Severe Right Ear and Throat Pain

[FearOfDoctors]

Hello,

I am a 19 year old female experiencing right ear and throat pain. I have a history of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and have had surgery several times to drain fluid in my ears via Ear Tubes.

Last week (11/26 and11/27) I had a sore throat, fever, chills (the whole 9 yards). By Thursday, I was feeling much better and only the right side of my throat was sore.

However, by Friday night, the pain in my throat had moved up into my ear. The pain is really sharp and was really bad today and yesterday, especially at night when I'm trying to go to sleep. I went to the health services on my college campus, and the "doctor" there told me that she only saw clear fluid in my ear with some bubbles, and that she didn't think  it was an infection, however my throat was still red and swollen (negative for strep).

I explained the my ears don't drain fluid, so if she could give me something to dry it up, I would appreciate it. All she wanted me to take was sudafed (I'm not even congested). I normally take floxin otic when I have fluid in my ear. Should I try going to another doctor and getting the floxin, just take the sudafed, or just wait it out in pain? It's already been 5 days of sharp pain, and I'm not really sure what to do/what is wrong?

Thank you.

[FearOfDoctors]

Hello, Thank you for the advice! I ended up going to a different doctor that night because I was in so much pain. I was right, and the first doctor I saw was wrong: I had a severe double ear infection! I was on 1500mg of Amoxicillin for 10 days, cleared it right up. The second doctor was appauled that the first doctor had missed such a big infection and did not take my complaint seriously.

Thanks again!

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

The fluid needs to drain, otherwise it could get infected. As your symptoms of pain are worsening you should re consult your doctor, as you may need antibiotic therapy. In the meantime for pain relief you can use OTC  tylenol (acetaminophen). For further relief from your symptoms you could do warm salt water gargles and steam inhalations. Please ensure to do this prior to your meals.  

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.