Are My Ear Infection Symptoms Intensifying After Treatment?
As a 42-year-old woman, I visited urgent care yesterday and was diagnosed with an ear infection accompanied by a perforation. I’ve been prescribed Amoxicillin 875 mg, which I take twice daily, along with Ofloxacin drops. After applying the drops, I’ve been experiencing intermittent sharp pains, and it feels like my ears are becoming even more clogged. I apply the drops once daily, using 10 drops in the affected ear, and then I lie down for about 15 minutes to let them absorb. Should I wait until tomorrow to assess my condition, or is this an indication that my infection is worsening?
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 9:40:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned when experiencing worsening symptoms after starting treatment for an ear infection. Here’s an overview of what might be happening and some guidance on next steps.
Main Points
- Worsening Symptoms: Intermittent sharp pains and a feeling of increased clogging can occur during treatment but should be monitored.
- Expectations Post-Treatment: Some discomfort is normal as healing begins; however, significant pain or symptoms that worsen after a couple of days could indicate a need for further evaluation.
Explanation
When treating an ear infection, especially with a perforation, it's common to experience changes in symptom intensity. The Amoxicillin is working to fight the infection, but it can take time for symptoms to improve. The Ofloxacin drops may also cause temporary discomfort as they begin to work. Generally, some degree of pain during recovery is normal, but if you notice a notable increase in pain or blockage, it could be a sign that the infection isn't responding well or there may be other complications.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your pain levels and any changes in hearing or drainage from your ear. Note if the pain becomes constant or significantly worse within the next 24-48 hours.
-
Hydration and Rest: Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and rest to help your body heal.
-
Pain Management: Consider using over-the-counter pain relief, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to alleviate discomfort during this period.
-
Follow-Up: If your symptoms escalate significantly (e.g., severe pain, fever, or significant hearing changes), or if you notice no improvement after a few days of treatment, consider seeking medical attention earlier to ensure there isn’t a complication.
Listening to your body is essential, and while some discomfort is expected, stay attentive to any significant changes. If you feel the situation is urgent at any point, it is always better to err on the side of caution.
Related Questions
Intense Electric Pain on One Side of the Face
Hello everyone, I don’t often share my thoughts here, and this is actually my first time posting. I’m reaching out in desperation, as I need to talk about something that’s been bothering me and I don't have anyone to confide in. A couple of years ago, I started a customer service role that came with a pretty high level of stress. Generally, I consider myself to be an upbeat and cheerful individual, so I strive to maintain that positivity throughout the workday, even under pressure. One day, while engaged with a customer, I suddenly experienced a jolt of intense, electric-like pain that coursed through one side of my face, from the top of my head down to my jaw. Initially, I brushed it off as merely stress or perhaps a sign that I was overextending myself. Curiously, this pain has never occurred when I'm at home; it's exclusively tied to my work environment. I eventually left that job for various reasons and took on a different customer service position that also involves significant stress. Predictably, that sharp discomfort returned, this time extending into my neck and amplifying the pain. While these episodes are infrequent, they are alarming, particularly when they strike unexpectedly while I’m speaking in front of others. Over time, I’ve grown increasingly anxious about what this might signify. I’ve entertained thoughts of it being a stroke, but online searches have suggested conditions like trigeminal neuralgia or even a brain tumor. To be candid, I’m utterly frightened. At 25, I’ve read that trigeminal neuralgia typically affects individuals over 50, which makes the prospect of a brain tumor all the more terrifying. I hesitate to share this, fearing the outcome of what I might discover. I haven’t consulted a medical professional yet, and I’m torn between going to a clinic or heading straight to the ER. I’m also worried about looking silly if this turns out to be stress-related. I appreciate any guidance or insights anyone can provide. Thank you! 🫶🏼
Is a Breast Exam Necessary at 18?
I'm an 18-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 2 inches and weighing 130 pounds. I have no known medical conditions and I'm not on any medications. Recently, during my annual check-up, my physician performed a breast examination. She did this without prior notice, which caught me off guard, as it involved her using her entire hand to feel my breasts under my gown and bra. I found it to be quite uncomfortable, a situation that has occurred for the last few years. After doing some research, I discovered that guidelines generally suggest these exams aren't necessary until ages 20 to 25. Given this, I'm wondering if I'm too young for such an assessment. Should I consider changing my doctor? While I have no other health issues, I feel uneasy about this. What could be the reasoning behind her choice to conduct this exam when I’m under 20?
What to Do After a Potential Poison Ivy Encounter?
Hello everyone. Just a quick intro: I’m 23 years old and currently taking a mix of Lamictal, Zoloft, and quetiapine. Recently, I decided to go hiking, dressed for the occasion in shorts, thinking it would be an exciting adventure. It just hit me that there’s a strong likelihood I brushed against some poison ivy during the hike, and quite a bit of it at that. I’d consider checking the trail again, but honestly, the thought of it is a bit disheartening. To add to the chaos, about fifteen minutes after I might have encountered the plant, a torrential downpour hit. I was aware that rain was predicted for later, but unexpectedly found myself about two miles away from a severe thunderstorm warning. And let me tell you, it rained relentlessly! Now, moving past the unfortunate circumstances, I can’t shake off the anxiety over what might happen next. I’m currently on edge, anticipating a rash to break out at any moment. It’s been roughly eight hours since the hike. I’ve showered and am just bracing myself for the worst. I’ve never dealt with poison ivy before, and the anticipation of a potential reaction is really stressing me out. Does anyone have suggestions for what I can do? Is it possible this will all blow over without any issues? At this junction, I feel like I’m coming to terms with my misfortune. I’m almost certain I came into contact with the plant; it had the signature red stem and three leaves. It just didn’t register with me until now. I understand I made a questionable choice, but there was no warning sign for me at the time. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Seeking Guidance for Pharyngeal Injury
Age: 23, Height: 5'9", Weight: 205 lbs. This past Saturday, I engaged in some cocaine use and had a small amount of alcohol. Upon waking up today, I noticed an unusual sensation when I breathed through my left nostril, almost as if air was becoming trapped beneath my left jaw, towards the rear of my mouth. After checking in the mirror, I discovered an apparent tear located deep in my pharynx on the left side. This situation has made me quite anxious, particularly because I've come across information indicating the danger of such injuries, including the risk of infection leading to sepsis. Currently, my only discomforts are slight dizziness and heightened anxiety. I've not noticed any blood when I spit, but I do experience a sensation of air getting caught both while inhaling and exhaling. Additionally, I've been dealing with a buildup of phlegm on that side. I'm seriously considering a visit to the emergency room, despite not having insurance or sufficient funds to cover potential medical expenses. Any advice or assistance during this tough time would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Concerns About My Daughter’s Neck Pain and Lupus
A few months ago, my daughter, who is 13, received a diagnosis of lupus. Since then, we have been working through the challenges that come with it. Fortunately, her lab results from the appointment two weeks back were very encouraging. However, this morning she began to express discomfort, specifically complaining about pain in her neck when she turns her head. She had spent the previous day swimming and kayaking with her friends, which I initially thought might have caused the issue. After taking an Advil from my bag, she felt fine for most of the day. Yet, as the afternoon progressed, she mentioned that the pain had returned and was holding her neck quite rigidly. She seemed to be in considerable discomfort, and just before bedtime, she reported a sharp headache. This has raised my level of concern, as it feels beyond a mere muscle strain. I asked her if she wanted to visit the doctor, but she declined, stating she simply wanted to sleep. She went to bed not long ago, and I plan to check on her soon. Still, I'm left pondering whether this situation relates to her condition with lupus, if it’s due to muscle strain, or potentially something else. She hasn’t developed a fever, yet she was quite upset before heading to bed. Given her lupus diagnosis, should this be a concern we address in the morning? I suspect the pain may stem from muscle issues and recognize I might be overreacting as a mom, but I can’t shake the feeling that the lack of relief is worrisome.