Does anybody else have ear infections that keep coming back about every 3 or so months? It's been over two years I've been dealing with this and doctors give me drops or antibiotic. It goes away but comes back. I do not swim. And if you do have this problem, did anything work for you?
119110
I'm not sure if you are referring to outer ear infections (i.e. in the ear canal) or middle ear infections (i.e. fluid behind the eardrum). Since you mentioned that they give you drops & mentioned that you don't swim, I am assuming that you are referring to outer ear infections. In which case this could be caused by a number of things, but most of them stem from putting something in the ear (i.e. Q-tips). It takes VERY little to cause an abrasion in the ear canal, as the skin is streched very tight & is very thin. Once an abrasion is present, it is left open for bacteria to invade, causing infection. The best prevention for this is to not stick anything in the ear.\n\nIf you are referring to middle ear infections (fluid in the ear) that has a completely different cause. That is caused by inflammation in the Eustachian Tube (the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat). This tube is responsible for keeping the pressure in the middle ear the same as outside pressure. When the tube is inflamed (as it often gets when one has allergies or an upper respiratory infection of some type) it doesn't open as it should when you yawn, chew, swallow, etc. Thus causing negative pressure in the middle ear & allowing fluid to build up in the middle ear. When this becomes a chronic problem the physician usually puts tubes in the eardrum to allow pressure equalization in the middle ear & allow fluid to drain out.\n\nIf your regular physician is not taking care of the problem I suggest you request a referral to an ENT (ear, nose & throat physician).\n\nHope this helps some!
475712
During your ear infection, the ear might have produced more wax than usual to protect the ear. Allow a week or two to see if it clears on its own accord, if it doesn't and your hearing is still a bit dull, go back to your Doctor, he may then be able to give you some treatment to clear things up for you. If you are very anxious about the ear, or anything else for that matter, visit your Doctor, he should be able to help reassure you, perhaps if he knows that you suffer with anxiety he'll be able to make you feel better. Please don't suffer alone, there's good help in this day and age. Also there are loads of really nice people on here that have suffered from anxiety and know how you feel. You'll be good at helping them too as you've had first hand experience.
43101
Mine itch like that too, drives me nuts! Don't put anything in your ear-it could do permanent damage. I doubt it's an ear infection. I haven't found much that helps, but have you ever tried ear candles? (you should be able to find them at any health food type store.)They are awesome! They're hollow, you put it through a pie tin or paper plate, between the burning part & your ear, light it, have someone watch and put it out when it gets too low. It pulls all the ear wax and pollen out of your inner ears.
388761
You don't state whether you have been prescribed anything by a doctor for your condition.\n\nIf you have been diagnosed properly, as I will assume you have, since you have the medical terminology of your condition, then you should have been prescribed antibiotics and an antihystamine by the doctor.\n\nYou need to dry up the fluids in your ear, and antihystamines will do that.  Also, there is an infection there that needs to be treated with antibiotics.\n\nI have had chronic ear infections for 20 years.  I am very careful about getting water in my ears, and I can avoid getting ear infections by staying on an OTC medication that helps dry up my sinus passages.\n\nI am recently recovered from acute bronchitis and sinusitis, and was lucky enough to avoid the expected ear infections.\n\nSee a doctor immediately.  Hearing loss can happen if prolonged conditions are not treated.
1739
The goals for treating ear infections include relieving pain, curing the infection, preventing complications, and preventing recurrent ear infections. Most ear infections will safely clear up on their own without antibiotics. Often, treating the pain and allowing the body time to heal itself is all that is needed:\n\nApply a warm cloth or warm water bottle. \nUse over-the-counter pain relief drops for ears. \nTake over-the counter medications for pain or fever, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. DO NOT give aspirin to children. \nUse prescription ear drops to relieve pain.
485762
I had clogged up ears last year and it hurt. It was an ear infection, ehich is a very simple problem. The doctor just prescribes antibiotics and that's it. Ear drops won't work for an ear infection. Go to the doctor.
187604
If you were on antibiotics and didn't finish  your prescription you may have the tonsillitis again, if your ears hurt you probably have an ear infection too  (it is pretty common since the throat, ears, and nose are all connected)  Try gargling with warm salt water, that will help.  (Popsicles are a bit better for tonsillitis than ice cream)\ngo back to the Dr. if it persists!! (you don't want it to turn in to strep)
268879
I use peroxide and water mixture to rinse mine. I was diagnosed with chronic sinusitis years ago, now I just do all these odd things to prevent infection. Try 3 parts peroxide and 10 parts water solution. Spray in nostrils, as much as you can stand, and hold it for a few seconds. Then blow, its kinda refreshing. A couple times a week, if its real bad a couple times daily for a few days. Some people tell me the snort salt water, in the shower. I have to take Palgic-D just about daily, and wear cotton in my ears all year. Sometimes  at night my head feels cold so I put a toboggan on when I sleep, I have a nice looking one, I don't want to scare my husband! Although he sleeps with a CPAP mask, I bet we look very attractive!Ha Ha.. I'm not a weirdo but if I don't keep my head warm, I will have severe headaches that last for days. My ears are very susceptible to air to. I probably need tubes but I am a grown woman, I don't want tubes in my ears!!!! I manage to only go to the doc twice a year for refills and to have blood work. You know taking in some Vitamin C (real fruit is always better that vitamins), garlic, zinc everyday might help, they all fight of bacteria and infections. I once use Colloidal Silver (Mountain Medicine) but it's hard to come by. Hope some of my odd behavioral habits might help you too.
224460
Get a second opinion. Go to and E.N.T.(ear, nose, Throat) specialist. Your throat, ears and nose are all connected. If your ears are feeling clogged, it could be caused by the swollen tonsils. You may not necessarily have an EAR infection, but it sounds like the Eustachian tube in your ears are clogged. Try gargling with very warm salt water about twice a day. But definitely see the Doc. Are you on Antibiotics? If so this may clear the problem with your ears. You should consider a Tonsillectomy, my son has never had any more problems with his ears since he had his tonsils out. GOOD LUCK TO YOU.
538217
I believe I would try to go to the doctor and explain that you did have what you thought was a self-diagnosed ear infection and stayed home for two weeks because of it.  It may cost you the price of an office visit but it may be worth it to save your grades.  I would think twice before taking any more time off of school for any reason, even if you feel sick in the future.  Let your teachers see that you are glad to be there and that you are going to be there, regardless.  Maybe if they see you exerting some effort, they will be less likely to request a doctor's note next time.  Good Luck.
73128
Garlic, as one of the answerers already said, is a natural antibiotic when eaten raw. However, my suggestion is that it could be dangerous to let an ear infection go without treatment because it can get so bad that it can lead to eventual hearing loss; this happened to someone I knew years ago. Call a doctor, and if it is finances that keep you from going, explain it to them. There are public health clinics that you may be able to go to, but be prepared for paperwork. Although I am a natural/alternative medicine advocate, I still feel there are times when a visit to the doctor is necessary, (or a homeopathic practitioner if you are fortunate enough to live near one). Please don't take a chance with your hearing, call around if it is financial and hopefully you will be able to find a doctor who is willing to work with you with the cost of the visit/antibiotic. I hope all goes well for you!
68570
Same thing happened to my guy, but he's a music fanatic with the headphones...ended up going to the ER for it cuz I couldn't get it all. I got a lot too. Dr. pulled out 2x as much as what you said. He told him that some people poduce wax faster than others. But it took like a month or so to get that bad. Maybe 2 months max. It's just that those people have stickier wax than most people. Dr said not to use q-tips cuz it'd shove it in further. But to wash out canal with a bulb syringe with warm water often to reduce build up. It was rock hard too when it came out, and really dark. Ew. He was having a hell of a time hearing. I could hear his music through his headphones when he was across the room! When he was almost deaf is when I said lemme see.
140963
well dear your guess is right....\nbut you dont think right....\nthats why doctors are for....\nit could be a cyst or a simple inflamation, go to check it, it could be something that with time will get more serious, i cant explain it to you here so the best thing is to go to your doctor, your question is the most common that an obstr. is hearing every day at least ten times per day .....\ngodd luck
404595
Try Mucinex.   It is the generic OTC of guifenisen, a decongestant.  I suffer from chronic ear infections but Mucinex has reduced the number drastically.
115812
I have the EXACT same thing!!!  I'm not 100% positive, but from my experience, what you have is probably only a viral infection, which means antibiotics will not do anything for it!!  It has to take it's course, so load up on the Orange Juice and get plenty of sleep!!!!  Hope you get to feeling better!!!
253773
as far as i know it happens due to circulatory antibodies,..so it s not going to recur,..check again w someone else also,..hope this helps,..
261239
Rubbing Alcohol!  Get the kind that's 'anhydrus' (means without water) use a Qtip 4 times a day for a couple days. Then 2 times a day for at least a week. Dont take em out. It hurts, but it's the only way. I had to keep it up for almost a month on one ear. Use ibuprofen, not painkillers. Also, I guess that you can buy Amocycilin, mild antibiotic, at health food stores now, but only if it stays bad. Alcohol kills infection, that's why it hurts. Less pain = Less infection. It hurts so bad to repierce!