Question 1

how long does an adult ear infection last without antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

If not bacterial: The average duration is 7-10 days-much like a common viral cold illness.  Supportive or comfort care is recommended.  If no improvement-seek medical attention for a good history and physical examination.

Question 2

have an ear infection taking antibiotic drops but the ear has had drainage nonstop for four days how long will drainage last is this normal?

Accepted Answer

That depends: You don't say if you have a swimmer's ear (external otitis) or otitis media with a ruptured ear drum.  An external otitis is treated with ear drops alone, and the drainage should have noticeably lessened by now.  In otitis media with a ruptured ear drum the drops won't be enough unless the hole in the ear drum is large, or you have a tube in your ear.

Question 3

how long do the effects of ear infection last, i.e. nauseaous, dizzy, ?  dr. gave me antibiotic and sudafed.  will dramamine (dimenhydrinate) help?

Accepted Answer

Recheck: Antibiotics are not always effective, so if you are nauseated or dizzy for more than 48 hours after starting the meds, return to prescriber.

Question 4

diagnosed with a middle ear infection 2+ wks ago. took antibiotic for 10 days. low grade fever last 9 days. ear still plugged. is this normal?

Accepted Answer

May be: To have a middle ear infection you must actually trap mucous inside the ear chamber. That mucous can persist and interfere with hearing for a week or so after all the germs are killed off. Once the mucous drains through the Eustachian tube, air returns and hearing improves.

Question 5

my 6 month old baby has had 2 doses of antibioics in the last 6 weeks for a ear infection and now a throat infection is this ok?

Accepted Answer

It happens: Clearing ear infections in small infants is sometimes difficult, with reinfection rates running 10% by a month out if it even cleared at all. I encourage parents to use probiotic preparations to help reduce the effect on the kids happy germs that help digestion.

Question 6

how can i get an antibiotic

ear infection ?

Accepted Answer

Not here: This is the public US based HT general information site. We answer questions about medical issues when you submit a description of a problem. We do not offer to diagnose or treat .If you are signed up for a pay service like HealthTap Prime or Concierge they may be able to arrange a consult for you. See: www.connect@healthtap.com.

Question 7

should i switch to a different antibiotic for an ear infection if this one isn't working?

Accepted Answer

Ear infection: It is not a good idea to treat infections without a diagnosis--and a doctor--managing it. Many folks find some "old" antibiotics laying around and take them for what they feel is their diagnosis. Then for whatever reason if they don't get better, they try to switch, again without a good exam and a diagnosis. Lots of things cause ear pain, and antibiotics aren't the answer for all.

Question 8

i have a chronic ear infection responding to no antibiotic yet. what's going to happen? i'm nervous.

Accepted Answer

See an ENT doctor: Have you been diagnosed with a middle ear infection (otitis media) or an external infection (otitis externa)? Google these terms to understand the differences. Or do you have water in your ear (serous otitis media)? Ask  your doctor for a referral to an ENT doctor, or get a second opinion.

Question 9

if i am already on a antibiotic for a cold is there any chance that i could develop a ear infection bc my head is already hurting?

Accepted Answer

Common cold: Is due to viral infection, so antibiotics won't be of value unless a secondary bacterial infection sets in, so you are allowed to have viral infection of your middle ears or your sinuses despite being on antibiotics, if it is really bothersome see your doctor, meanwhile, saline nasal wash and salt water gargles would help

Question 10

i have had an ear infection for more then a week and its a sharp pain. do i get an antibiotic or ear drops and which brand?

Accepted Answer

Need to look intoear: Most likely 2possibilities .
If it is external ear infection drops may be fine. 
In infection is in the middle year (behind ear drum) need oral antibiotics and if severe drops may needed. 
Need more information.

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Doctor answers about:

How long does an adult ear infection last without antibiotics

A member asked:

How long does an adult ear infection last without antibiotics?

A member asked:

Have an ear infection taking antibiotic drops but the ear has had drainage nonstop for four days how long will drainage last is this normal?

A member asked:

How long do the effects of ear infection last, i.e. nauseaous, dizzy, ? dr. gave me antibiotic and sudafed. will dramamine (dimenhydrinate) help?

A member asked:

Diagnosed with a middle ear infection 2+ wks ago. took antibiotic for 10 days. low grade fever last 9 days. ear still plugged. is this normal?

A member asked:

My 6 month old baby has had 2 doses of antibioics in the last 6 weeks for a ear infection and now a throat infection is this ok?

A member asked:

How can i get an antibiotic ear infection ?

A member asked:

Should i switch to a different antibiotic for an ear infection if this one isn't working?

A member asked:

I have a chronic ear infection responding to no antibiotic yet. what's going to happen? i'm nervous.

A member asked:

If i am already on a antibiotic for a cold is there any chance that i could develop a ear infection bc my head is already hurting?

A member asked:

I have had an ear infection for more then a week and its a sharp pain. do i get an antibiotic or ear drops and which brand?

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