WIBU to take myself to an and e for intense ear pain?

[Toblerone45]

I have been unwell for about three weeks. I had tonsillitis for which I had antibiotics, then a chest infection and more antibiotics.

For the last week I have had ear ache and sinus pain, plus sore throat. I had an appointment with the paramedic at our gp surgery on Friday who said I probably have an ear infection and gave me a spray for it.

Now I have woken up about an hour ago because of intense sharp ear pain. It’s horrible. I’ve taken paracetamol and used a heat pack (I don’t even know if the heat pack was a good idea, Google suggested it).

Would I be wrong to go to an and e at this point? Starting a new job bloody tomorrow 🤦‍♀️

And if I would be unreasonable, what would you do?

Thank you in advance for any advice!

I’d go, if it’s horrific and painkillers not relieving it then you maybe need antibiotics.

It will only get worse not better. Go

If you have an acute ear infection that is not clearing up with antibiotics and you are in agony then no you are not unreasonable.

I would have phoned an out of hours GP though and given the spray a chance to work. Not sure I would be wanting to sit in A and E for hours for that though,

I would go back to the GP first thing Monday and ask for a swab to be done and have oral antibiotics as spray is unlikely to touch the sides if it is that bad but they won’t likely see you again if you haven’t given it any time to work

I'd phone 111 now for advice, in many areas there are out of hours GPs.

Please go now. You are very unwell with an infection. Don't mess about with ears, they are close to the brain. Best of luck, go and get sorted.

If in doubt go to A&E. Unclear why you are asking mumsnet - the people to ask are 111 or, if you are in that much pain, 999.

Thank you - I don’t want to waste anyone’s time, and I was given this spray only on Friday, but it really hurts, a lot!

I’m ringing 111 now

Glad to hear it.

This exactly where 111 is very useful. I sometimes use the online version as a kind of triage. I seem to remember reading that acute ear pain in adults is regarded as an emergency.

Hope that you get sorted soon, intense ear pain is horrible.

111 for an out of hours GP appointment. Not a&e

When I had excruciating ear pain a few years back, I phoned 111 and they said to come to the out of hours section at the hospital. As I got to my front door, my ear ‘popped’ and lots of gunk came streaming out. Doctor said I had a severe inner ear infection and that subsequently led to labrynthitis. It was horrendous for months and I’m still a bit dizzy now. Definitely ring and see what they say.

Ear pain is not an accident nor an emergency.
Antibiotics will only be prescribed if you have a bacterial infection. Under the 'Pharmacy First' scheme you can be assessed by a local pharmacist who can also also prescribe antibiotics if needed.
Definitely try 111 first.
If you go to A&E you will be triaged as low priority and if they agree to see you at all you're likely to have to wait s very long time.

Hope you managed to speak to 111. They can usually advise you of the best options. Sometimes this can be booking you in an appointment with an out of hours doctor which can be quicker and hopefully help look at what treatment is needed rather than sitting and waiting in A&E.
Also look at minor injuries clinics as an option if you still need help.

999 for a sore ear? Wise up! That is NOT what 999 is for!

Sounds like the start of quinsy OP. Go to A&E, as it really can become an emergency.

Not to scare you, but I did the same as you, phoned 111 etc and stayed home and by the time I got to A&E I was in the first stages of sepsis and ended up in hospital for 2 weeks.

It absolutely could be an emergency, although hopefully not in this case.

What happened OP? I think calling 111 in the first instance is the right call

Go to A&E. Untreated, ear infections can lead to fatal brain infections if left untreated.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-63057872