Ear Infections | Mumsnet

Aquarius1234 · 2024-04-15T13:11:29+00:00

AIBU to not know if my ear infection has cleared up? Tried two lots of antibiotics but still unsure if its helped.

SleepyRich · 15/04/2024 14:43

Depends on what your symptoms are/were. If it was a middle ear infection - normally intensely painful with discharging puss from the ear - antibiotics rarely make any difference to these infections and just need time to heal. Antibiotics are still prescribed too often for this type of infection despite there rarely being any benefit. If there was a perforation then your GP would normally review your ear after a few weeks to check how it's healing. If no perforation it wouldn't normally be reviewed. Middle ear infections do normally settle well over a week.

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/middle-ear-infection-otitis-media/

If it's an external ear infection then these can persist if not properly treated. Symptoms normally quite an itchy uncomfortable ear. If you've completed treatment and still symptomatic let your GP know.

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/otitis-externa/

Middle ear infection (otitis media)

Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear that causes inflammation and a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum. Learn more about its symptoms and treatments.

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/middle-ear-infection-otitis-media

Original poster

Aquarius1234 · 15/04/2024 15:16

SleepyRich · 15/04/2024 14:43

Depends on what your symptoms are/were. If it was a middle ear infection - normally intensely painful with discharging puss from the ear - antibiotics rarely make any difference to these infections and just need time to heal. Antibiotics are still prescribed too often for this type of infection despite there rarely being any benefit. If there was a perforation then your GP would normally review your ear after a few weeks to check how it's healing. If no perforation it wouldn't normally be reviewed. Middle ear infections do normally settle well over a week.

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/middle-ear-infection-otitis-media/

If it's an external ear infection then these can persist if not properly treated. Symptoms normally quite an itchy uncomfortable ear. If you've completed treatment and still symptomatic let your GP know.

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/otitis-externa/

I was told its middle ear. Uncomfortable no pain and faint tinnitus and slightly blocked ear. It was very red.

OP posts:

Original poster

Aquarius1234 · 15/04/2024 17:33

Anyone else had middle ear infections recently??

OP posts:

SleepyRich · 16/04/2024 15:03

One or both ears? For most patients it wouldn't normally be necessary to treat that with antibiotics since in studies they make no difference to the rate at which the infection clears. If you have improving symptoms great let it continue to improve however if no improvement over 2 weeks, and certainly if worsening go back for a review.

Original poster

Aquarius1234 · 17/04/2024 12:10

SleepyRich · 16/04/2024 15:03

One or both ears? For most patients it wouldn't normally be necessary to treat that with antibiotics since in studies they make no difference to the rate at which the infection clears. If you have improving symptoms great let it continue to improve however if no improvement over 2 weeks, and certainly if worsening go back for a review.

One ear. Yes I was hoping the tinnitus would disappear. Will see what happens.

OP posts:

SnaccidentsHappen · 17/04/2024 12:21

I had a middle ear infection recently which ruptured my ear drum. Only really 1/2 days of pain, 5 days antibiotics but I couldn't hear properly for around 2/3 weeks after and it's still not 100%. Can actually hear a very slight ringing just now. I think it's just one of those things that takes time to heal properly, may never be 100% again.

EAEL92 · 28/07/2024 18:00

Hi, how long did yours take to heal please?

I’ve had mine for over 10 days now, finished antibiotics yesterday but my ear has been leaking for a week and has started to hurt again today 😕