Virus Infection

[riptide]

I had a really bad virus two weeks ago, sore throat that lasted 4 days, and blocked head and nose so that I could not breathe or sleep, Whenever I blew my nose blood came down. Lasted over a week and then I became giddy and felt sick with my right ear then becoming completely blocked. No longer blood when I blow my noise and I never really had any mucus or anything like that. Went to the Doctors last week about the the ear and she said that it looked very red and gave me antibiotics. After a week, my ear is still sore and blocked and when I blow my nose it sounds like there is water in it and it crackles. Presumably it is not draining properly. Should I go back or is this going to clear up by itself, still a bit croaky although not really too blocked up now. The Pharmacist suggested a nasal spray which I am using but the ear is still a problem. Any comments appreciated. In all my years on this earth I have never had an ear infection.
Thanks.

[Patsy33]

Go back to GP. You probably need stronger antibiotics. In the mean time you could try inhaling steam with some Vicks ointment in. Hope you can get it sorted soon.

[NoMercy]

Your eustachian tube is blocked. Sudafed may help.

[237SJ]

The crackling is mucus in the eustachian tube. If there is pain there, I might be inclined to get someone to have a look and see if the otitis media has cleared up or if the drum is still red. You can't do much to clear ears really - menthol steam inhalation and sudafed (if you can take it). Not sleeping on that side might help a bit.

[riptide]

Thanks,it still feels sore, and itches at times, does not help that I have bad tinnitus. Think another visit to the Doctor probably in order, although I did wonder if it might clear up on its own over a few weeks, very difficult to get appointments at our Surgery. Last one was a sit and wait which meant I had to wait in a coughing and spluttering Waiting Room for an hour.

[Sqad]

Antibiotics play no part in your problem, as it is one of blockage of the Eustachian tube as suggested by the above posters.
No point in going back to your GP.

Vick inhalations + nasal spray should settle the ear problem within a week.

[riptide]

Thank you Sqad, I have had it for 10 days, so it is getting on my nerves, will do as you suggested and get some vick tomorrow, already have a Morrisons own make sinus spray.

[Sqad]

Also riptide.......do what was used to be called a Valsalva maneuver,nip your nose tightlly, then blow down it with some force keeping both nostrils tightly closed. Every 4 hours should produce some relief.

[riptide]

Thanks I shall try that.

[riptide]

Thanks I shall try that. It makes some weeird crackling noises when doing it so must be working

[Tilly2]

When I do that manoeuvre, Sqad, It makes me dizzy.

[Sqad]

Tilly.....no big deal.

[Tilly2]

Thought you were going to say, 'Well don't do it then!' :-)

[ladybirder]

Splutter. x

[Toorak]

I do it on planes - it works

[Tilly2]

So do I, Toorak, but it still makes me dizzy!

[jno]

I've been wondering why there are so many dizzy dames on AB and now I know.

[murraymints]

Had exactly the same after nasty chest and flu...was told to do menthol steam inhalation

[jacpinetree17]

I got a little breathin device from home/bargains. Hot water and a big gulp of vicks. Mix together an inhale. Clears the nose an chest. loosens the mucas. Makes breathin easier. Hope this helps. jpt xxx