Adult Ear Infections. I Need Some advice...please !

Updated on May 19, 2012
K.C. asks from Mystic, CT
12 answers

I went to the family doctor today. I have ANOTHER ear infection. I think that this is my 7th one over the past 14 months. Before this, I got 1 ear infection when I was a toddler. What has happened? The doctor rec that I get an allergy test to see what I am allergic to. He said that the ear infections might go away if I find out what I have an allergy to.

About a month ago, the ENT checked my ear and I asked him why the ear infections are reoccuring. He really didn't have an answer. He just gave me antibiotic ear drops.

Approx. 6 weeks have passed and I have a R ear infection as of today.

I am taking good bacteria capsules, plus, the ear drops that I started today.

I do not take any meds and I eat loads of veggies...and very little dairy.

Any suggestions? TY in advance.

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So What Happened?

Thank you for all your responses. I do not take allergy meds. And, I probably won't do that regularly -- as I eat mostly orgainc foods. I boil a pot of water and steam my nose or use a netti pot. What did catch my attention is that I fell down the stairs last October. My shoulder, neck and ear have never been the same. Plus, I have a cyst by my R ear. I am thinking that I might need an adjustment. TY...I would not have known that! I did get a blood test and I am low in Vitamin D. I take a supplement from a wonderful health food store. I have been seeing an ENT. He likes to give out meds. I went to another ENT. He gave out meds, too. ****** I hope an adjustment helps ! I went to the chiroprator and we summed it all up today---August !!!

Featured Answers

T.C.

answers from Austin on

I have really bad allergies to just about any tree, grass, or weed pollen, and have always gotten a lot of sinus infections. It was better when I first moved to a different state, or treated my allergy symptoms before they snowballed into an infection. But after a few years of managing OK, I started getting more frequent sinus infections. Then tonsil infections. Then ear infections. Finally, I had my tonsils out and I have not gotten an ear infection since.

I don't know if it's just a coincidence, because I am also taking Zyrtec, Astelin spray, and allergy shots. Asthma inhaler and prednisone if things get really bad. And last month I had bronchitis and had to take 2 rounds of antibiotics to get over it.

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D..

answers from Charlotte on

Is your doctor an ENT? Has he talked about ear tubes? I have read that some adults get ear tubes...

I have also heard that chiropractic can help ear infections. I would try that if you can find a good chiropractor.

Good luck!
Dawn

3 moms found this helpful
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S.B.

answers from Dallas on

I was having ear infections and also some hearing loss issues. After a few rounds of antibiotics and a regular supply of antihistamines, things were not much better. I went to a chiropractor for a neck/shoulder issue and mentioned my hearing issues. Their x rays showed that my euchation tubes in the ear were not in the correct position so they were not draining properly.They gave me some exercises to do with my head and neck and it has helped tremendously- no more ear infections and my hearing has improved. Also when I flew last week, I did not have any problems with my ears. I was surprised with the improvement to my ears.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from St. Louis on

mine are being caused by fluid build-up....as a direct result of my allergies. I have been taking Zyrtec & Singulair as maintenance drugs, & normally I'm okay.

But for the past year, it's all been different. I am now on Nasonex (double dose - as prescribed by my dr)....trying to clear up all of my plumbing. As I sit here, I can feel the pressure from my eye to ear....as a result of being outside all afternoon. My cheek is swollen to the point that it is resting on the side of my nose. Sucks, totally sucks.

As I speak, yawn, etc....my ears just pop & crackle like styrofoam. I truly do hope the Nasonex clears the passageways....or I'll be headed into allergy testing, too! Oh, & I have very little drainage. I rarely have watery eyes, & zero cough. It's simply stuck in the pipes!

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T.V.

answers from San Francisco on

This will sound strange but it is a TRUE event:

I fell down some stairs when my son about five years old. I hurt my back and went to a chiropractor for the FIRST time. I took my son along because I had just picked him up from daycare. I was sort of nervous so the doc was asking me questions about my child while he was adjusting me.

I mentioned that my son had a lot of ear infections and had been on antibiotics frequently. He offered to give Paul an adjustment and I agreed. My son is now in his forties and has NEVER had an ear infection since.

I don't go to chiropractors, he did fix my back from the fall. I have been fortunate not to have serious medical problems, but will forever be glad that I let the doc adjust my son.

I wish you all the best.

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T.A.

answers from Seattle on

Try chiropractic, it works for kids ear infections a lot! I've had one since being an adult and it helped me too.

E.A.

answers from Erie on

We have to give one of my sons a daily antihistamine during allergy season to ward off ear infections. Find one that doesn't have bad side effects for you and start taking it every day. The fluid that builds up in the ear is your enemy, that's where the bacteria grow, and the antihistamine prevents that.

Apply heat to your ear to make it feel better. Rest. LOTS of fluids.

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M.P.

answers from Raleigh on

Has the doctor considered that this might be MRSA? I only say that because I have had a MRSA infection, and while standard antibiotics can lessen symptoms for a little while, the infection never goes away unless treated with the correct antibiotic. My MRSA infection went undiagnosed for weeks and once correctly cultured I was put on a very strong antibiotic. Even then, it took 4 mos of medication to completely get rid of the MRSA. Hope this helps.

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H.L.

answers from New York on

Do u swim a lot that could cause ear infections. Or u must have an allergy to something. Try to get plenty of rest to strengthen your immune system. Feel better!

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R.J.

answers from Seattle on

Been to the dentist lately? Recurrent ear infections can spring from dental infection/issues (part of why toddlers get them). If you have an abscess, it could be the microbe sources, but even simple inflammation can create fluid backup.

D.B.

answers from Boston on

I'm a nutritional consultant and I can tell you that this indicates a nutritional deficiency. Don't feel badly - our food is depleted (poor soils, harvesting schedules) and the AMA says we all need to supplement regardless of how "well" we eat. You can take all kinds of meds and see all kinds of doctors, but that's not doing a thing for your immune system. I haven't been sick in 5 years and neither has anyone in my family, and I was prone to all kinds of upper respiratory problems (bronchitis, allergies, ears, you name it). I can help you choose a supplement that will give you balance - (do NOT take a multi-vitamin pill - not absorbed, waste of money). Let me know if you want more info.

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A.B.

answers from Dallas on

Get the allergy tests and stay on the allergy meds. My dr keeps me on Claritin D and Flonase to prevent the sinus and ear infections.

Also, you might ask about tubes. My neighbor is about 40yrs old, and he had to have tubes put in his ears last year. He wasn't all that thrilled about it but couldn't control recurrent ear infections, and they said it was necessary.

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