Recurring Ear Infection - safe to fly?

[karaoke_girl]

I had a rather bad ear infection in August - almost half of july too, and was prescribed some drops and following further visits some antibiotics called 'Co-amoxiclav'. Following use of the antibios it pretty much completely cleared up after a week with a few - minor symptoms.

Well since then I have moved house, and am about to go on a 2 week holiday to South Africa, and as luck would have it for the past week I have been experiencing some of these symptoms again and to a somewhat magnified degree. (although not yet as bad as the full blown infection of Aug)- main symptoms I have now are Sore jaw, tender ear area etc, and a yellowy wax (ew).

I think I may go to the doc to get it checked and if need be more antibios but does anyone know if A) the fact it has recurred it will be possible to treat with the same drugs and B) Whether I will be safe to go on my holiday next Saturday!!!?? Eeep!

[yolande]

I'm pretty sure you will be fine to go on hols. It might hurt on takeoff and landing as your ear might not be able to equalise easily as it is blocked. You should prob go see your doc before you go to avoid expensive fees when you are out there. Have a lovely time! (Also, you may want ear plugs for the pool if you plan to swim as this might be sore).

[willa]

See your doc before you travel. That you have jaw pain may be indicative that the infection is back (or never fully healed) and you'll need more antibiotics. If so, the doc should prescribe another class of antibiotics for maximum effectiveness. Have the doc check for excessive wax, too - my otolaryngologist has a lovely little vacuum that literally just sucks out all that gunk very easily.

I get semi-annual ear infections (with that jaw/neck pain) with incredible regularity (August and December, for the past 7 years), and if I use the same class of antibiotics twice in a row, the effrectiveness is severely decreased.

Good luck, and have a great trip!

[karaoke_girl]

Thanks Guys! Went to doc's yesterday as pain got quite bad in afternoon.

He said that I didn't necessarily need all of those antibiotics before, and that I should just be able to use the steroid/anti inflammatory drops, which he has prescribed me.

I must say that it is a lot better today after only 2 applications. - Also need to make an appt to have my ears syringed when the inflammation has gone down and I get back from my hols!