corazoncito Posted August 18, 2007 Share Posted August 18, 2007 I've had a really annoying earache for 5 days now. For a lot of dumb reasons I haven't been to a doctor yet. Does anyone know of a good temporary fix for the pain meanwhile? I've already tried the garlic infused olive oil in the ear and also white wine vinegar. Neither made a difference. Help! This sucks! Link to post Share on other sites
norajane Posted August 18, 2007 Share Posted August 18, 2007 That's a long time for an earache. You many have a bacterial infection, which means you need antibiotics from a doctor. If it's caused by sinusitis, cold or sinus medicine might help. Even Tylenol or ibuprofen might help with the pain. Tea tree oil is antibacterial and antiviral. If you have some, you can try rubbing a drop or two on your ear. Chewing gum can relieve an imbalance in pressure (like when your ears pop on flights when you chew gum or swallow). It could also be caused by infections related to dental problems...so again, antibiotics. But, like I said, 5 days is a long time. Link to post Share on other sites
Ladyjane14 Posted August 18, 2007 Share Posted August 18, 2007 Ear pain needs to be cleared by a physician of course. But just to get you through the night, you might try an over the counter pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. A decongestant can sometimes help as well. Depending on the pain, you might try heat or cold packs for 20 minutes, but not knowing what's going on in there, you're best bet is to keep the ear dry inside. You might even get some relief by blowing warm air through a hair dryer, but be careful not to burn the area as some dryers get really hot. There are some over-the-counter drops like Similasan which can offer some relief. But again... it's important to find out WHY the ear is hurting, so be sure to see the doctor. Damn, I feel ya... earaches are just the WORST. Link to post Share on other sites
Author corazoncito Posted August 18, 2007 Author Share Posted August 18, 2007 Thanks for the replies. Yes, I need to get to a doctor . I thought it would clear up by itself in 2-3 days or turn into a sore throat and then go away (normal for me) so I was sort of ignoring it. I was actually taking antibiotics for an unrelated infection when it started so I'm wondering if it's not a viral infection. I'll see if I can find some Tea Tree oil and maybe try a decongestant in the meantime. Thanks again ladies! Link to post Share on other sites
bish Posted August 18, 2007 Share Posted August 18, 2007 one word....amoxicillin Link to post Share on other sites
Author corazoncito Posted August 18, 2007 Author Share Posted August 18, 2007 one word....amoxicillin Yeah, I just broke down and took some. I hope it works. I'm nervous doing that without seeing a doctor first (you can buy antibiotics here without a prescription). But since it's Saturday and I can't see a doctor till Monday, I'm willing to try just about anything at this point. Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites
bish Posted August 18, 2007 Share Posted August 18, 2007 Yeah, I just broke down and took some. I hope it works. I'm nervous doing that without seeing a doctor first (you can buy antibiotics here without a prescription). But since it's Saturday and I can't see a doctor till Monday, I'm willing to try just about anything at this point. Thanks! Well if you have some left over from another prescription, you can't just take it once. You'll have to take it until you finish the bottle. Link to post Share on other sites
Author corazoncito Posted August 18, 2007 Author Share Posted August 18, 2007 Well if you have some left over from another prescription, you can't just take it once. You'll have to take it until you finish the bottle. No, I've got a full course (500 mgs, 2x day for 7 days according to my Google searches). They sell antibiotics like aspirin here in Mexico so it's no problem to get buy a fresh box from the pharmacy. No prescription necessary. Link to post Share on other sites
amaysngrace Posted August 21, 2007 Share Posted August 21, 2007 My mom learned this from her mom... take regular table salt, about a half a cup, and heat it up in a frying pan. Then pour the salt into an old sock, tie a knot and put it on your sore ear. It's suppose to be soothing. Link to post Share on other sites
directx Posted August 21, 2007 Share Posted August 21, 2007 I remember using a heating pad as a kid to help. it did, until you took it away Link to post Share on other sites
Author corazoncito Posted August 21, 2007 Author Share Posted August 21, 2007 Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Some were kind of fun sounding! I ended up seeing a very nice doctor who told me I have a mild strep infection in my ear and throat. So he prescribed me some antibiotics, decongestants and mild painkillers. It's helping already. Link to post Share on other sites
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