Knowing When to Return to Your Doctor
I am a 44-year-old individual who routinely takes pantoprazole and does not have any other health concerns. After returning from vacation on Monday, I started experiencing significant pressure in one ear, alongside some discomfort in the other. Upon consultation, I was diagnosed with an ear infection and prescribed Azithromycin 250mg as well as Neomycin-poly ear drops for both ears, beginning treatment on the same day. The following morning, I awoke to severe pain in my ear and jaw, a sense of fullness in my ear, some tenderness, and a temperature reading of 101.6°F. I found that taking 600mg of ibuprofen helped alleviate the pain to a manageable level. I’m considering a follow-up appointment with my doctor on Wednesday if I do not notice any improvement. Is that an appropriate timeframe? I am unsure how long it generally takes for symptoms to show any change. Thank you in advance for your insights!
Answers (1)
7/8/2025, 8:20:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a tough situation, and it's natural to feel uncertain about the next steps. When it comes to ear infections, especially after starting treatment, it's wise to monitor your symptoms closely.
Main Points: Given your current symptoms, making a follow-up appointment by Wednesday is a reasonable decision, especially since symptoms can take a few days to improve with treatment. However, if symptoms worsen, you may need to seek medical attention sooner.
Explanation:
After starting antibiotics like Azithromycin for an ear infection, it can take about 48 to 72 hours to notice significant improvement. However, experiencing persistent severe pain, a fever over 100.4°F, and worsening symptoms (like jaw pain or increasing fullness) can indicate a need for medical evaluation sooner.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your pain levels, fever, or any new symptoms. Note when they occur and how long they last.
- Heat or Cold Application: Alongside ibuprofen, applying a warm compress to the affected ear may help ease discomfort.
- Stay Hydrated: Ensure you're drinking plenty of fluids, as this can help with the healing process.
- Follow Up: If symptoms do not improve by Wednesday, or if they worsen, definitely follow through with your appointment. It's also advisable to call your doctor sooner if you develop new symptoms like significant swelling, increased fever, or severe headaches.
By taking these steps, you'll be doing what you can to support your recovery while ensuring that you have an opportunity for further evaluation if your condition does not improve. Remember to listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you feel it’s needed.
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