I think have an ear infection, help!!!!

[FruitynNutty]

My ears often get blocked up very easily. I have to have them syringed a fair bit but I haven't had the chance lately as my baby was born by c-section 3 weeks ago so I've been a bit pre-occupied (to say the least) so I ignored/got used to the blockage. Now I think it's turned into an infection as it's really painful I can barely lie on my ear.
I can't call the GP's until Tuesday and I won't get an appointment for at least a week and a half. If I go in as an emergency patient I'll have to be there at the crack of dawn when it opens and I struggle to get out of the house before 9.30 with a new born and 3.5 yr old at the moment.

Is there a way I can get rid of it without antibiotics? Maybe a natural way as I'm BFing? (or trying to anyway!)

Am not sure of a natural remedy tbh - but poor you.

DS1 has suffered with ear infections since he was six months old (he is nearly 12 now) and has another one at the moment which is taking its time to clear up even with abs. The dr also gave him sudafed to take as well.

How about you ring NHS direct and ask for their advice or do you have a walk in centre?

Hope you get it sorted.

I would call NHS Direct if I were you and ask them what pain relief you can take as bf'ing. I get this and is v painful.

I use hot water bottle to give some relief - wrap it in a pillow case and rest bad ear on it! Or hot flannels could give some relief too.

Once the eardrum burst the pain goes away - it that is any comfort!

Blimey Sam not sure I fancy my ear drum bursting!

There is a walk in centre at the nearest hospital actually, perhaps I'll go up there. It's normally a very long wait though

Try a hot water bottle to alleviate the pain .

they can become VERY painful - I would get straight to the doctors if it gets any worse.

You definitely don't want your eardrum to burst! If it does you are in big trouble.

You could try the ValSalva Moneurve(sp?)

You gulp a load of air in so your "cheeks " are full,then you hold your Nose and blow.

The idea is that you have a fluid build-up behind your Tympanic membrane (the bit you don't want "bursting" or Perforating) theres nowhere for it to go,so if you do this,it will open up the Eustacian Tube and release the pressure as the fluid moves along the tube and disperses.

Blowing up balloons is a similar process.

Usually has more effect in the earlier stages,but may help now.

Thanks for that Sawyer I had a go but didn't do anything

I'm going to have to go to the Walk in Centre, it's going to be manic!

Why is it the only time I need the GP it's when it's not flipping open?

I think if you keep doing it it will relieve the pressure and allow the fluid to disperse.
(If you don't get seen today maybe?)

Hope you get sorted.

Cut an onion in half, put it in the oven for 10 mins, wrap it in a tea towel and put it to your ear. Im not sure if it works but a doctor at A&E told us to do this if dd got another infection and we couldn't get her to the GP. Worth a try.

It seems to be improving, maybe not an infection after all! I'll remember the tips though! thank you

FruitynNutty Please, please, don't put anything in your ear, please don't buy Earex or Otis or anything like that.

See a doctor and ask for a swab & test. Some outer ear things are caused by a fungal infection, which will be made worse by antibiotics and filling your ear with liquids.

you can be seen out of hours through NHS direct if you call tonight. tell them you have ear discharge and pain (ham it up a bit).

do you have someone to watch kids so you can get along to your nearest out of hours clinic (normally nearest MI unit/hospital).

normally it's within 4 hours of nurse assessment though so you would have to be willing to attend OOH at weird o'clock but usually you don't have to wait too long once there.