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Why am I having pain in the ear and inflamed tonsil?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have pain in my right ear. The pain feels above and below my ear area. It subsides when I grind my teeth but in general, I keep having a light pain and the ear feels like it is closed. I do not have any infection or anything. The only thing at present is I have a slightly inflamed tonsil for which I am using antibiotics. The other thing is I am using antibiotics anxiety tablet Xet CR 12.5

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The pain could be referred pain from tonsils or TM (temporomandibular) joint pain or some proper earache. Since you are saying you do not have any infection, I am inclined to diagnose it as referred pain from tonsils. Tonsils and ear have the same nerves supplying them and the pain can get referred to ear from tonsil. If you can send a picture of your tonsils it will be very helpful. You just have to click few pics of good clarity of open mouth taking care to focus on the posterior pharyngeal wall. Additionally, please answer the following questions. Do you have throat pain? Any fever? Any a cough? Any decreased hearing? Any difficulty in swallowing? Any nose block or running nose or a headache or sinus pressure? What antibiotics are you on? Has this occurredbefore? How old are you? What is your work? Do you smoke or drink?

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I have attached the best possible picture. I am currently on Azithromycin. Yes, I do have sinus pressure and I am taking steam every day. I feel like my right nostril is clogged from within but there is no running nose. The discharge is colorless. The ear pain has occurred before but not with tonsil, but subsided on its own. This time I feel pressure on the head right above my ear area extending to my temple. Also, sometimes the area behind my earlobe also hurts. I do smoke at work. (Six per day to be precise) I have no hearing issues but occasionally my ear rings and when I stretch it, it becomes fine. I also use an in-ear headphone. I currently do not have any fever but I do get an occasional cough which my doctor said is because of post nasal drip.

Hey,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Though I cannot see the tonsils clearly I can make out that the area surrounding it is inflamed and red (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Hence it is natural and most probable that tonsils are also enlarged and inflamed. Continue the full course of Azithromycin. I hope it is prescribed by a doctor and you know the full course of it. Additionally, you require a systemic decongestant with antihistaminics. Sinarest or Recofast will be good. For the spin relief take Paracetamol appropriate for your weight. If you let me know your weight I shall guide you. Do not take steam inhalation. It will worsen the sinus problem, post nasal drip, and cough. To remove sinus problem and nasal blockage take Otrivin nose drops. Take the drops three in each nasal cavity twice daily only for four days. Do not smoke till you get absolutely better. Drink plenty of warm water. Stay away from dust smoke and mud. Wear a mask when you go out of the house. What is your occupation like and where do you live?

Patient's Query

Hi doctor, None of the chemists or the online stores have Otrivin nasal drops. Is there a substitute I can use? Also, are nasal drops safe to use while using antibitotics and anti-anxiety tablets?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Otrivin is the commonest nasal decongestant drops. I am surprised you are unable to find that. Nevertheless try any of the following. 1. Nasivion. 2. Xyloflo. 3. Oxamet. 4. Oxyspray. 5. Otrinose. Any of the above can be used in place of Otrivin and similar to how you use Otrivin. How do you feel now ? Are you better? Did you complete the course of antibiotics? It is safe to take nose drops with antibiotics and anti-anxiety medicine. I hope there is not anything else that you are taking. Do revert back for any support or help.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply. I am feeling ok I guess. My throat still hurts on the right side and ocassionally burns. I think I may also have caught the seasonal cold. Also, Azithromycin is causing severe abdominal pain for me although I am taking Rabemac DSR. I bought Otrinoz nasal drop but it is clearly written on the box to not use if I am using anti depressant. So I am a little confused. I am using Xet CR 12.5 for my anxiety disorder. It is also an anti depressant. Can I still use the drops? I do not have a stuffy nose now but my nasal passagea feel dry. I am avoiding AC and also have a portable humidifier at my place. Also, is there a milder antibiotic than Azithromycin? Because, the side effects are too many and I am unable to cope. I am allergic to pencillin though.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If you have dry nose and no stuffiness, then do not take the nasal drops. They are meant for decongestion and not for dry nose. Take steam and use humidifier at home. Avoid Aircon. Can keep Aircon at 25 degrees with humidifier and stay away from direct Aircon blower. But avoiding is a good idea. Wear mask when you go outside. Do not expose yourself to dust. If you have finished a course of Azithromycin that is enough. Do not bother about next antibiotic. This should do. For the tummy side effects of Azithromycin, continue your Rabemac DSR, twice daily that is before breakfast and dinner in empty stomach. After meals take syrup Mucaine gel one tablespoon. This will prevent acidity and burning sensation. Avoid spicy oily and difficult to digest foods. Drink plenty of water between meals but not immediately before or after meals. In your next query try to send us a picture of your throat with open mouth. We would like to review.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am feeling a little better now. But, I have occassional throat pain and ear pain. Here, I have attached a picture for your reference.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is still mildly inflamed. But there is no need for antibiotics. You must take an antacid like Pantoprazole (Raciper or Pan 40) twice daily before meals. This will prevent laryngopharyngeal reflux groom acting on the throat and worsening your condition. Drink plenty of warm water. Avoid gargles. What other medications are you on? Stop nasal decongestant sprays if it is more than five days of using it. Occasional Paracetamol as per your weight to relieve pain would be more than sufficient. General precautions to avoid dust and pollution should continue. Avoid smoke, drinks and cold stuff.

Patient's Query

hi doctor I hope you are doing well. I am feeling better then before now..I visited an ENT just for consultation and he said that I have a small ulcer in my throat. he gave me betadine gargle, Bevon, rebagen and telekast l for my congested nose. I am a little worried and wanted to know how long will it take for the ulcer to heal. I sit really dangerous. I have considerable reduced smoking though. attaching imagw for your reference.

Hello

I think you should stop worrying about the ulcer. With the right treatment and precautions your ulcer will heal soon. Say a week or so. While using betafine gargles dilute it as otherwise it can be very strong. Has the doctor given you any ointment to apply over the ulcer ? Smoke can worsen the ulcer and tend to aggravate the condition. Eat healthy food. If the doctor has. pointed out the ulcer it's good to apply dologel CT ointment over the ulcer. Syrup mucaine gel can be taken 1 TSP after meals to ease the burning sensation in mouth.

Thanks for asking about me. I'm good. Would wish that you get completely alright soon !

Medically reviewed byDr. K. Shobana

Published At July 14, 2018
Reviewed AtJanuary 31, 2024

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