drops for ear fungus cause severe pain

Four months ago I was treated for inner and outer ear infections.  Since then I have had various treatments for fungal and bacterial infections,including an antibiotic powder that caused an alergic (allergic) reaction.  The fungal infection continues.  My current treatments are acid drops, augmentin antibiotics, and my ENT has evacuated my ears twice.  At this time any drops in my ears cause severe pain, both stinging and ear drum pressure pain and the emergency room doctor and two ENT's look at me blankly and say it shouldn't hurt. Pain killers are useless.  These treatments have been inefective before and are increasingly painful now.  Please help !

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Difficult to say without evaluation.  You have been evaluated by several ENT physicians.  Normally, the approach taken is reasonable with drops and antibiotics.  Taking a culture of any lesions can help target any antibiotic or antifungal therapy.

Going to an ENT evaluation at an academic medical center can be considered - as they would tend to see more uncommon cases.  

If the tests continue to be non-revealing, a referral to a pain management clinic can be considered.

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.
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