Chronic Ear Infections, Bad Breath, and Post Nasal Drip: Seeking Advice
I’m a 24-year-old female weighing 120 pounds and I don’t smoke. My current medications include Wellbutrin and a generic allergy pill from CVS, along with Flonase. As I mentioned in the title, I’ve been struggling with ongoing ear infections for about four years now. According to my doctor, they may be caused by allergies to my dog. Despite being on allergy medication for a long time, I’ve only experienced slight relief; my ears continue to feel itchy on a daily basis. In an attempt to address this, I added Flonase to my regimen. Over the last year, I’ve encountered severe post-nasal drainage. I feel perpetually congested and am always trying to clear it. Being a singer, this is particularly challenging as it has altered my vocal quality significantly. I consulted an ENT specialist who echoed my doctor's assessment and merely performed cleaning on my ears during an infection. Additionally, I’ve been grappling with notably foul breath, which is frustrating since I am diligent about my oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing. I suspect this issue may not be related to dental care. Occasionally, I taste something unpleasant when swallowing, which I assume could be related to an infection. The one remedy I have yet to try is using a neti pot, but to be honest, the idea of it intimidates me. I’m open to any suggestions. Is there something that I might have overlooked? Another issue worth mentioning is my history of infections in various areas. I previously dealt with recurrent UTIs, but that has now been replaced with these ear infections. Earlier this year, I was hospitalized due to cellulitis from an ingrown hair. I’m unsure if these issues are interconnected, but I’m feeling utterly drained dealing with all of this.
Answers (1)
9/10/2025, 12:21:09 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a challenging combination of chronic ear infections, post-nasal drip, and persistent bad breath, which can indeed feel overwhelming. Let's break this down and focus on actionable steps you can take.
Main Points
- Chronic ear infections and post-nasal drip may be linked to your allergies.
- Persistent bad breath could have various causes, including sinus issues or possible infection.
- You may benefit from additional self-care strategies to alleviate your symptoms.
Explanation
Chronic ear infections often occur due to Eustachian tube dysfunction, which can be influenced by allergies leading to congestion. This may explain your ongoing symptoms despite being on allergy medications. Post-nasal drip is typically caused by mucus accumulation and can result from allergies, nasal inflammation, or sinus issues. Bad breath can sometimes stem from these issues, particularly if there is ongoing mucus in your throat or mouth.
Next Steps
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Consider Trying a Neti Pot: While it's understandable that the idea of using a neti pot can be intimidating, it can be very effective for clearing nasal passages, reducing congestion, and managing post-nasal drip. Start with saline solution to flush out irritants and mucus. There are also pre-packaged saline sprays available that might feel less daunting.
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Monitor Your Allergy Management: Given that allergies are a significant factor, ensure that you are consistently using Flonase as prescribed. You might also consider consulting your doctor about potentially adjusting your allergy medication or adding a different type, like an antihistamine specifically designed for your symptoms.
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Hydration and Humidification: Stay well-hydrated to thin mucus and consider using a humidifier at home to help keep your nasal passages moist, which can alleviate congestion and irritation.
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Evaluate Oral Health Further: Since you're experiencing bad breath and an unpleasant taste, consider discussing this further with a dentist or an ENT specialist who may evaluate for conditions like sinus infections or throat issues. Sinusitis can sometimes cause bacterial overgrowth that results in bad breath.
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Keep Track of Symptoms: Document your symptoms related to ear infections, post-nasal drip, and bad breath. Note any potential triggers you observe, such as pet exposure, specific foods, or environmental elements. This information can be valuable for healthcare providers when assessing your situation further.
These steps should provide you with a starting point to manage your symptoms more effectively. Remember to be gentle with yourself throughout this process, and it’s okay to seek additional support if you find the symptoms interfering with your daily life or career. If you have any specific concerns or wish to explore further options, feel free to ask!
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