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How Long Does Ear Infection With Antibiotic Treatment Take To Resolve?
Question: Hey dr,
I was prescribed Sofradex by my doctor on Wednesday because of blocked ear that I got after having a cold. He had a look inside and he said he could barely see my ear because of how much wax was in there but he also said my ear was really swollen/inflammed so he put me on the ear drops. I just have a few questions can the ear infection spread to the other ear and how long should it take before my ear goes back to normal? I have been using the drops for 3 days now and I have only noticed slight improvement to hearing in the effected ear. I don't have any pain it is just blocked and there is very loud tinnitus. Is it normal to have a wax discharge after using the drops as well? How long shoulf I use the drops for before going back to the doctor?
Kind Regards,
XXXXX
I was prescribed Sofradex by my doctor on Wednesday because of blocked ear that I got after having a cold. He had a look inside and he said he could barely see my ear because of how much wax was in there but he also said my ear was really swollen/inflammed so he put me on the ear drops. I just have a few questions can the ear infection spread to the other ear and how long should it take before my ear goes back to normal? I have been using the drops for 3 days now and I have only noticed slight improvement to hearing in the effected ear. I don't have any pain it is just blocked and there is very loud tinnitus. Is it normal to have a wax discharge after using the drops as well? How long shoulf I use the drops for before going back to the doctor?
Kind Regards,
XXXXX
Brief Answer:
Here is the detail you asked.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing.
I am Dr.Muhammad Ahmad. I have read your question completely, i understand your concern and will try to help you in best way possible.
So here is what seems to have happened. Your ear had wax, and prolonged wax presence caused inflammation inside ear and probably infection too..
You have started the drops but it will take time in improvement because of massive wax plug. Yes it is normal to have ear blocking sensation , tinnitis , and discharge after drops usage.
Discharge can be pus it can be thinned out wax as well due to ear drops.If it is pus and it doesn't get better in a week or so you need to visit your doctor again and if it is not pus but just loose wax then you don't have to worry.
Drops do soften the wax plus it helps with the inflammation so after a few days when inflammation gets better and wax gets soft enough, your doctor might decide to remove the wax with the help of ear vaccuum suction.
Only then will you start to feel real improvement it does take time for ear inflammation to get better and wax to soften and then removed till then you have to stay patience. No year inflammation can not spread to other ear.
I would suggest you to use drops for 13-15 days before going back to doctor.
PROTECT you ear from water dont let water enter your ear this will make things worse , that is the only care you have to take.
I hope this answered your question, a
if you have more please feel free to ask.
Regrads.
Dr.Muhammad Ahmad.
M.B.B.S(Licensed Family Physician)
Here is the detail you asked.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing.
I am Dr.Muhammad Ahmad. I have read your question completely, i understand your concern and will try to help you in best way possible.
So here is what seems to have happened. Your ear had wax, and prolonged wax presence caused inflammation inside ear and probably infection too..
You have started the drops but it will take time in improvement because of massive wax plug. Yes it is normal to have ear blocking sensation , tinnitis , and discharge after drops usage.
Discharge can be pus it can be thinned out wax as well due to ear drops.If it is pus and it doesn't get better in a week or so you need to visit your doctor again and if it is not pus but just loose wax then you don't have to worry.
Drops do soften the wax plus it helps with the inflammation so after a few days when inflammation gets better and wax gets soft enough, your doctor might decide to remove the wax with the help of ear vaccuum suction.
Only then will you start to feel real improvement it does take time for ear inflammation to get better and wax to soften and then removed till then you have to stay patience. No year inflammation can not spread to other ear.
I would suggest you to use drops for 13-15 days before going back to doctor.
PROTECT you ear from water dont let water enter your ear this will make things worse , that is the only care you have to take.
I hope this answered your question, a
if you have more please feel free to ask.
Regrads.
Dr.Muhammad Ahmad.
M.B.B.S(Licensed Family Physician)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for that doctor is it possible that the drops could possibly solve the wax problem all together without having to get the doctor to clean it out? Because there does seem to be quite of bit of wax that comes out after using the drops? Also is it ok to push the ear together if it's itchy or should I just leave it? Also in terms of keeping water out is a cotton ball ok to put in the ear when taking a shower for example to protect it from water and will being exposed to loud noises make the inflammation worse because my ear seems a little sensitive to them with the tinnitus?
Brief Answer:
use rubber earbuds for shower.
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for writing back,
usually manual cleaning us needed by the dr... rarelt wax can clean out by itself.. cleaning ears with Q-tip is controversial many drs say it shouldnt be done others say it can be done , i believe , cleaning by a doctor is safer choice.
Inflammation is not affected by noices tinnitus can get worsened by noises but its of no worry...when wax touches ear drum it gets tinnitus and voices make ear drum vibrate so noices worsen tinnitus sometimes.
You can manupilate the ear if itch is un bearable otherwise its better to leave it as it is.
Hope i answered your questions if i missed any you can further asked question.
Regards.
use rubber earbuds for shower.
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for writing back,
usually manual cleaning us needed by the dr... rarelt wax can clean out by itself.. cleaning ears with Q-tip is controversial many drs say it shouldnt be done others say it can be done , i believe , cleaning by a doctor is safer choice.
Inflammation is not affected by noices tinnitus can get worsened by noises but its of no worry...when wax touches ear drum it gets tinnitus and voices make ear drum vibrate so noices worsen tinnitus sometimes.
You can manupilate the ear if itch is un bearable otherwise its better to leave it as it is.
Hope i answered your questions if i missed any you can further asked question.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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