Recurrent ear infections anyone-in adults

[mooshy]

Am really hacked off with persistant ear infections.
When i was about 18 was introduced to my first stethascope as a student nurse-soon realised it was the trigger to all my ear infections.I literally had about 12 or more courses of antibiotics over about 18 months.
Have been pretty much ok on and off for last 20 years but kicked off again last year.
Am now hacked off as had earache in both ears since November.Now on 3rd course of antibiotics.Have had them both syringed ,tried warm olive oil and heat.Is there anything else i can try.Willing to try anything now.
Can adults have grommets-i feel that even when they are not hurting they are full of fluid.Sorry its so long but am cancelling another night out tonight and had to give up swimming again.(feeling sorry for myself )

Mooshy - never had it as bad as you , more of an earache everytime I got a cold which was really often.
I have found a big improvement taking echinaccea. I don't know if it is a coincindece but may be worth a try .

I have some in the cupboard so will give it a go.Thanks

hi, yes its possible to have grommets fitted as an adult, however the first course of action is steroid nasl sprays for 1-3 months, as it sounds as though you have glue ear, ask for a referral to an ent specialist, also you could trey steaming occasionaly too as that can help clear your eustachian tubes.

yes - my husband had a grommett put in (was deaf in that ear although I think he used it as an excuse not to hear DS crying in the night Grrrr!)
you can have it done without GA - they put some magic cream in your ear and then 20 mins later it's numb and they start the op
all over within 30 mins (although Surgeon hadn't told the day ward about DH not having the GA so he was on nil by mouth all day unnecessarily lol)

Spacecadet thanks- havent tried nasal spray.I know my gp and will ask him if i can give it a go .I think after all these years it would be reasonable to see an ent surgeon too .I had glue ear as a child and im sure its the same thing.Will def. try the steaming too-i actually have a propper attachment thingy i bought for the children when they were little-great for croup !
Lizbet, its reassurring to know i can have grommets as i know i get a build up of fluid behind my drum >Will try everything else first but also nice to know it can be done quickly.We have a fabulous ent man here who took my tonsils out 35 years ago ! I`ll get in with him quick before he retires.

I had glue ear as a child with my ear drum rupturing on a number of occasions. I had a reoccurance last winter and ended up with both ear drums ruptured - but not ever offered gromits.

I was told by a friend who had a child with very bad ear problems about these drops her sister got for her - liquid gold or something and she has not had a problem since. I planned to get some but luckily my problem has not reoccured.

Best wishes - I know how horrid it is.

oh should have added I can find out more about the ear drops if you are interested.

x

I had glue ear as a child with my ear drum rupturing on a number of occasions. I had a reoccurance last winter and ended up with both ear drums ruptured - but not ever offered gromits.

I was told by a friend who had a child with very bad ear problems about these drops her sister got for her - liquid gold or something and she has not had a problem since. I planned to get some but luckily my problem has not reoccured.

Best wishes - I know how horrid it is.

?

sorry - got sidetracked and looked at bras on figleaves - next thing had posted first message age!

Spacecadet, what type of nasal spray should i be asking for.Is it a decongestant or something else ?

You have my synpathy. I've got reccurent ear ache as well and I had mastoiditis.

I've been trying a nasal balloon.

www.auravita.com/products/AURA/KEHE10041.asp

Blowing a balloon up with your nose is supposed to help the euthusation tubes open and drain away the gloo.

I believe that certain types of chewing gum is supposed to help/

mooshy, you need a steroid spray such as beconase or nasonex, nasonex imo is better than beconase.

Thanks spacecadet.Saw gp today and ear is pretty yucky.Is sending me to the outpatients dept. tomorrow to have it suctioned with a catheter to remove some of the muck.Said my drum looked basically knackered and totally made up of scar tissue .At least i know i wasn`t overreacting all those years ago !
Going to see the ent surgeon asap.Am very lucky in that i can hopefully get in next week-thank you so much for your advice.

no problem.

Frances5
Have googles mastoiditis and really frightened myself now !
Gp got stuck in a meeting and isnt sorting out my hosp appt. now until Mon.Trouble is I am working Mon Tue and Wed.I cant go off sick because i am going into hosp then for a gynae op and will be off for 12 weeks ! (never been off sick before this ). Last night my ears got worse.The pain isnt so bad but the pressure was frightening me .I feel like someone has poured a pint of water into my ears.I cant hear much and it maks me really dizzy.My whole face is really tender.I couldn`t bare if anyone touched it .I know my whole face must be swollen too because i cant get my teeth to meet together.Last night i even had trouble swallowing-seems worse at night.
I sleep upright.
This is what i have tried
Steam
Nasal spray
Otomize ear spray(does nothing as too much muck for it to get where its needed )
Started echinacea
Gone dairy free
On antibiotics anyway
Swabs taken
I know i need them draining but wont be able to get until at least Thurs.
Sorry its long but am i missing something or do i just have to wait to see the ENT chappie.Bit worried they wont go ahead with my surgery on the 23rd now unless something is sorted.

Mastoiditis for me was a bit like a really bad dose of flu. All the glands on my neck came up. I had a strong course of anti biotics and I am now better.

The internet is scary, but I didnt have it as badly as the pictures on the internet.

My hearing is still down, but I am not in pain.

Mooshy, I think you need to see the out of hours doctor. It sounds really nasty.

I hope you feel better soon.

i also have constant ear infections, got one now..just weeping from left ear..using anti biotic spray from last time, but may need to see go again

Are you feeling better?

Much thanks.Had 3 lots of antibiotics and everything else i could poss try to clear it up ! Not sure which one worked but ear isn`t throbbing and i can hear ! Thanks for asking.