Ok seriously, I am going crazy. I have fluid behind my ear. I know this to be true because I stopped at Minute Clinic yesterday, and thought I had an ear infection. The lady was nice enough to look in my ear before ever putting me in the computer (she thought I probably had wax) and said there was no infection, but lots of fluid. She said that they didn't diagnose fluid in the ear (they're limited as to what they can treat) but suggested I try some Sudafed until I could get to my doctor. I can't get there till at the very least Monday. I have tried peroxide (to make sure it wasn't wax), a few drops of alcohol (thinking it was "swimmers ear"), hot compresses, etc... I feel like I'm under water in that ear! Anyone have any home remedies for getting the fluid to drain off your ear?
If the fluid is in the middle ear space, you can't drain it by using peroxide. The fluid forms when your eustachian tube becomes swollen or blocked and when the fluid sits stagnant for a bit it can become infected. Actually Sudafed is a great remedy because it is a decongestant and helps the fluid to drain. Antibiotics don't help-they are only useful if the ear becomes infected. And actually, the fluid may drain on its own over time.
Over time? LOL But I can't hear now! LOL I know, I've read all about it online, and Sudafed probably will work, combined with the heat, but I was hoping someone would have some magic home remedy, lol...
Sorry...I used to work in a Pediatricians office and we saw this all the time. Parents came in demanding antibiotics too which didn't help. Then they didn't use the Sudafed and sure enough, little Johnny was right back in the office a day or so later with a full blown infection. The only "home remedy" I can suggest is also to chew gum-constantly. Sometimes by moving the ear canal and eustachian tube it can help.
Whatever side it is turn your ear towards the ground and shake it out? PS ~ I am not a DR nor do I play one on TV. :mrgreen:
IN addition to the pseudo, I'd recommend guaifenesin as found in Mucinex. Figure 1200 mgs minimum. The guaifenesin thins the thick mucus and allows it to more easily flow. Normal state is mucus that flows within the mucosal tissues. Think of it kinda like a highway. The more congested the traffic, the slower it flows. FWIW, guaifenesin is about the nastiest tasting medicine made, which is why there's either a coating on it, or its mixed with flavoring to make it slightly more tolerable...(think robitussin in the old days..had to add the cherry flavoring to get people to swallow it) Don't take on empty tummy. Also, steam vaporization, a long hot shower, hot soup..anything that can penetrate into the sinus cavities and affect the eustacian tube may provide some short term relief. Occasionally, strong breath mints, several at a time, can help open some passages (from the menthol effect) Altoids cinammon, 4 at a time seem to help me...
Have you tried the Sudafed yet? I went to the dr last month because I had a non stop ringing in one ear, and turns out that ear had a bunch of fluid. The dr recommended Sudafed and/or Mucinex (along with some claritin for potential seasonal allergies). I took one Sudafed that night and the next morning the ringing was gone, so it really worked for me. Sorry, no home remedies that I know of though...
Okay, so I'm sitting here at the office, with my head tilted to the floor, hot compress on my ear, chewing very strong mint flavored gum.... I'll report back later, if I haven't gone crazy by then! LOL
We tried everything when this happened to my Husband. He had to have a tube placed in his ear almost 2 weeks ago. He is feeling much better.
I hope you're doing better by now! I had the same thing last year,it was horrible! Felt like my ear was plucked up by a cork. Went to Johnston Family Care where the nurse cleaned out my ear with one of those devices that spray water into your ear with lots of pressure,it made me sick to my stomach,on top of that my ear felt even worse after the procedure than before.Went to a specialist in Clayton next and had to pay over $400 dollars for a 20 minute visit,she prescribed some medication which finally took care of the problem.
I have very bad allergies and have fluid in my ears alot because of this. I use a NeilMed Sinus Rinse with distilled water. It is the nastiest thing to do but it works. You can do it up to twice a day and you need to sit upright for an hour after you do it. Hope you feel better soon.
DH had this same thing a couple of weeks ago, his ear stopped up, ringing and he had nausea. We went to Walmart and got some of the Swimmers Ear drops and he took 2 Benedryl. Got the heating pad and laid his bad ear side on it on the lowest heat. Next AM, the problem was gone. Good luck Jenn, hope you feel better soon!
I started using the NeilMed Sinus rinse also, and I think it is the coolest thing. I don't think it is digusting at all. Do it right over the sink, one little squirt up one nostril and water is coming out the other nostil without going near the throat, that is so cool!
