning.  Thanks very much.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Glad to be of some help to you.

There cannot be a predictable time span for a particular disease process , but it does take a few days to a couple of weeks.

Do discuss with your doctor about a course of antibiotic medications. You could take some OTC antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine to help with the itching.

Good luck for your appointment, and do discuss all your doubts with the specialist - about the diagnosis, whether any investigations are required and the further management plan and when do you need to follow up with him /her.

Let us know how the appointment goes and also post us about how you are doing.

Regards.

[CatGoddess]

wow, you won't believe it!  it was ear wax.. but i do have allergies too.  still taking some mild allergy meds.. but wow is it great to hear again.. thx to my ENT!!!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Congrats. It is nice to hear that you are doing good now.

Do ask your ENT specialist whether you would need ear drops to thin out the ear wax, and if you need to come in again for getting your ears checked again for any wax accumulation.

Do not put any objects to clean your ears yourself - you could hurt your self.

Let us now if you have any other doubts and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.

[CatGoddess]

my dr. did mention using peroxide to clean out the ears if this happens again.. have you heard of this?  do you just pour a few drop in your ear and then flush out??

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You should ask your doctor to prescribe you some solution or cream to help liquify the wax. The solution or cream that your doctor advises would need to be put twice daily in each ear or as advised by your doctor.

You do not have to flush out the medication or clean your ear afterwards. The solution or cream would help to thin out the wax and dissolve it - the ear has its own auto-cleaning process.

Avoid cleaning your ears yourself, except under medical supervision or unless your doctor advises you to.

You should not put any medications in your ears without seeking consultation with your doctor, especially because of the recent symptoms you have recovered from.

Let us know about how you are doing and if you have any other doubts.

Hope this helps.

Regards.