“Should I visit the doctor?”
I had a sinus infection that has seemed to turn into an ear infection. The sinus infection has gone but I have pressure in my ears and a dull pain. My hearing is also muffled. I was wondering if this will go away on its own or if I should be taking an antibiotic?
Male | 41 years old
Complaint duration: 1 day.
Medications: None
Conditions: None
4 Answers
You likely have residual inflammation in the nasal mucosa, making it difficult for your eustachian tube (ear pressure valve) to function properly. This can pull fluid into the middle ear or make you feel like the ears are full of pressure and muffled. Use Afrin nasal decongestant spray for 3 days, and start using flonase nasal spray daily if you haven't already. Start trying to pop your ears, like you are on a plane. It will resolve. There is no need to antibiotics.
Try "popping" your ears several times a day. if that does not relieve your symptoms. see an ENT. You have eustachian tube dysfunction and possibly middle ear fluid. No jowling. No smoking or alcohol intake. Could also try some OTC generic oxymetazoline nasal spray to increase the effectiveness of Valsalva. Look up the valsalva maneuver on your browser.
I would advise you to have a professional evaluation.
What you are experiencing is eustachian tube dysfunction after this upper respiratory tract infection or sinus infection. This can lead to fluid accumulation behind the eardrum, and the middle ear space. See an otolaryngologist for an accurate evaluation and diagnosis. This situation may justify another round of antibiotics. Sometimes oral steroids are given in this situation as well. At times mucolytics and decongestants are often tried as well as auto insufflation of the ears. In some situations, temporary ear tubes may be placed or balloon dilation of the eustachian tube could be considered.
