Help! Severe ear pain

[MJ123]

I've been bringing up a bit of phlegm over the last few days and had a slight cough. Figured I had a cold, still well enough to work and get on with things.

Yesterday, my ear felt blocked, with a lot of pressure like when you're on a plane?

Same today but just got on with it. Went asleep at 10ish and been awake for the last two hours with a blinding pain in my ear. I cant hear out of it at all and it's really painful. I've taken some painkillers and put a warm flannel on it but no joy just yet.

I can't bear this pain until Monday when the GP opens up - anyone got any home remedies/suggestions? Has anyone seen a pharmacist with similar symptoms before?

I don't want to waste anyone's time but I've never had anything like this before

Ask for acetic acid spray at the pharmacy.

I would also phone 111 or go to a walk in centre. They can prescribe Otomize and potentially antibiotics if they think it's a bacterial ear infection.

Don't sit on it as ear infections can lead to permanent hearing loss. I had a nasty one a few weeks ago so I feel your pain!

Have you taken an anti inflammatory and/or anti histamine? They may reduce the pressure a bit.
Ear ache is horrible, you may need antibiotics so perhaps ring ooh in the morning.

Thanks both, it's great to hear from others.

I was wondering about 111 but didn't want to waste anyone's time. The NHS website seems to suggest just getting on with it is best but paracetamol isn't touching the sides of this.

I'm taking paracetamol and a decongestant at the min. Sounds like some ibuprofen might help too- thanks!

Also just realised that it hurts even worse when I bend over - it's making me think its possibly trapped fluid?

Could be fluid pressure, infection or could even be a ruptured eardrum. In your shoes I’d call 111. It’s clearly quite severe pain.

Thanks everyone. I'm due for a call back from a nurse sometime in the next 18 hours or so.

Trying to keep my head still and dose up on pain meds in the meantime.