I woke up this morning with some pain in my left ear. It just keeps aching and is getting worse. I sort of had the sniffles yesterday and this morning but haven't had a cold otherwise. Unfortunately DD has had a runny nose this morning. I am devastated because we CAN'T get sick again. DS who is just three months old has been really sick. He was being treated for a bacterial infection in his sinuses. He took antibiotics for over two weeks, which we just finished yesterday. I think he has reflux and is often congested. It is hard enough for him to breathe as it is -- without another nasty cold!
Anyway, how do I know if I have an ear infection or not? I really don't want to try to take the kids into the doctor's with me. If I do have one how soon will it go away on it's own and what can I do to speed up the process? Thanks!
Sounds like an ear infection. I used to get them alot as a kid and have had a few since I had my dd. It's not worth going to the doc anyway as generally ear infections are viral and are not treated (or shouldn't be treated) with antibiotics. I would take Motrin for the pain and something like Sudafed or Benedryl to clear up the fluid in your ears. Also, sometimes you can get some relief by putting a heating pad on your ear while lying down. They do go away on their own usually but if you start getting other symptoms like major headache and pain that feels like a toothache, it could be a sinus infection. Then you'd need to go to the docs.
You still around, OMama? I'm curious how that panned out for you - hope it all went away!
I came here looking for answers for my own ear pain. My left ear is KILLING me-- pretty sure it's some kind of infection. I don't think I've ever had one before. So far I've mostly found info for infections in kids, which I'll share, but since you posted this 15 days ago, I hope you have that figured out and done with by now!
Just trying to stay warm and sane here in Bothell.
bjorker - Sorry to hear you are dealing with ear pain too. Not fun! Mine acutally went away and instead I came down with mastitis that night! Whenever I get mastitis it always seems to start with a headache and this time it was just in my ear too. I realize I have really sensitive ears, especially when it is cold. If I go outside they really ache -- like right through my brain. I always wear a hat and pull it down but they still hurt. Maybe I need some really cool ear muffs.
Anyway I sincerely hope you can kick the infection. Those look like some good resources you found. I've heard tea tree oil works too because it dries stuff up. But I'd try to do a search first and see how exactly you are supposed to use it. Good luck!
I think my ear is feeling slightly better today, but it's hard to tell. Putting the alcohol in my ear was really horrid. It stung and then itched and sloshed around. Ugh... *shutter* I actually had a thought about tea tree oil because I know it's both drying and healing, but I didn't see it mentioned anywhere. So thanks for that info-- I'll search specifically for that.
Anyhoo, good luck keeping warm. It looks nice out today, but as I found out-- still really cold.
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