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General Health
Question #18782
68 days ago
112

infection in ear - #18782

Aisha

I am dealing with this nagging issue, and I'm really confused about what to do next. About a week ago, I started feeling this intense pain in my ear, like someone was poking at it from the inside. My mom said it sounded like an infection in ear, but I tried to brush it off thinking it was just a cold coming on. Fast forward a few days, and I was hit with this relentless throbbing and even some swelling around my ear. I went to the clinic and the doc said it looked like a pretty bad infection in ear and prescribed antibiotics. I'm on day three of the meds, but it’s still hurting really bad! Shouldn't I be feeling better by now? The idea of an infection in ear just freaks me out, like, what if it gets worse or leads to something more serious? I read online about how infections in ear can sometimes cause hearing problems or even dizziness, and now I'm paranoid that my hearing is off or something. Has anyone else gone through this and how long did it take for you to get over an infection in ear? I just wanna make sure I’m on the right track here. Should I give it more time or go back to the doctor? I'm really starting to worry.

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Doctors' responses

If you’re still experiencing significant pain three days into antibiotic treatment, it’s understandable to be concerned. Typically, antibiotics for an ear infection can start to show improvements within 48 to 72 hours—however, everyone’s response can be a bit different. Pain is one thing, but if you’re also noticing worsening symptoms like increased swelling, persistent fever, or a feeling like your hearing’s deteriorating more, it might be time to reevaluate things with your doctor. Sometimes ear infections involve complications like fluid buildup or the infection’s in a spot where antibiotics take longer to reach effectively, such as in the middle ear. It’s also possible that the specific bacteria causing your infection might not be fully sensitive to the antibiotic you’re on, and switching medications isn’t out of the question. While it’s easy to spiral when thinking about those serious complications, most ear infections clear up without leading to long-term damage like impaired hearing. If dizziness or significant hearing changes suddenly start, it’s a red flag, and I would suggest contacting your healthcare provider immediately or even considering urgent care, depending on distanc deterioration rate. It’s crucial to avoid inserting anything into your ear canal, like cotton swabs, as this might exacerbate pain or introduce more bacteria. For now, stay the course with your medication, follow the dosing schedule precisely, and use over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if approved by your doctor to manage the pain more comfortably. A warm compress applied carefully to the affected ear can also offer some temporary relief. Keep hydrated and rest where possible to support your immune response. Also, keep the ear dry; avoid swimming or getting it wet in the shower. In any case, if there’s no notable improvement soon, connecting back with your doctor is a wise move for a reassessment, potential ear cleaning, or exploring alternative treatment routes. Remember, it’s crucial to complete the entire antibiotic course even if you start feeling better to ensure the infection is fully resolved.

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