Fungal Infection & Pain

I was diagnosed with a fungal ear infection. I have repeatedly dealt with 'swimmers ear' over the past 4 years, sometimes as often as 3 times per year.  I have severe pain in the affected ear, as well as pain in the temple on the affected side.  The lymph node behind that ear (which has been swollen since Nov. 07) is also extremely painful.  It's like having cramps in the side of your neck at times.  My ENT has prescribed ZOTO-HC OTIC SOL.  How long does the pain typically last with this type of infection?  I have been in pain since New Year's Eve, and used three different types of drops (Floxin, Antipyrine/Benzocaine used in conjunction with Zithromyacin, and the Ciprodex.  The only thing that seems to help the pain is piggy-backing Aleve and Ibuprofen (2 Aleve, 2 Ibuprofen three hours later - repeating evey 6 six hours).  I know that is twice the recommended amount of Aleve you should take in a day, and you shouldn't combine the two - but I am at my wits end - I have to be able to function to work and take care of my kids!  Tylenol is useless.  Any suggestions??

[Eric P Wilkinson, MD]

The most important element in treating outer ear infections, particularly fungal infections, is frequent cleaning under the microscope by your ENT specialist.  This, more than anything, will help with the pain.  Other medications may be placed in the ear canal directly by the ENT specialist, including ointments and antifungal dyes.

Hope this helps.  Good luck!

[Fromonetofour]

A related discussion, Fungal ear infections was started.