BESIDES GOING TO THE DOCTOR--I'm looking for answers. My husband has been complaining of stuffiness and a very slight fever for the last couple days. Today, his ear started to ache. He's been taking Sudafed regularly for the last 3 days, and Nyquil at night. We can't make it to a doctor because our insurance doesn't kick in until August, so I'm looking for some home remedies or possibly something somebody did that helped them.
Serious answers only, please. I don't want anybody answering who just wants two stinking points. This is a serious question.
2006-06-30 16:58:23 · 14 answers · asked by Lindsay 3 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Hahaha thanks, everybody. We're trying a few of these suggestions right now! However, I'm wondering if some of you are just trying to see what all we'll stoop too with some of these crazy-sounding ideas! Just kidding. I really do appreciate all the serious answers and help.
2006-07-01 09:32:27 · update #1
The fever suggests to me that he might have an infection. Have him take tylenol for the fever. He may just have a really bad case of allergies causing the stuffiness which is draining into his eustacian (spelling?) tube. Antibiotics would be best of course, but if all you have is the sinus meds and going to the doctor isn't an option have him keep taking them as well. As far as immediate relief, this will sound weird but it works. Soak a washcloth in steaming hot water then wring it out. Stuff the cloth into a cup and have him hold it tight against his ear. The steam will help loosen any material in his ear and will feel quite soothing. This is what I have to have my husband do everytime he has an earache and works wonderfully. If his symptoms persists for a few days or worsens, you may have to bite the bullet and take him into the clinic. Good luck!
2006-06-30 17:18:22 · answer #1 · answered by dodgeluvngal 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like some Phlegm is backing up in the eustation tubes and sinus glands. This could lead to a sinus infection which is why he's febrile. NSAID or Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs like Motrin will help to decrease inflammation and the pain and pressure that comes with it. NyQuil has it. Along with decongestants such as SUDAFED and things containing Guaifenesin this should help. If his Eustation tube is getting clogged this could lead to an inner ear infection. Can he Valsalva? This is when you hold your nose and blow gentle, firmly and consistently. This will help to open up the eustation tube and possibly help the mucus or phlegm drain. If he can't keep trying this will help to equilibrate the normal pressure. If he has some intense pain from this then I would try to go to the walk-in clinic because he might need antibiotic's as well as some stronger decongestants. In the mean time a good home remedy is getting some Vick's vapor rub and placing a small amount in some hot water, preferable steaming hot water. Take a towel and drape it over his head so he can breath in the vapors and steam. This will cause some dilation and open up the internal cavities ie Sinus and eustation tubes. If he hits 103 on the temp get to a doctor because a untreated infection will cost alot more than a maintenance visit.
2006-06-30 17:18:57 · answer #2 · answered by Robert F 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know some people will think this sounds crazy but you asked for home remedies and my mom and grandmother have used the ones I am gonna tell you about on all of us kids and grandkids and I use them now that I am a mom. For the stuffiness and fever mix him what I have always called a Hot Tottie. Mix equal amounts of lemon juice, Jack Daniels or some other kind of whiskey and honey. Warm it up on the stove or microwave and make him drink a coffee mug full. It doesn't taste as bad as you'd think. If you have Vicks vapor rub use it on his chest for the congestion also. For his ear they sale something at pharmacies, grocery stores and even convenient stores called Sweet oil. Buy some and put it in his ears. All it really is is olive oil. So I suppose any kind of cooking oil would work just a well. It really does work, too. Have him apply heat to the aching ear either with a heating pad if you have one or a hot, hot, hot rag. I hope this helps him out. I am telling you these remedies have been used in my family for generation after generation and they do work. Also, if there's any chance that you or him have allergies you can purchase honey that was produced within 100 miles of where you live and if you ingest the honey it will cut down on the allergies you experience. This works great as well.
2006-06-30 17:22:54 · answer #3 · answered by whatshername 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always had ear infections when I was a kid. Stay off dairy and Goldenseal root should help (Wally world). Also make sure he takes it at night. If you take it during the day you could end up burping up powder or that taste... YUCK!
I assume you dont have any decongestants.
I also suggest whether this works or not I feel it does. Always sleep with that ear that hurts up that way gravity can eventually drain the infected area. As a child I reasoned that it would be better to keep the bad ear down on the pillow where it could stay warm, but times my eardrum busted that way.
2006-06-30 17:09:01 · answer #4 · answered by dora_da_1_explora 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's an ear infection, i think he needs some kind of prescription ear drops. Go to a local pharmacy and ask if they have anything.
If the fever's unrelated, then who knows. Anyway, Sudafed and Nyquil won't do anything for a clogged ear. Why would you even think that would help? A stuffed ear is caused by physical build up on the outside of your head, unlike a "stuffy" nose.
2006-06-30 17:02:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my son used to have fluid in his ear all the time. it's very painful. if the earache is caused by fluid i think a couple of drops of rubbing alcohol might dry it up. they also sell ear drops over the counter which might help with the pain. double check the alcohol before you do it and only use a very small amount.
2006-06-30 17:04:40 · answer #6 · answered by candy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't have eardrops try a couple drops of Mazola or Any other corn oil or canola oil
By the way you will probably get a few different answers so don't be tryin them all at once. there are many different home remedies that would work.
2006-06-30 17:04:33 · answer #7 · answered by rufus_t 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be an ear infection. Is he really dizzy? Maybe ear drops? Some of them have alcohol in them. They burn a little going in, but clear up whatever germs lurk in there.
2006-06-30 17:05:01 · answer #8 · answered by Terisu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Looks like he is having upper respiratory infection.Repeated hot water gargles and hot milk with pepper(no joke it works).Sudafed increases blood glucose more so if he is a diabetic.
Steam inhalations also help a lot.
2006-06-30 17:07:28 · answer #9 · answered by J.SWAMY I ఇ జ స్వామి 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should go to a City Clinic Immediately. They don't require insurance. He might have an ear infection and if left untreated, it might lead to something worst.
At your local dug store, you can ask the pharmacist for some home med advice. Try Walgreens, they're supposed to help you out with the over the counter drug questions you might have.
I think they have ear washes out there that would temporarily relieve the pain.
please see a physician immediately.
good luck to you and your husband.
2006-06-30 17:05:56 · answer #10 · answered by mat-planner 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋