PH doctors - ear infections...
Discussion
My left ear seems to be broken. It aches, doesnt hear very much and the ache seems to have spread to my jaw on that side making it pretty painful to talk and more so to eat.
Normally i just take painkillers and let these things go away (i used to get ear infections pretty regularly when i did a lot of swimming), but from a random internet article i read today this can apparently make the whole situation worse and lead to recurrence.
Is this true? if so i suppose id better go see a doctor, otherwise id just as soon grin and ignore it...
edit.. my spelling seems to also be broken. how to fix that?
>>> Edited by lanciachris on Thursday 6th January 14:20
Normally i just take painkillers and let these things go away (i used to get ear infections pretty regularly when i did a lot of swimming), but from a random internet article i read today this can apparently make the whole situation worse and lead to recurrence.
Is this true? if so i suppose id better go see a doctor, otherwise id just as soon grin and ignore it...
edit.. my spelling seems to also be broken. how to fix that?
>>> Edited by lanciachris on Thursday 6th January 14:20
As someone who suffers re-occuring ear infections with alarming regularity, I would get it seen to ASAP. Could well be nothing, but the fact that it is spreading down could indicate something more than just an outer ear infection. It could be inner and require a little more treatment.
My particular afliction is excessive earwax (leading to both inner and outer ear infections) and exczma (sp?) of the ear outer canal leading to inflamation of the ear. Both treated fairly easily, but a bunch of arse at the time.
Alternatively could it be a tooth? I have had tooth ache which I miss-diagnosed as an ear infection? Sounds daft I know, but once treated the ear pain went away....
My particular afliction is excessive earwax (leading to both inner and outer ear infections) and exczma (sp?) of the ear outer canal leading to inflamation of the ear. Both treated fairly easily, but a bunch of arse at the time.
Alternatively could it be a tooth? I have had tooth ache which I miss-diagnosed as an ear infection? Sounds daft I know, but once treated the ear pain went away....
I'm also a regular sufferer. About 4-5 years ago, my pain got so bad that I was taking 8-10 tablets a day. Still in sooo much pain that I could no longer get out of bed. Finally went to the Doc, who reffered me to a specialist (3 months they said!) I then used my health insurance company to arrange an appoinment that day. Specialist said it was the worst infection he had ever seen and correctly guessed that I'd been swimming in the Med. 6 weeks earlier. Anyway, about 4 weeks of treament later, I was all clear. Have been relatively infection free since and have never gone swimming again 
edit: GO SEE YOUR GP! and make sure they refer you as a matter of urgency. Don't let it completely knock you down.
>> Edited by jazzybee on Thursday 6th January 14:55
edit: GO SEE YOUR GP! and make sure they refer you as a matter of urgency. Don't let it completely knock you down.
>> Edited by jazzybee on Thursday 6th January 14:55
lanciachris said:
Dont think its a tooth given the deafness im having and the sudden onset (past 2 days).
Mind you ive not been to a dentist in years since my mother had a bit of an argument with our local one and the dentist tended to take it out on me when i went in for checkups...
Having been to the dentist this morning (and it still hurts!) its amazing that an infected root can cause other effects. Though as you mention, hearing loss indicates that something is blocking the hearing canal (inner and / or outer?) so its unlikely to be a tooth problem.
Could be just something as simple as an infection which causes the ear canal to contract, pressing on the wax which is present and restricting the hearing quality.
Does it sound like your voice is echoing around your head? What about the cabbage itself (you know the outer useless flesh apendage on the side of your face)- Does that hurt to the touch? It it doesnt then its more likely to be inner, otherwise its more likey to be outer. Not that this is a hard and fast guide or anything, just experience from me thats all.
Oh and whatever you do - dont poke anything down there. It will potentially make it worse.
lanciachris said:
person above said:
What about the cabbage itself (you know the outer useless flesh apendage on the side of your face)- Does that hurt to the touch?
Nope.
Probably an inner ear infection then. As Davel says, balance and stuff get mucked about with and its a bit of a nightmare. Normally you will get some steriod laced antibiotic ear drops which should clear things up within 2-3 days. Doctor can sort this out and a consultation shouldnt take more than a couple of minutes.... get yourself down there....
P.S Dont let it get really bad (like I did once) and ended up in casualty for 4 hours.....
Gassing Station | The Pie & Piston Archive | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff