Author Topic: Serous otitis media.  (Read 3082 times)

southwesterly

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Serous otitis media.
« on: December 10, 2017, 03:47:58 PM »
I have acute serous otitis media.

Seriously.

Ever since I had a sinus infection from surfing in the red tide three weeks ago, I’ve had fluid in my middle ear. The infection is long gone but the water in my inner ear is still there. It is so frustrating. My ears won’t pop and clear and it’s like my head is in a fog. When I talk it echoes inside my head and all sounds are very muffled. My balance is also off and I’m having a hard time standing on my board even though it’s normally is very stable.

I’ve been to the doctor twice and have been told it would clear up over time. I’m on antibiotics and Flo-nase nasal spray, but other than that I am just waiting.

Does anybody have any special tricks or advice on how to get the water out of my inner ear?

SUPcheat

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Re: Serous otitis media.
« Reply #1 on: December 10, 2017, 03:59:52 PM »
My sympathies, Steve.  You seemed a little viral punch drunk out there today at Privates. I know the feeling since I seem to get everything that comes through.

I have had in the past what you are talking about, a swollen eustachian tube, with vocal echoes etc. It's maddening not being able to push the pressure through to get it to "pop". I am not sure much can be done until the swelling in the tube subsides, unless the doc can irrigate it somehow.
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PonoBill

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Re: Serous otitis media.
« Reply #2 on: December 10, 2017, 06:26:19 PM »
Antihistamines. A little overdone of Sudafed will open the tube and let stuff drain. Standard diver trick. Little red pills. Why doctors don't know that is a mystery, but it will clear it up quickly.
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Zooport

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Re: Serous otitis media.
« Reply #3 on: December 10, 2017, 06:45:56 PM »
Antihistamines. A little overdone of Sudafed will open the tube and let stuff drain. Standard diver trick. Little red pills. Why doctors don't know that is a mystery, but it will clear it up quickly.

Yes, being an ex diver myself, Sudafed was the call.  Another thing you can do is sleep sitting up, in a recliner chair.  That angle has helped drain my ears.  Now when I get a cold, I immediately head for the Barcalounger and sleep as vertical as I can manage.  It seriously helps.  At least for me, laying down fills things up again, so I just don't.
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supthecreek

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Re: Serous otitis media.
« Reply #4 on: December 11, 2017, 03:36:58 AM »
Also.... refrain from poking your ear to try to "pop" it
The constant agitation can inflame the tissue of the inner ear and make it worse.

Heal well.

stoneaxe

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Re: Serous otitis media.
« Reply #5 on: December 11, 2017, 07:05:32 AM »
Welcome to my world. Balance is overrated. Look at it as a benefit...when your head is swimming every ride feels like your ripping... ;) I was having a hard time walking straight yesterday morning but we had nice waves at my local so there was no way I wasn't going out. I managed to not kill myself so it was a good session.
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Tom

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Re: Serous otitis media.
« Reply #6 on: December 11, 2017, 11:52:14 AM »
My doctor recommended Sudafed for a similar problem. Seemed to help.

JEG

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Re: Serous otitis media.
« Reply #7 on: December 11, 2017, 12:06:28 PM »
that sux, hope you get that water out soon.
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Piros

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Re: Serous otitis media.
« Reply #8 on: December 12, 2017, 01:19:47 AM »
This advice won’t help you now but once you get over it . If you jump in a swimming pool always use Aqua ear or some form of drops to dry your ear canal . I went through hell playing water polo for many years and constant ear infections. I spent months with ear specialist even had an antibiotic 6 inch ear wick pushed in for days on both ears canals . Better than sex when was pulled out . I rarely put my head down now in public swimming pools but no worries now in salt water. Badly managed swimming pools narrow your ear canal and trap water and create infection. If you ever get out of the water fresh or salt and feel you have water trapped inside add some drops to dry it out. Simple way of stopping major ear problems.
« Last Edit: December 12, 2017, 01:21:24 AM by Piros »
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tautologies

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Re: Serous otitis media.
« Reply #9 on: December 12, 2017, 02:59:02 AM »
Welcome to my world. Balance is overrated. Look at it as a benefit...

You mean entitlement? Then its just for the 0.1%
 ;D

 


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