Adult Ear Infection - When to see a doctor?

Question

I don't have any health insurance so I really don't want to go to a doctor if it's something that will heal up on it's own.

I've had it yesterday and today, the first night was a little uncomfortable with sharp pains deep in my ear, it woke me up a few times. I've been taking ibroprufen every 8 hours. It hurts but not extremely bad or anything.... How long should I wait before going to see a doctor?

I read that it can usually heal itself and today I feel a little better. I'm just not sure what to do.

Today my ear has been popping/crackling a bit which tells me it might be draining itself out slowly... It's still very tender though.

Answer 1

I am going to try to sympathize with you, but only because you said it was getting better.

If you get a fever or if the pain increases or if you get drainage (blood or pus or clear fluid or a mixture of these) from the ear (which means your eardrum is broken), then you have to see a doctor. You have to get an antibiotic if you eardrum breaks.

If you read the label on your ibuprofen, it says you can take it every four hours. I suggest you do that.

You should also take a decongestant like Sudafed, or a nasal spray, or nose drops, or use a netti pot to clear out your nasal passages. The eustachian tube, which equalizes the pressure between your inner ear and the outside, is located in the back of your throat approximately behind the bottom of your nose.

I am providing you with a link to an up-to-date medical reference which states that 80% of cases resolve on their own.

Answer 2

Adult Ear Infection

Answer 3

Ear Infection In Adults

Answer 4

1

Answer 5

you can definitely get an ear infection at any age. How did you damage your eardrum, do you have any idea? There is a passage from the back of the sinuses to the eardrum, so you can get an ear infection from a sinus infection, or vice versa. I think the passage is called the Eustacian Tube. If it's bacterial, Antibiotics will clear it up. If it's a Virus like a cold, then Antibiotics won't help much if at all. good luck!

Answer 6

I have a son, Joey Niceforo, who is a young 27 year old tenor, with a group called "DESTINO" recording in Vancouver Bc, Canada.

For the last few weeks Joey has had a cold. Just a few days ago he developed an ear ache, a swollen ear and loss of hearing. He was diagnosed with serous otitis media (middle ear infection).

The major concern we have is that Joey and the Group DESTINO have been booked to open the Marie Osmond show in Disney World on April 3,

Have a quick remedy for our son??

Joey's ear got better just before flying.

He also got the special ear plugs for flying, and arrived in Florida, from Vancouver, on April 1st. On April 2nd he told us the ear was almost 100 percent, and he will, with the other, great DESTINO tenors be performing, in the COLORADO BALL ROOM DISNEY WORLD tonight at 7 pm.

This help was so effective, and helpful, to our young Canadian tenor, Joey Niceforo. I'm sure this input and therapy advice will, and has helped others.

Answer 7

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Adult Ear Infection - When to see a doctor?
I don't have any health insurance so I really don't want to go to a doctor if it's something that will heal up on it's own.

I've had it yesterday and today, the first night was a little uncomfortable with sharp pains deep in my ear, it woke me up a few times. I've been...

Answer 8

Adult ear infection

The earache is the is an occurence which sends more parents in the middle of the night mre than anything else. There are many reasons for pain in the ear which include an obstacle in the canal .which can be from a number of foreign objects-pressure in the eustachian tube;i nfections, wax build-up; water buildup, swimmers ear to name a few.

When there is swelling in the tube; the tube is unable to carry out its task of draining fluid from the ears. This tube is the tube that connects the ear to the nose. Thus it is not uncommon for those wth colds and allergies to also experience earaches.


It may be noted that earaches tend to worsen during the night. This is true of any illness. However, with earaches; the act of lying down causes the pain to worsen.


When one is up and about; the head is in an upright position, and natural draining can occur much easier. Many realize that when flying or going up a mountain; the ears tend to stuff up or build pressure. To relieve this pressure, one can chew gum or swallow. by doing this simple thing, the eustachian tube opens up enough to allow air to flow to the middle ear and relieve the sensation. If you have earches, try chewing some gum.


Many people have heard of using sweet oil to relieve earaches. If you do not have sweet oil; simply use baby oil. Heat the bottle of baby oit to a warm temperature. Be sure it's lukewarm not hot. Put a couple of drops to the ear or earches that are hurting. Put a small piece of cotton in the ear; so the oil won't drain out.

For those who have an earache due to swimmers ear or infection; garlic may give relief. Garlic has many health benefits. It will help to ease earaches as well. Place of couple of garlic oil in the ears which are infected. Many claim to have had much success with using garlic oil after a couple days of use.

If you have an outer ear infection; you should take care to keep the ears dry. this will involfe the use of shower caps or ear plugs while showering. Use drops of white vinegar, and rubbing alcohol;then tilt the head; then let it drain out after a minute's tome.

Essential oils found to be beneficial to earaches, include: chamomile; lavender and tea oil. Some nutritional supplements that will assist the body fight against ear aches are Vit A, Vit C, essential fatty acids and zinc.

Most everybody has onions in th ekitchen. This can help too.

Well liked home remedies include the use of roasted onions. Wait until the onions cool off; then wrap it in a cloth and place it over the ear. The onion has an antibiotic effect in the ear and will help relieve the pain.

Otitis Media ( middle ear infeftions) can also be due to trapped water from showering. Or it maybe due to Meniere's disease.


I suffered from Otitis Media many yrs ago; after swimming inpolluted waters up in the mountain.during one of our excursion field trips. The headaches were so bad, I felt there was a bird inside my head. I started to have some drainage and fever. the EENT did a saline lavage and gave antibiotics which cleared eventually. Now I wear ear plugs everytime I go swimming. and after showering, i made sure I clean my ears well.

Answer 9

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Yes, we do. You don't want your eardrum to rupture. Get to a doctor. Children are the most common sufferers because their Eustachian tubes (drain the inner ear to the throat) are smaller, aren't as sloped at a downward angle (as adults) and therefore can clog easier. If you have an external injury, don't hesitate to get help. I haven't found a safe over-the-counter product, you'll need a Prescription.

Answer 10

I used a pin to clean my ear which resulted in a pain & I stopped immediately
at night there was pain in my ear & after some time pain suddenly decreased & I had draining of my ear
after 2 days again my ear drained. I dont have running nose or hearing problem but I dont have severe fever I feel light fever taht too at night.
So suggest me that I should consult a doctor or not???