Should I Seek Medical Attention for Ear Pain During Antibiotic Treatment?
I’m a 30-year-old female dealing with ear issues that have persisted for over a month. Initially, it was diagnosed as impacted ear wax, but then I encountered difficulty with my ears popping, which only added to the discomfort. I subsequently caught the flu, which intensified the pressure in my ears and sinuses. The initial ear wax issue came with pain, but once that passed, the experience was primarily characterized by uncomfortable pressure, which I mention for context, as I've never faced anything quite like this before. Seven days ago, as I thought I was recovering from the previous issues, I started experiencing significant ear pain. While away from home, I visited an urgent care facility where I received antihistamines and ear drop antibiotics. A few days later, the situation escalated, leading me to the emergency room, where I was prescribed oral antibiotics (500 mg of amoxicillin three times a day for a duration of 10 days). Currently, I am on my fourth day of treatment. Though I planned to return home this weekend to consult a local doctor, my ear continues to throb and I’m uncertain whether I should wait another four days for an appointment or if my condition necessitates immediate attention. Additionally, I’m unsure about the type of medical professional I should seek out for this issue. I’ve been experiencing sporadic sharp pains in and around my ear, along with persistent ringing and the sensation of hearing my heartbeat, which is particularly bothersome. Moreover, the area surrounding my ear is tender to touch. It’s worth noting that I will be driving back home, rather than flying, which is a six-hour journey. I usually experience ear popping during such drives, and I’m anxious about how my condition might react to the travel. Remaining in my current location is not ideal, but I am keeping that as a possibility as I figure out the best course of action.
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 12:50:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing considerable ear discomfort that has been complex and ongoing. Given that you're currently taking antibiotics for your condition, but the pain persists with new symptoms, it's essential to carefully evaluate your situation and decide on the best next steps for your health.
Main Points:
- Your persistent ear pain and new symptoms (sharp pain, ringing, tenderness) suggest that you may need further evaluation.
- Considering your current treatment and symptoms, seeking timely medical attention is advisable before your journey home.
Explanation:
Ear pain can result from various issues, including infections, fluid buildup, or even complications like Eustachian tube dysfunction (which might explain your popping and pressure sensations). Despite being on antibiotics, your symptoms like throbbing pain, ringing in the ears, and tenderness indicate that your condition may not be improving as expected. It's also noteworthy that the flu can complicate ear issues due to sinus pressure and inflammation, which could contribute to your current symptoms.
Next Steps:
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Seek Immediate Medical Help: Given the severity of your symptoms, it's important to find a local healthcare provider sooner rather than later, as the current treatment may need adjustment. An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist would be particularly suited to address ear issues and complications arising from them.
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Monitor Symptoms Before Travel: If possible, avoid your six-hour trip until you’ve been evaluated. Traveling can exacerbate ear issues, especially with altitude changes, and could potentially lead to more pain or complications during your journey.
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Pain Management: In the meantime, consider using over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help manage the pain. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions on the package.
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Avoid Irritants: Stay clear of smoke, extreme temperatures, and any other potential irritants that could worsen your symptoms while you seek care.
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Keep Hydrated and Use a Humidifier: Staying hydrated and using a humidifier can help ease symptoms related to sinus and ear pressure.
By prioritizing these steps, you can address your concerns effectively while minimizing any additional discomfort. Your health and comfort are paramount, so please take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out for the appropriate help.
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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - 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