Seeking Recommendations for ENT Specialists
Age 30, height 5’3”, weight 125 lbs - Back in 2019, I began experiencing episodes where my ears would suddenly feel blocked, severely impacting my hearing. It was reminiscent of that sensation you get during altitude changes on an airplane, when the pressure causes a feeling of fullness in your ears that can only be relieved by yawning. These occurrences weren’t linked to any illness or allergies and could last a couple of days at a time. I visited my doctor, who prescribed a nasal spray, but it provided no relief. Unfortunately, these issues persist to this day despite my efforts, which included trying various nasal sprays. In 2022, while landing during a flight, I experienced excruciating pain across my face, particularly behind my eyes, my jaw, and my eyebrows. This turned out to be pressure-related nerve pain, so intense that I feared I was having a brain aneurysm. I’ve also tried congestion medications, allergy treatments, nasal sprays, saline rinses, staying hydrated around the clock, and using ear protection, but none have alleviated my symptoms. I consulted with an ENT specialist twice, who conducted a hearing test showing no problems, yet they couldn't find a solution, and that was the end of the consultation. Just yesterday, I experienced that same ear blockage sensation throughout the day, and today I woke up with painful nerve sensations in my face. The situation is continuously worsening. I’ve even used prescription medications and sprays to no avail. I have another appointment scheduled with an ENT in a different state and am hopeful that I might finally gain some insight into my symptoms. I've read that requesting a CT scan might be beneficial—any other suggestions regarding questions to ask or other steps I should consider during my upcoming appointment?
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 3:20:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a frustrating and painful situation regarding your ear blockage and facial nerve pain. Your ongoing symptoms and the lack of effective treatment have understandably led you to seek more targeted care from an ENT specialist. Here are some important points and actionable suggestions for your upcoming appointment.
Main Points:
- Ongoing Symptoms Need Attention: You have a complex history of ear blockages and facial pain, which require thorough investigation.
- Requesting Specific Tests: Considering imaging studies like a CT scan could provide valuable insights into structural issues.
- Questions for Your ENT: Prepare questions that address your ongoing concerns and treatment options.
Explanation:
The sensation of ear blockage, especially if accompanied by facial pain, may suggest issues related to the Eustachian tube (which helps equalize ear pressure) or could potentially indicate sinus involvement. It is important to investigate underlying causes that may not have been addressed in previous visits.
Suggested Actions for Your Upcoming Appointment:
-
Request a CT Scan:
- Explain your history and symptoms and ask if a CT scan of your sinuses or ears is appropriate. This can help identify any blockages, structural issues, or sinusitis that may not be visible through a regular examination.
-
Prepare Questions:
- Ask about potential diagnoses or conditions that might explain your symptoms.
- Inquire about other diagnostic tests that could be helpful, such as an MRI or allergy testing if relevant.
- Discuss treatment options that haven’t been tried yet. This may include different medications, therapies, or even surgical options if necessary.
-
Document Your Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms leading up to the appointment. Note when symptoms occur, their intensity, any triggers you may have identified, and previous treatments tried. This can help your specialist pinpoint the cause more effectively.
-
Explore Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Discuss techniques or lifestyle changes that could help, such as avoiding pressure changes when flying or using specific exercises to help equalize ear pressure.
-
Communicate Your History and Concerns:
- Clearly explain the evolution of your symptoms and past treatments. Make sure to express how these issues affect your daily life, as this can emphasize the need for a thorough investigation.
Closing Thought:
Your experience is valid, and seeking additional opinions and tests is a proactive step toward finding relief. Stay hopeful about your upcoming consultation, as gathering the right information and exploring all possible avenues can lead to improved management of your symptoms. If you have any other questions or need further clarification, feel free to reach out.
Related Questions
Concerns After Gallbladder Surgery (Three Weeks Post-Op) - Is It an Infection?
Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Location: United States Recent Medical History: Nearly three weeks have passed since my gallbladder removal surgery. Over the last few days, I've noticed a small amount of unclear fluid coming from the incision. I just observed what seems to be pus oozing from the surgical site. Although there is slight tenderness when I move or touch the area, it isn't painful. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor emanating from the wound. Should I continue to clean it with soap and water, or is it necessary for me to visit the emergency room for further evaluation?
Navigating Ear Infections While Traveling in Thailand
**Age:** 23 **Height:** 6'3" **Weight:** 88 kg **Medication Taken:** 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin with Potassium Clavulanate, along with pain relief and antihistamines. **Summary:** I’m hesitant to consult a doctor overseas only to receive a prescription for the same antibiotics available at a local pharmacy for a fraction of the price. What strategies can I employ to effectively manage this persistent ear infection? Am I being too hasty in my expectations? I have a long history of ear infections, often triggered by exposure to water or any activity impacting my ears. I regularly use a specialized oil before showering to prevent water from entering my ears. While backpacking in Thailand, I've developed a particularly severe ear infection over the last several days. Initially, a course of 500mg amoxicillin seemed effective, but significantly, just yesterday my condition took a downturn, shifting from nearly healed to painfully inflamed. Now, my ear is not only swollen but also incredibly sore. In an attempt to combat this, I’ve been taking 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulanate, having consumed seven tablets in the last two days; unfortunately, there's been no noticeable improvement. I’m reluctant to seek medical attention, fearing I would be prescribed the same medication I could acquire from a pharmacy, albeit at a much higher cost. Yet, I’m also starting to question the efficacy of the pharmacy’s medication. I’ve only recently begun the stronger treatment since my symptoms returned. Any advice would be greatly valued! In addition, I’d like to share that just a week into my four-month journey, I feel as though my ongoing ear issues are gradually dominating my life. I am incredibly grateful for this travel opportunity, and while my health isn’t at risk in a serious way, these ear complications are becoming quite overwhelming. Could there be surgical options available? Might there be an underlying health concern that I’m unaware of? It doesn’t seem normal to be plagued by constant ringing, popping sounds, and wax buildup in my ears. Moreover, it feels excessive to have to apply products in my ears every time I shower.
Navigating Health Concerns: A Young Woman's Plight with Chronic Migraines and Stress
To summarize a very complex situation, last spring in 2025 was exceptionally challenging for me. I faced overwhelming stressors, including family deaths, eviction, and my parents splitting up. This turmoil led to chest pains so severe that I had to visit the emergency room because I couldn’t breathe deeply without experiencing intense pain. The doctors attributed the issue to psychological causes, but I continued to suffer from pain and instances of fainting due to the stress, which worsened as yet another family member was diagnosed with cancer. My psychiatrist suggested medication, and I started on Lexapro and Concerta, which improved my condition somewhat, even though I remained fatigued and felt like I was merely surviving. By the end of August, I contracted a severe case of bronchitis that caused me to experience fevers even while doing laundry. It seemed I was verging on pneumonia, prompting the prescription of prednisone and other steroid medications. Thankfully, I began to recover quickly, but soon after, I was plagued by persistent headaches and an overwhelming sense of paranoia that someone was out to get me. After another emergency room visit, the physicians informed me that, although my symptoms—such as fever, intense pain, night sweats, sensitivity to light, ear pressure, and a stiff neck—were alarming, they were likely just severe migraines that should eventually fade. Unfortunately, they didn’t. I returned to urgent care for further treatment, received antibiotics, and was advised to consult a neurologist. While the antibiotics provided some relief, my symptoms intensified. My primary care physician eventually prescribed sumatriptan, a medication intended to alleviate migraine pain, but instead, it exacerbated the headache. For the next two to four weeks, I endured an exceptionally difficult time, facing numerous strange symptoms that felt worthy of immediate attention, yet each visit concluded with a migraine diagnosis and a waiting period for my neurology appointment. My frustrations pushed me to contemplate risky alternatives for relief, but I resisted, feeling utterly hopeless and unable to cope. I sought an ear, nose, and throat specialist to rule out sinus issues, which turned out to be fine. A painful spot under my jaw led me to suspect nerve involvement, and I visited the emergency room again due to experiencing stroke-like symptoms (including mild left arm weakness, extreme headache, and minor speech issues). Sadly, I was again told it was merely a headache, and the IV medications were ineffective. During my annual check-up, my primary care provider was unfamiliar with my ongoing issues but discovered an enlarged lymph node in the lower left side of my neck and a cyst on my thymus after conducting a soft tissue scan. She reassured me that there was no need for concern and suggested waiting for my neurology visit or getting my eyesight checked. Despite my yellower complexion, increasing stiffness, and joint pain, I accepted her recommendation. While I mentally adapted to the chronic pain, which was always present, it affected my ability to concentrate and engage in daily life. I tried consuming plenty of lemon juice and engaging in lymphatic drainage massages, which provided transient relief and halted my yellowing skin. Now, in the present, I've noticed a peculiar, raised red bump on the side of my foot. It’s hard, tender, and smaller than a dime, without any accompanying rash. It has persisted for a couple of weeks without causing pain while walking. Additionally, more lymph nodes in my neck have become swollen, I have experienced difficulty swallowing, and I occasionally choke on air. My lungs feel heavier with a diminished sense of smell, though I don't have the thick mucus typical of a cold. The headaches, however, are reemerging, sharper than before, which is a concerning development. Throughout all of this, my blood pressure has remained within a low yet stable range, and my blood tests and CT scans have shown no significant issues. I haven’t consumed anything excessively that might raise concern, including food or drugs. Am I truly facing a serious health crisis? Should I prioritize getting another appointment, or do I need to rush to urgent care? I'm scheduled to see the neurologist in about a month, and I'm wondering if I should ask my primary care provider for some preliminary tests like blood work or an MRI beforehand. If so, what specific questions should I prepare for my neurology visit? I believe the pain has a genuine physical basis, although my anxiety definitely amplifies the experience.
Injury to the Sciatic Nerve
At 25 years old and weighing 135 pounds, I am currently taking naproxen and Lyrica to manage my sciatic nerve injury. The pain in my right leg has made it incredibly difficult for me to remain upright. It’s been two weeks since I first sought treatment; I consulted a physician who advised medication and attended a physiotherapy session. Initially, I experienced some relief after the appointment, but unfortunately, the pain returned the following day—even the prescribed home exercises exacerbated my discomfort. Just yesterday, I attempted the cobra pose, along with the flossing technique, which only heightened my pain. I find it nearly impossible to stand for more than a few seconds before the discomfort becomes intolerable. Additionally, I have an appointment with an osteopath on Tuesday, but I can't shake off my worries— is it normal to still struggle with walking after two weeks? Although I am experiencing some numbness in my toes, I haven’t encountered any loss of bladder or bowel control, worsening numbness, or weakness in my legs, so I feel stable in that regard. Nonetheless, I fear the possibility of never fully recovering and being left with a lasting disability. The pain is overwhelming, adding to my anxiety about the future.
Inquiry Regarding Metronidazole Use for Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis
I am a 32-year-old female, measuring 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 248 pounds. My current medications include Vyvanse at a dosage of 40mg, a medication for asthma, vitamin D, a 325mg iron supplement, and as of now, I am also taking amoxicillin to treat strep throat. I am about to begin using Metronidazole 0.75% Vaginal Gel, with a total of 70 grams available. The instructions indicate that I should administer 5 grams vaginally twice a day for seven days, followed by twice a week for a period of two months. During the initial treatment phase when I will apply the gel twice daily, I anticipate abstaining from sexual activity. However, once I transition to the twice-weekly application, is it permissible to engage in sexual intercourse? I would normally consult my physician about this matter, but she is currently unavailable, and the nurse is also out of the office, which is quite frustrating.