What Causes Irritation Of Ear After Vomitus Reaching Ear Canal?

Posted on Sun, 25 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 25 May 2014 Answered on

Wed, 11 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I was sleeping on my side when I vomited. I opened my mouth wide as I woke up and then it felt like the vomit got into my ear canal. There was a searing pain (8). Now 4 hours later there is still pain (5). Any advice?

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No worries

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking!
Vomitus is quite acidic in medium and once it reaches ear canal it cause quite a bit of irritation and pain due to inflammation and otitis.Since you have no previous ear issues or history so I would suggest some topical lignocaine and ciprofloxacin ear drops for the prompt relief, with prophylactic amoxicillin 500 mg for 5 days and simple acetaminophen for the pain and would like you to visit an otorhinolaryngologist if there is anything else need to be done. You will be fine.
Take care and dont forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
S Khan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar