Persistent Nasal Discomfort and Ear Pain Concerns
I am a 26-year-old female, weighing 120 lbs and standing 5 feet 1 inch tall. I do not consume drugs or alcohol and am a former smoker. Currently, I am taking 40 mg of Strattera for attention-related issues. Last summer, I experienced a sinus infection and was prescribed antibiotics, which alleviated the immediate symptoms; however, the problem seems to have lingered. I now frequently suffer from a runny nose that is accompanied by an unpleasant odor, sinus-related headaches, and persistent tinnitus. During my visit to the doctor, we tried nasal steroid treatments alongside a prednisone regimen, but I had to discontinue the latter midway due to experiencing chest pains. Despite being on the nasal steroids for six weeks, I saw no improvement. I was referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist, but later they contacted me saying that my primary physician could manage my condition. Currently, I feel perplexed because it has been over a year since these issues began, and my ear pain has intensified recently. I have just completed another round of amoxicillin due to noticeable redness in my ear. I am seeking advice on what this could indicate or what steps I should take next, especially since the ENT turned down my referral from my primary care doctor. My doctor mentioned that they would likely just restart the steroid treatment if I were seen by the ENT anyway.
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 2:20:53 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with persistent nasal discomfort and ear pain that have been troubling you for an extended period. Given your history of sinus infections and treatments, it’s understandable that you’re feeling frustrated and uncertain about your next steps.
Summary of your concerns:
- Persistent nasal congestion, runny nose with odor, sinus headaches, tinnitus, and recent ear pain.
- Previous treatments, including antibiotics and nasal steroids, with limited success.
- Confusion about the referral process to an ENT specialist.
Explanation:
Your symptoms suggest a possible chronic sinus condition, which might include chronic rhinosinusitis or another underlying issue like allergies or structural problems in your nasal passages. The unpleasant odor from your nasal discharge can be a sign of infection or inflammation affecting your sinuses. With your history of symptoms persisting for over a year, it’s important to find effective treatments that work for you.
Next Steps:
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Continue Symptom Tracking: Keep a detailed symptom diary, noting the severity and timing of your nasal discomfort, ear pain, and any changes in your symptoms. This can help identify potential triggers or patterns.
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Consider Allergy Testing: If not previously done, talk to your doctor about potential allergy testing. Allergies can cause chronic sinus issues and might require different management strategies.
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Nasal Irrigation: Use a saline nasal rinse daily to help clear mucus and reduce inflammation. This can also help with cleanup if there's any infection. It’s a safe, non-medicated option to relieve nasal symptoms.
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Review Medications: Since you had issues with prednisone leading to chest pain, discuss alternative treatments with your doctor that can manage inflammation without causing uncomfortable side effects.
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Follow-Up with the ENT: If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, insist on seeing an ENT specialist again. If they feel your symptoms are manageable within your primary care, consider asking your primary doctor for a second opinion or clarification on ongoing management options.
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Monitor for Worsening Symptoms: Be vigilant for any new severe symptoms, such as fever, significant ear pain, or difficulty breathing, and seek immediate care if these occur.
I empathize with how challenging chronic health issues can be, especially when facing uncertainty about treatment options. You're taking the right steps by seeking further clarification and management strategies. Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need support!
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