FAO Sqad- ear infection

[jasmin26]

Sqad, i have had an ear infection for over a week now now and was given Locorten Vioform drops to use, It seemed to be getting a bit better but through the night the pain has been quite bad and this morning i blew my nose and the pain in my ear was terrible. Should i just perservere with the drops or should i go back to GP ? TIA Jasmin.

[Sqad]

Ear infection is quite a nebulous term as it doesn.t indicate whether it is outer ear or middle ear, although from your treatment, it does sound outer ear ( otitis externa). Pain and itching with no discharge would suggest otitis externa, whereas discharge with little or no pain would suggest a middle ear infection in an adult.

Assuming that it is an outer ear infection then continue the drops and take Ibuprofen 600mgms for the pain.

Keep me informed as I am interested.

[jasmin26]

Thanks Sqad i should have said it was an outer ear infection. i will let you know how i get on . Jasmin

[237SJ]

I`m not an expert but I would possibly think that the fact that your ear drum hurts when you blow your nose could possibly indicate a middle ear infection (or an outer ear infection that could have spread)

[237SJ]

Sorry, to be more specific, the eardrum is inflamed which is why it hurts when you blow your nose.

[Sqad]

237SJ

// indicate a middle ear infection (or an outer ear infection that could have spread)/

Middle ear infections are not that common in adults and i have never known an outer ear infection spread to the middle ear......well never? but extremely unusual as it is more commonly the other way round ...a middle ear infection may spread to the outer ear but only in the presence of a perforation.

////I`m not an expert///.........you do " fine!"......;-)

[answerbanker]

Having suffered a middle ear infection, which resulted in a perforated ear drum - and was worse pain than child birth - I would go back to the GP for anti-biotics just in case ! it wont do any harm - but if that ear drum ruptures you will know about it !!

[jasmin26]

Hi went back to see GP and have been give Co-amoxiclav tablets so hopefully should clear up soon thanks Jasmin