Dealing with an Ear Infection
Hello! I am a female, 18 years old, standing at 5 feet 3 inches and weighing 120 pounds. I've been experiencing symptoms of an ear infection since July 5th (Saturday). By Monday, my condition had worsened significantly, prompting me to seek help at the Little Clinic, where I was given a prescription for antibiotic ear drops. I started using the medication around noon on that same day. Now it’s Wednesday, July 9th, and my symptoms have dramatically intensified; I'm suffering from severe pain characterized by intense pressure and continuous throbbing. Neither Tylenol nor ibuprofen seem to provide any relief. Should I consult my primary care physician to possibly obtain a different antibiotic, or is it better to wait for the current treatment to take effect? Numerous sources suggest that I should have begun to feel some improvement by this time.
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 7:30:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort from your ear infection, and it's important to address this properly. Given that your symptoms have worsened despite starting the prescribed antibiotic ear drops, it's understandable to feel concerned about your current situation.
Key Points:
- Persistent severe pain and pressure in the ear after starting antibiotic treatment may indicate that the infection isn't improving or that there may be complications.
- Antibiotics can take time to provide relief, but worsening symptoms after a few days of treatment warrant re-evaluation.
Explanation: Typically, ear infections improve within a few days of starting antibiotics. Since it has been four days since you began treatment, and you are not experiencing relief, this situation requires prompt attention. It's possible that the bacteria causing the infection are not responsive to the current antibiotic, or there may be another issue contributing to the pain.
Next Steps:
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Consult Your Primary Care Physician: Contact your doctor as soon as possible to discuss your worsening symptoms. They can assess whether a different antibiotic is needed or if further evaluation is necessary.
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Keep Track of Symptoms: Document any additional symptoms you notice, such as fever, drainage from the ear, or any changes in dizziness or hearing. This information will help your physician understand the severity and nature of your condition.
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Pain Management: Continue taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed, but since they aren't providing relief, make sure to mention this to your doctor. They may suggest other pain management techniques, such as warm compresses to the affected ear.
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Monitor for Additional Symptoms: If you experience significant worsening, such as high fever, swelling around the ear, or any neurological symptoms (like hearing loss or balance issues), seek immediate medical attention.
Your health and comfort are the top priorities, and it’s reasonable to seek further help when you're not seeing the expected improvements. Please take care and keep advocating for yourself.
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