Ear ache tmi. dear god it hurts

[minesadecaf]

I've been plagued with one cold virus after another since Xmas but since this afternoon my ear has been so painful. It's blocked apart from tinnitus and it feels really pressurised. I've tried holding my nose and blowing as per flying but nothing. About 12 years ago I had such a build up of pressure then a "pop" which instantly alleviated the pain but followed loads of gunk weeping out and I prey it's not that again. How can an ear cause so much pain??

• pray!

Have you had it looked at?

You don't want a burst ear drum.

I'm not one to rush for anti-biotics (but had any for 7+ years) but ears is something that sometimes you really can't get to heal by themselves. Get to a GP. Some drops or a spray could have some relief for you pretty quickly.

I'd phone nhs24 and get an out of hours appt asap. Sounds infected, eardrums bursting can result in permanent hearing loss.

There’s nothing quite like earache is there I really feel for you.

The pop last time was your eardrum perforating. The pain lessens as the pressure is released (that’s the gunk). Voice of bitter experience here as I’ve had loads.

Things that help a tiny bit:

1. Did you know you can take ibuprofen and paracetamol together? Best to stagger them (paracetamol, 2 hrs later ibuprofen, etc) and keep a note of what you have taken at what times as it’s easy to overdose when you are this unwell.

1. Hot water bottle/heat bag

That’s it, sorry I’m not sure at which point you are now advised to seek medial help, but you may need antibiotics at some point.

Definitely see a gp. Don't be fobbed off if they say "oh it's just blocked, come back in a few days if it's still as bad". I had an infection hidden behind a blockage and I swear to god it was more painful than having a baby. After about four days it started bleeding so I ended up at an ent department in hospital nearly needing antibiotics via iv. Hope you feel better soon.

I'll go first thing tomorrow morning.

Thanks everyone. I went to the doc and I have otitis media and a bulging drum which he think will perforate tonight. Antibiotics for me!