Ear Fluid

Hi, I am 28 yr. old female.  I have a huge fear of cancer, grandmother died from Ovarian cancer.  Suffer from anxiety/panic attacks, tend to dwell on my aliments and rush off to every doctor.  Anyway, I wrote a few weeks ago about possibly having withdrawals from Xanax.  Ever since we went on a trip to Cancun about 4-5 weeks ago I started getting this bouncing/fog like feeling in my head (kinda like being on a elevator or flying on a plane) but when I would take a Xanax it would seem to go away.  After I wrote to you about this problem, the problem seemed to disappear for about a week.  It returned last Wednesday.  I have had the typical sinus drainage and pressure so I started using Nasonex.  That seems to be a lot better.  I also started taking OTC Benadryl decongestant that has helped a little bit, it seemed like when I took Benadryl my head felt clearer and floor didn't seem to bounce near as much.  So today I thought that I would try Allegra D, it has helped some.  I went to my GP this Monday and she looked in my ear and said that she saw some fluid but no infection.  She told me to continue taking Nasonex and decongestant along with popping my ears 3 times a day to try to keep my ear open. My GP said with me popping my ears 3 X a day, it could take up to 10-14 days to get rid of the fluid. I wake up feeling pretty good and along mid morning I will start to get that feeling.  It feels like when I walk the floor is bouncing or moving.  Other than that, I feel really good, I have no fever, don't want to take another Xanax since I am still trying to get it out of my system (been almost 3 weeks). Is there anything else that I can do to get the fluid out of my ear?  How long can it take to get fluid out?  In your professional opinion, should I be concerned about this (cancer), since I have been experiencing this for a little over a month now?  I know that I do tend to overreact so I am just looking for some guidance plus this is really annoying me!  Thank you for your time.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Allergies and infection are the more common reasons that fluid can build up.  The Nasonex, as well as the decongestant you are taking, normally can help in removing the fluid.  

There is always possibility of an infection.  This can be evaluated with sinus plain films or a sinus CT scan.  If positive for infection, antibiotics can help in the treatment.  

You can discuss this option with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

[LukeL]

I am not a doctor but I would not be concerned about cancer. You may be over medicating yourself and that is causing some of your symptoms.

I am a hypochondriac myself and know what it is like. I bet the reason you felt better after posting was you got a little bit of reassurance, but like most people with hypochondria the reassurance is short lived and you either believe the docotor was wrong or you jump to a new condtion to explain your symptoms.

If taking the Xanax helps then you might want to go back on it.


This is just my opinion.