Ear Infection wont heal

[Mrs_Emily_Rose_Lovett]

I went to the doctor one week ago (7days) and was treated for an ear infection in my left ear.  I had awoke with severe pain and fullness in the ear.  The doctor gave me Azithromyacin (antibiotic).  It was a 3 day treatment but he said it was supposed to stay in my system for up to 10 days.  He told me to take Aleve for the pain.  I took the medicine as prescribed, but the pain and fullness has not gone away.  My ear feels more full then it did.  I do not have any drainage.  The pain is still unbearable.  I also woke up with a terrible headache yesterday night.  I have trouble standing when I first get up and I feel dizzy occasionally throughout the day.  My ear is ringing constantly.  I am going to try and make another appointment but I can do so until friday (posting this on wednesday).  Is there anything I can do to releive this at home?  Should I be concerned about complications from an infection that wont heal?  Should I wait the remainder of the 10 days (it has only been 7) and see if the antibiotic starts working?  Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.  This is driving me insane.

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Hi and thanks for using the forum.

Your antibiotic should have started working by now so I would definitely not wait any longer.  Earaches are horrible!  I would see if you could make the appointment for as soon as possible since you are in so much pain.  Another idea would be if you are able to take a decongestant (like Sudafed) it might help relieve some of the pressure in your ear.  Take the Aleve or ibuprofen as directed (usually every 6 hours).  Don't wait to have pain to take it, just take it according to the directions on the label.  This might help you stay ahead of the pain in your ear.  Sometimes a warm towel on that ear can help with the pain too!  Good luck- I hope you feel better soon- I had terrible earaches when I was younger and can still remember how painful it was!

Bridget

[Mrs_Emily_Rose_Lovett]

Thank you so much for your prompt reply!  I am going to try and make an appointment for friday.  The pain really is awful.  I have never had ear infections.  I asked my mother if I got them when I was a baby and she said I never did.  I was at the doctor just about two weeks ago and he prescribed Duraflu for bronchitis (or whatever it was, he never really said.)  I have been taking that in addition to ibuprofen, tylenol or whatever we have.    Thanks again for your help.