Seeking Guidance for Persistent Otitis Media Despite Antibiotic Treatment
I'm a 26-year-old woman from the UK, weighing around 65kg and standing at 5'4", with no other health issues or ongoing medications. About a week ago, I began experiencing severe pain in my right ear that made me feel as though it could rupture at any moment. The discomfort was overwhelming, accompanied by dizziness and nausea. I visited urgent care, where the attending nurse informed me that my eardrum was bulging significantly, close to bursting. I was prescribed 500mg of Amoxicillin taken three times daily for five days; unfortunately, it did not alleviate my condition. Throughout that period, pressure would build in my ear to the point of near-explosion, rendering me unable to walk due to dizziness; it would then slightly drain through my Eustachian tubes, providing temporary relief before the cycle repeated. After the course of Amoxicillin, with no improvement, I returned to my doctor. He examined my ear and confirmed it still showed signs of infection, prescribing 100mg of Doxycycline. The first day involved taking it twice, followed by once daily for a duration of a week. As I finish day three of this new course, my symptoms remain unchanged, with ongoing fullness in my ear and persistent dizziness. This situation is incredibly distressing, as my ability to work is severely affected, and I'm starting to feel hopeless about my recovery. Could it be too soon to expect any alterations with the new antibiotics? I am also using NSAIDs, but they don’t seem to offer any relief. I would greatly appreciate any insights or suggestions, as I'm becoming increasingly worried that this might linger indefinitely.
Answers (1)
9/13/2025, 8:50:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a very challenging and uncomfortable situation with your ear infection (otitis media). It's understandable to feel distressed, especially since the symptoms are affecting your daily life. Here’s a concise overview of your situation and some actionable advice to consider while you continue your treatment.
Overview & Explanation
You are experiencing a persistent ear infection characterized by severe pain, pressure, dizziness, and nausea. Antibiotics like Amoxicillin and Doxycycline are generally effective for bacterial infections. However, if you're not seeing improvement after several days, it could be due to various reasons, including bacterial resistance or a possible need for different treatment strategies.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Continue Doxycycline as Prescribed: It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if you don't see immediate improvement. Some infections take longer to respond, but monitor for any changes in symptoms.
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Symptom Management: While NSAIDs are typically effective for pain relief, if they're not working, consider trying warm compresses against your ear to reduce pain and enhance drainage. If dizziness is worsening or causing significant disability, it’s important to discuss these symptoms further.
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Stay Hydrated & Use Decongestants: Staying hydrated helps with mucus drainage. Consider a decongestant like pseudoephedrine if you have a lot of nasal congestion or pressure. However, check that you have no contraindications or allergies before using it.
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Ear Hygiene: Ensure your ears stay dry—avoid getting water in them while showering or swimming, which can exacerbate the infection.
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Follow-Up: If no improvement is visible by the end of the Doxycycline course (day 7), or if your symptoms worsen (increased pain, fever, or any new symptoms like hearing loss), it’s crucial to follow up with your doctor or an ENT specialist. They can assess the need for further interventions, such as imaging studies or different medications.
Reassurance
Persistent infections can be frustrating, and it's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed. The majority of ear infections resolve with appropriate treatment, though some can take longer due to a variety of factors. Keep an eye on your symptoms and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you feel worse or if there are no changes soon. You're doing the right thing by seeking advice and following your treatment.
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