question about ear infections

[abcgrad94]

I have a nasty ear infection and the doc prescribed ear drops. This is the first time I've had the drops. Usually I just get oral antibiotics, and they work quickly. This is my second day with the drops and I feel worse, not better.

Anybody have experience with this? Are the ear drops something new to keep people from taking too many antibiotics?

 

[mcdirector]

Poor poor thing!

I get ear infections occasionally and can't imagine relying solely on drops. If it's been a couple of days, I'd call the doc back and get him to call in something else. I would holler at him - "I WANT TO FEEL BETTER NOW!" (not really, but I'd feel like it )

 

[Jim1999]

I hate to admit this, but I get ear infections and build up in the ears causing pain and trouble hearing. I tried everything subscribed by doctor. One night I had no drugs, and doctor's office was closed for weekend....I did, however, have some cleanser of wax buildup for my dogs.....yeppers. for my dogs and prescribed by my veterinarian.........I tried it and it worked...regular user when the need arises. It is called R-7 Natural Ear Cleanser, Manufactured by Gimborn Pet Specialties, Atlanta, Georgia..Ingredients are: water, apple cider, vinegar, charmonite, marigold

All the best. I sure know what ear problems are like.

Cheers,

Jim

My dogs and I are ear problem free and no side affects.......best used at night before bed and put some cotton batton in ear until morning.

PS. My ear problems were examined by a physician.....the doggie treatment by a veterinarian

 

[annsni]

Ear drops would only work on an outer ear infection. Since there is an ear drum that separates the middle ear from the outer ear, if it's a middle ear infection, the drops would do nothing. Honestly, I'd call the doctor tomorrow and ask for a regular antibiotic for the ear since the drops are not helping at all.

 

[Jim1999]

Sorry I spoke. Forgot there was a doctor on board.

Please ignore what I wrote.

Cheers,

Dumb old Jim

 

[abcgrad94]

Aww Jim1999, I value your input! Besides, if I wanted to ask a doctor I would have called my own. It's more fun to play doctor myself, first, though.

As this infection is getting worse and I now have a fever, I will call the doc in the morning. She said it was in the ear canal but I think it's more than that.
It's hindering my desire and ability to talk (hubby is rejoicing!) so I know it is getting serious.:laugh:

 

[4ever4Jesus]

“Think of your hearing”

I had an Ear infection in 1993. I was given some antibiotics. At this time in my life I was homeless. I took some but did not realize how important this was. I had lots to worry about. But this infection caused Vertigoes and eventually I lost my hearing.

I was in my early 20s I did not know enough back then. Now I know more. You make sure you get rid of this ear infection. It can cause permanent damage. I would do both if the doctor says its ok to take both antibiotics and ear drops, get a check up at least if it is gone or if it is there then antibiotics. If it is not there perhaps the drops worked. I don’t know how well the drops work. But I know for sure to get rid of this making sure you don’t have this anymore. Just to let you know an ear infection for a short time should not cause any damage to the hearing. This is over a long term of infection.

 

[Jim1999]

Well, ABC, I did mention that a PHYSICIAN did examine my ear.........Quote". My ear problems were examined by a physician.....the doggie treatment by a veterinarian "

Cheers, and all the best,

Jim

 

[Jon-Marc]

I got an ear infection from swimming (swimmer's ear), and ear drops definitely worked for me. Of course, I suppose it depends on what caused the infection, and if the drops were the correct prescription for that infection. It's like taking the wrong pills for a sickness.

 

[abcgrad94]

Thanks for your comments and encouragement. I went back to the doctor yesterday as I felt worse, not better, and found that now both ears are infected. The doc gave me some stronger antibiotics and antibiotic ear drops. I still do not see any progress and am praying this heals up soon!

 

[annsni]

They might have to culture the ear to see what kind of bacteria or virus you are dealing with. It could be something that the abx. you're taking don't work against.

 

[abcgrad94]

The doctor gave me stronger meds and my ears started to get better. Now the infection is back all over again and I have to see a specialist. Bleck! The doc told me to stop using Q!-tips in my ears, as they just push the wax further into the ear canal, which may be part of my problem with getting the infections. She mentioned getting an irrigation something-or-other instead.

I'm confused. I've used Q-tips my whole life without any trouble, and I'm just now getting infections as a result? How on earth would "irrigating" my ears help? Wouldn't that just add more problems? Any advice?

 

[annsni]

Hubby has excessive ear was and what the doctor told him was that the Q-tips can clear the outside but once it goes inside, the canal is not big enough for the Q-tip to be placed in such a way that it will not push the wax further in. I use Q-tips and since I don't produce a lot of wax at all, it's fine but for him, he'll get a ball of wax in there then start having problems because water can't drain well and he'll have a wax ball blocking water against the ear drum. Now, I don't think that would cause issues with inner ear infections since there's no way for the fluid to get to the inner ear with the eardrum separating it but maybe you're getting your infections at the eardrum.

It's well worth seeing a specialist. My hubby now goes about every 6-8 months to the ENT and has his ears flushed. In between, he uses hydrogen peroxide in his ears a few times a week. Debrox is another product that works well for ear wax - that's what I use on my son.

 

[abcgrad94]

Thanks, Ann.

 

[Cressa]

If you go to the drug store, you'll find eat cleaning solutions that work pretty well. Basically you put the drops in your ears and the solution breaks up and dissolves the ear wax. You then allow the wax to drain from your ear and flush it with a solution or do the cleaning again. I used to do when I used the in-ear headphones because I would always have some wax stuck to ear buds.

 

[SaggyWoman]

I always try to get a shot in the bobo.

 

[Jim1999]

I have some extra needles. I can give you that shot for free..........lol

Cheers,

Jim

PS. I am a doctor, but neither physician nor veterinarian

 

[abcgrad94]

Well, I have to go see a specialist Monday. I hope I don't have to get a shot!

 

[glfredrick]

Hubby has excessive ear was and what the doctor told him was that the Q-tips can clear the outside but once it goes inside, the canal is not big enough for the Q-tip to be placed in such a way that it will not push the wax further in. I use Q-tips and since I don't produce a lot of wax at all, it's fine but for him, he'll get a ball of wax in there then start having problems because water can't drain well and he'll have a wax ball blocking water against the ear drum. Now, I don't think that would cause issues with inner ear infections since there's no way for the fluid to get to the inner ear with the eardrum separating it but maybe you're getting your infections at the eardrum.

It's well worth seeing a specialist. My hubby now goes about every 6-8 months to the ENT and has his ears flushed. In between, he uses hydrogen peroxide in his ears a few times a week. Debrox is another product that works well for ear wax - that's what I use on my son.

My wife and I have similar issues. I can't use q-tips without getting worse.

I use an over-the-counter product and rinse with the same saline stuff I use for sinus. Love Neilmed:

http://www.neilmed.com/usa/adword_sr.php?gclid=CN3b3KuW06UCFS9e7AodmSdrlg

It keeps me alive during allergy season here in the worst American city for allergies in the USA. :thumbs:

 

[abcgrad94]

I saw the specialist today and found out I have swimmer's ear. Doc said for me not to get water in the ears, no irrigation or peroxide for me, as this is a moisture problem, not a wax problem. Have to take some special ear drops and it will be all gone.

Whew! So glad to get some relief. The antibiotics my other doctor prescribed were useless for this, so I'm glad I saw the specialist.