Unusual Ear Canal Growth
I am a 39-year-old female of European descent, standing at 166 cm and weighing approximately 85 kg, currently living in the United Kingdom. For my chronic migraine syndrome, I undergo treatment with Emgality at a dosage of 120 mg each month. Additionally, I manage my ongoing cluster headaches with oxygen therapy as necessary. I also contend with malignant bradycardia accompanied by low blood pressure, which necessitated the implantation of a cardiac pacemaker nearly nine years ago; bear in mind that the pacemaker leads were reused from a previous installation, making them nearly two decades old. I have allergies to paracetamol and tree nuts. During the week between Christmas and New Year, I caught a severe cold that developed into a sinus infection. My treatment primarily consisted of increased fluid intake and analgesics, and although the illness lingered for about three weeks, it did not worsen to the point of requiring antibiotics. Since recovering, I have experienced a persistent sensation of blockage in my right ear, which I suspect is due to wax buildup. I applied olive oil drops, which helped dislodge some wax, yet the feeling of fullness remains. I also purchased a wax removal kit online, and now there's some frothy substance present in the ear canal. It's evident that I must consult a medical professional about this issue. However, I am uncertain whether the situation demands urgent attention, akin to calling in sick for work and seeking an immediate appointment, or if it is acceptable to wait and schedule a regular appointment in the next few weeks. Currently, I am not experiencing any pain, discharge, or foul odor; however, my hearing on that side seems slightly compromised, and there are no signs of inflammation or infection visible.
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 10:31:18 PM
OpenHealth AI
You’re experiencing a persistent sensation of fullness in your ear following a recent sinus infection, and while it seems manageable, it’s important to take some specific steps to address this issue without overlooking your health history and current treatments.
Understanding Your Symptoms: The feeling of blockage in your ear after a cold and the use of olive oil drops suggest that you may be dealing with a combination of wax buildup and fluid retention from your recent sinus issues. The presence of a frothy substance might indicate that the wax removal kit has worked to some extent, but it's common to feel lingering fullness even after partial removal.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep an eye on your condition over the next few days. Pay attention to any changes in hearing, the presence of pain, or any new symptoms like discharge or foul odors.
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Gentle Ear Cleaning: Avoid using the wax removal kit for now, as excessive cleaning can irritate the ear canal. Instead, you can continue with olive oil drops to soften any remaining wax, doing this no more than twice a week.
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Stay Hydrated and Use Steam Inhalation: Continue to hydrate well, as this can promote drainage from the sinus passages, potentially alleviating ear fullness. You can also inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or take warm showers to help clear your sinuses.
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Schedule an Appointment: While you are not currently experiencing pain or other alarming symptoms, it would be prudent to schedule a visit to your healthcare provider. Given your health history, including the pacemaker and chronic conditions, timely care can prevent complications. If your symptoms worsen (e.g., pain develops, significant hearing loss occurs, or there are signs of infection), prioritize an earlier visit.
Final Considerations: Given that you are not experiencing acute distress and your symptoms do not suggest immediate dangerous complications, it is not necessary to call in sick for work or seek emergency care right now. However, staying proactive about your health with a scheduled appointment is advised. If you have concerns or if symptoms do escalate, don't hesitate to reach out for medical assistance sooner.
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