Mabelen Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 Does anybody know if this an indication that things are getting worse and antibiotics are needed or could it just be the tail end of the cold? Thank you in advance for your feedback, prior experience etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 I wouldn't go to the doctor for a slight earache. If your earache gets bad or is accompanied by a fever, I would go if it didn't clear up in a day or so. (Warm garlic oil in the ear will ease the pain. There are some OTC drops that help as well.) This is from someone who rarely goes to the doctor. I only go when I'm pretty sure there is something they can do for me (like test for strep and give antibiotics) or if the symptom could be something serious. Other than that, I let my immune system deal with things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuirkyKapers Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 I know sometimes at the end of things, I will get an earache. Especially since it seems my stuff usually starts at the throat and than moves up and out. Unless it is horribly painful, I would take ibprofen and see how it was in the next day or too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mejane Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 Is it residual congestion? Ear, nose and throat are all connected. I'd probably wait a bit to see if it abates. That's just me, though; I have to be dying to go to the doctor. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lara in Colo Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 I get this after every cold!!! It is usually caused by the mucus getting dehydrated in the canal and getting "stuck"' to the walls and not being able to move. I take lots of the good decongestant (the regulated kind) and drink lots of water. The rice heating pads help a lot (they are moist heat). Breathing steam through the nose is very helpful in rehydrating the mucus. Also lay down with the sore ear up to promote drainage. HTH Lara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snickelfritz Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 I've had one that cleared up at the end of a cold. Motrin/ decongestants were handling it fine. I actually went in for something unrelated ( maybe thyroid?) and the doctor asked me about it. She just said to call her if it got worse, since I said it wasn't really bothering me. Since it's the beginning of the week, I'd wait. If it was a Friday, I might go in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mabelen Posted February 15, 2011 Author Share Posted February 15, 2011 You've convinced me! I will wait and follow your advice. Plenty of liquids, decongestant etc. Thank you all so much for your input, you have been very helpful. I'd never had this happen before so I was thinking it needed to be treated asap! Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwilliams Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 be careful when using decongestants......before I understood them I actually caused my son's cold to be prolonged and worse once. The ped explained it this way....decongestants cause your nose to make less "goo".......mucinex thins your secretions...... The nurse helped me over the phone when I had a problem and said that I was layering the mucus that time. Now I just use mucinex and increase water intake for regular colds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mabelen Posted February 15, 2011 Author Share Posted February 15, 2011 be careful when using decongestants......before I understood them I actually caused my son's cold to be prolonged and worse once. The ped explained it this way....decongestants cause your nose to make less "goo".......mucinex thins your secretions...... The nurse helped me over the phone when I had a problem and said that I was layering the mucus that time. Now I just use mucinex and increase water intake for regular colds. The only OTC I actually for anyone in the family for colds is Mucinex. I said decongestants when I meant expectorants. Thank you for the explanation and the reminder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 I hope you feel better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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