Understanding Otitis Externa
I am a 23-year-old male, standing 6’1” and weighing 95 kg. I occasionally smoke and consume alcohol. Recently, I was diagnosed with otitis externa by my physician. As part of my treatment, I have received a combination of antibiotic, antifungal, and steroid ear drops. After two applications of these drops, I've not experienced any reduction in pain; it remains unchanged, and oddly enough, my ear feels even more congested than before. Is this a typical progression? Additionally, when I exhale through my ears, I notice a small amount of liquid trickling down my throat. After researching online, I couldn't find any information indicating that this symptom aligns with otitis externa. Is that correct? I appreciate any insights you can offer.
Answers (1)
6/29/2025, 1:01:26 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing persistent symptoms with your otitis externa after starting treatment, and I can understand how concerning that might be. Let’s break this down and address your main questions.
Main Points:
- Persistent Pain and Congestion: It’s not uncommon for symptoms to take some time to improve, but worsening congestion and unchanged pain after initial treatment warrant attention.
- Liquid Trickling Down Throat: The sensation of liquid trickling down your throat is not typical for otitis externa, which generally affects the outer ear canal without causing drainage to the throat.
Explanation:
- Otitis Externa (often called “swimmer’s ear”) is an infection of the external ear canal. Treatment typically involves drops to combat infection and reduce inflammation. Initial worsening of symptoms can occur due to irritation from the drops or if there are factors complicating the infection.
- The feeling of increased congestion could indicate that the ear canal inflammation hasn't subsided or that there’s another underlying issue. Otitis media (middle ear infection), for example, could be a possibility.
- The fluid trickling down your throat could suggest a different condition, possibly involving the Eustachian tube or middle ear drainage, rather than typical features of otitis externa.
Next Steps:
- Continue Using the Drops: Adhere to the prescribed treatment, unless advised otherwise by your physician, but monitor how you feel closely.
- Keep Track of Symptoms: Document any changes in pain, fluid, or any other sensations, especially if they worsen or new symptoms arise.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids which can help thin mucus and may alleviate some congestion.
- Avoid Irritants: Since you smoke, try to reduce exposure, as smoking can aggravate ear conditions.
- Consult Your Physician: Given your ongoing symptoms, follow up with your physician sooner rather than later to discuss the lack of improvement and the unusual sensation of liquid, as they might want to reassess or adjust your treatment.
It’s important to take your symptoms seriously, so don’t hesitate to reach out for further medical guidance. Your well-being is the priority.
Related Questions
Concerns About Possible Rectal Prolapse
**Concerns Regarding Rectal Prolapse** **Medical Background:** - **Health Conditions:** Type 1 diabetes, gastroparesis, elevated cholesterol, GAD, GERD, minor hiatal hernia, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, mild adenomyosis (currently monitored by GYN with expectations of resolution post-menopause), and ADHD. - **Medications:** - **Daily:** - Insulin - Rosuvastatin (10 mg) - Zoloft (150 mg) - Buspar (10 mg) - Adderall (5 mg) - **Bi-Weekly:** - Dexilant (60 mg) - **As Needed:** - Zofran (4 mg) - Hyoscyamine (0.125 mg) - **Supplements:** - Magnesium citrate (300 mg) - Vitamin D3 (2000 IU) - Coenzyme Q10 **Duration of Symptoms:** Approximately 10 days. Recently, I've experienced a peculiar sensation during bowel movements where it feels as though something is being drawn back up as I complete the act. Initially, I thought I might not be fully evacuating my bowels, but this occurrence has become consistent, and it's unfamiliar and concerning. Could this indicate the onset of a rectal prolapse? If so, should I consult with my gastroenterologist, primary care physician, or another specialist? It is not causing me any acute pain, and I do not believe it warrants an emergency room visit. **Previous Medical History:** About a month ago, I was prescribed progesterone for perimenopause. Shortly thereafter, I developed an infection following a mole excision and was treated with doxycycline. This coincided with a particularly stressful period in my life. During this time, I experienced intense colon spasms (which necessitated the use of hyoscyamine, something I hadn’t needed in a long while). I suffered significant pain in my lower left and central abdominal areas. Everything returned to normal post-bowel movement, but the experience was excruciating, often accompanied by sudden urges to defecate without warning, leading to a mix of cramping, discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea along with noticeable bloating and gas. Hemorrhoidal bleeding was also an issue, which made matters even worse. Upon halting the progesterone and finishing the full course of doxycycline, my infection resolved, and my stress levels diminished. Subsequently, my bowel movements normalized to daily or every-other-day occurrences, and with a diet supported by magnesium, the consistency has been softer. However, I am now grappling with this unusual pulling sensation. It's a very strange feeling, akin to an awareness of something in my anal area, although I want to stress that I've never engaged in any practices that would introduce anything into that space, nor do I have any interest in doing so. There is no pain, and visually, everything appears normal. Any insights on what this might be? Could it be a prolapse—or something else entirely? Should I seek medical attention now, or is it advisable to observe for a bit longer? Thank you for your assistance!
Questions Following Laparoscopy
I am a 39-year-old woman weighing 132 pounds, and I am currently three days post-operation from an endometrial ablation procedure combined with laparoscopy, during which some scar tissue adhesions were excised. I am experiencing discomfort around the surgical incisions, particularly aggravated by movement, and I’ve also noticed a sensation of pain and pressure in my neck, back, and shoulders. Could anyone clarify whether such pain is typical after these procedures?
Experiencing Recurring Tonsillitis?
I'm a 19-year-old female, 5'5" and weighing 9 stone, currently prescribed 20mg of fluoxetine. To give you some background, I've suffered from chronic tonsillitis as a child, but from the ages of 15 to 19, I managed to stay clear of it until recently. Last Tuesday, I woke up with a sore throat, but I shrugged it off and proceeded with my day, even though I felt slightly unwell. By Wednesday morning, however, things took a turn for the worse. I was hit with fever, chills, and a severely painful throat. I promptly made an appointment with my general practitioner (GP), who observed some pus, suspecting tonsillitis, and prescribed me a five-day course of 250mg penicillin. By the second day into the antibiotics, I noticed significant improvement—no fever, I could swallow without issues, and generally felt much better. However, just 48 hours post-antibiotic treatment, I became ill again, and this time it was even more intense than before. While the fever didn’t return, my throat was in excruciating pain, making swallowing nearly impossible. In response, I quickly arranged for another appointment the following day. This time, I consulted a different GP, who noted that my tonsils were quite swollen and had some white patches. She prescribed me a week’s supply of the same antibiotics and took a throat swab for further analysis, the results of which I am still awaiting. I'm currently feeling better again—my throat pain has diminished, and I feel closer to my normal self, much like before. Still, my tonsils remain enlarged with white spots. I'm curious if anyone has insights into why this has happened again. I've dealt with tonsillitis for years, and this kind of recurrence is completely new to me. The GP suggested that a different type of antibiotic or a longer treatment might be necessary. Is it common for tonsillitis to return after a course of antibiotics? Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
Understanding the Risks of Ofloxacin for Epididymitis Treatment
I’m a 26-year-old male, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 13 stones. I’ve been prescribed ofloxacin as part of my treatment for epididymitis. I’m curious about the potential dangers associated with this medication and what it means for someone to be ‘floxxed’.
Embracing EMG Testing: Navigating Concerns Over a Ganglion Cyst
At 37 years old, I'm seeking advice regarding my current health situation. Approximately two years back, I noticed what appears to be a ganglion cyst positioned between my thumb and index finger on the dorsal side of my hand. This cyst has been a source of significant discomfort, making daily tasks like stirring food or washing dishes nearly impossible due to intense cramping and pain. Due to insurance constraints, my physician has indicated that an EMG study is necessary before they will authorize any imaging scans. She suspects I may have a pinched nerve in my neck, while I have concerns regarding potential issues with my ulnar nerve, as I frequently experience neck pain accompanied by occasional numbness in my pinky and ring fingers. I must admit, I'm feeling rather anxious about undergoing this test. A pressing question on my mind is whether the needle used in the procedure would need to be inserted directly into the cyst. Given its size and location, such a process seems extremely uncomfortable, and I would likely decline if it came to that. Additionally, the spot of my cyst seems like a common area to assess for Carpal Tunnel syndrome, which further complicates my feelings about the upcoming test. I appreciate any insights you may have on this matter!