ear infection

Itching, and a feeling of fullness inside the ear - usually the first sign of infection * Swelling of the ear canal * Watery discharge from the ear * Severe pain and tenderness in the ear - especially when moving the head and jaw, or gently pulling the earlobe. Unlike a middle ear infection (otitis media), the pain of an ear canal inflammation or infection is worse when you chew, when you press on the "tag" in front of the ear, or when you wiggle your earlobe. The pain also often worsens when the ear starts discharging. * A foul-smelling, yellowish discharge from the ear * Temporarily muffled hearing (caused by blockage of the ear canal) * Swelling shut of the ear canal and swelling of the side of the face * Enlarged neck glands - these may make it difficult to open the jaw

[OHNS2010]

Hi Nasir,

I believe you are having Otitis Externa, i.e. infection of the external ear. Touching the ear or pulling it causes tremendous pain. The skin is adherent firmly to the cartilage of external auditory canal. The initiating event is believed to be an abrogation of the hydrophobic ceruminous coating of the external canal. Swelling occurring due to inflammation stretches nerve fibers and cause extreme amount of pain.

I would like to suggest you:

1. Avoid inserting any objects or ear drops into the canal
2. Try taking antibiotics (like Augmentin)
3. Analgesics (like Ibuprofen/ Diclofenac)
4. Consult your doctor for ear cleaning and insertion of Ichthammol + Glycerine ear pack

Any doubts you are welcome,

Regards
OHNS2010

[ENTMD]

Otitis externa (swimmer's ear, or an ear canal infection) is best treated topically, with topical antibiotics, as the concentration of medicine achieved topically is much, much higher than can be achieved with oral medicines.  Plus, this avoids some of the common side effects of oral medicines.  If there is enough space in the canal, the drops can find their way down.  If it is too inflamed, an ear wick can be placed to assist the drops in getting all the way in.  Good luck!