Ear Issues After Infection
I am a 63-year-old man in overall good health, with no prior medical conditions. I enjoy an occasional cocktail on weekends and do not smoke. Approximately five weeks ago, I suffered an ear infection caused by a bug bite. After visiting urgent care, the infection was drained, and I received medication before returning home. Unfortunately, two weeks later, I found myself back at urgent care due to worsening symptoms. They lanced the area once more and provided additional medication. Fast forward another two weeks, and I was back in urgent care, experiencing intensified pain. This time, medical personnel identified a cyst deep within my ear canal, which was extremely painful. They administered two injections for pain relief and applied numbing cream prior to lancing the cyst and removing a significant amount of buildup. Thankfully, after a few days, I started to feel much better, with reduced discomfort. However, about eight days have passed since my last visit, and I'm noticing a return of soreness. Moreover, I've realized that compared to my other ear, this ear canal seems less open while attempting to clean it with a Q-tip. The primary reason I resorted to urgent care was the difficulty in scheduling appointments with any ENT specialist—I found that the earliest openings were two months away. What should I consider doing if my pain starts escalating again? I appreciate any advice you may offer.
Answers (1)
9/8/2025, 11:40:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been through quite a challenging experience with your ear issues, and it’s understandable to be concerned about returning pain or discomfort. Your situation indicates ongoing inflammation and perhaps some residual blockage in the ear canal. Here’s how you can take actionable steps to manage your symptoms while waiting for specialist care.
Main Points:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close watch on your ear discomfort and any changes.
- Gentle Care: Avoid using Q-tips or similar objects for cleaning your ear.
- Home Management: Consider using warm compresses for relief and over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
Explanation:
Your recurrent problems stem from an initial ear infection that might have led to both an abscess (cyst) and your ear canal becoming inflamed. The sensation that your ear canal feels less open could indicate swelling or further blockage, which might occur after drainage procedures. Given the history of escalating symptoms, it is important to manage your discomfort effectively and assess any changes.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Monitoring: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting any increases in pain, changes in hearing, or discharge from the ear. This will help you identify patterns and communicate effectively to any healthcare provider if needed.
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Gentle Ear Care: Avoid inserting anything into your ear canal, including Q-tips. Instead, you can gently wipe the outer part of your ear with a soft cloth after bathing. If you feel itching or discomfort, it may be best to address that with a warm compress, which can help soothe irritation.
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Pain Relief: If you experience pain, consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the dosing recommendations. This can help manage discomfort as you wait for a longer-term solution.
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Hydration and Humidity: Staying well-hydrated and using a humidifier in your home can help keep your mucous membranes moist, which might assist in reducing discomfort in your ear.
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Urgent Care Guidance: Should you notice significant worsening symptoms, such as worsening pain, fever, hearing loss, or discharge, you should seek medical attention sooner rather than later, even if that means returning to urgent care.
Please take care of yourself, and remember that managing discomfort effectively while you await specialized care is key. Let me know if you have more questions or concerns!
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