Adult Ear Infection

I have had frequent ear infections as a child and adult.

For pain Tylenol is usually fairly effective but heat is the best. You can lay your head on a heating pad, put a warm compress on your ear, or even aim the hair dryer at your ear. Generally I do not take antibiotics- most ear infections are viral, even those that are bacterial in origin are self-limiting and will resolve on their own. Antibiotics of course don't help with the pain. For children it is not recommended that antibiotics are used unless the ear infection is accompanied by a fever and lasts more than 72 hours. I don't think there are really any specific guidelines for adults.

I haven't had the fluid build-up issue for a long time, but when I did I would pop my ears by holding my nose and blowing air out. I am not sure if this is good or not but it can clear the ears so you can hear. It's the same way I pop my ears on an airplane.

Hope you feel better soon. Few adults realize how excruciating ear infections are.

Huh, Funny. My husband is saying he thnks he has an ear infection to. I wonderif the over the counter ear infection stuff will help? Have you tried that?

It is horrendous pain! I've been there, unfortunately. I highly recommend going to an ent (otolaryngologist) asap to get his ear checked and potentially drained. I did this and it was so bad they gave me the option of this with meds or immediate myringotomy with tubes. I chose the latter and the relief was almost instantaneous. It can be done in-office.

I am the adult ear infection queen. I go to an ENT and suggest you go ASAP. You shouldn't be in so much pain after being on drugs for a week. It's kinda gross but they can stick this rubber hose in and suck all the yucky stuff out. It feels strange a bit uncomfortable, but it really helps. It's actually pretty nasty how much crud can be in one little bitty ear. Find an ENT NOW! A week is long enough, you don't want to risk permanent damage.

My husband just had an ear infection and the doctor prescribed an antibiotic and Benzocain. Benzocain was to relieve the pressure. It worked immediately! Try to see if your doctor will prescribe something like that. Good Luck and I hope you feel relief soon.