another question about fluid in ear!

[goldfish44]

Hello everyone,

We just got back from Dominican Republic where we did our OW certification. I had a recent cold prior to diving, but sinuses were clear and on top of that I took herbal decongestion prior to each dive which worked great too. It's been 7 days since our last dive, and my right ear still feels a little funny - like there is fluid in the ear, and hearing is slightly muffled compared to the left one (esp. I feel it when I chew - it feels like there is a cotton ball in the ear but nothing drastic, and no pain). Still, I called my physician and he's advised me to take Sudafed, which I have been doing 3 times a day for 4 days now, and it's still the same.

My question is: should I go to see my regular physician in person NOW (within a couple of days) or wait another week till next Thursday and see an ENT doctor? (insurance is great thanks to my hubby so there is no difference which doc I see money wise). Do ENTs have better equipment to diagnose the problem or my regular doctor should be able to do it just by looking into the ear like they usually do during an exam?

Or should I wait longer before going to any doctor to see if it clears up with Sudafed?

Appreciate some feedback!! Thanks!

 

[DocVikingo]

Sudafed (otherwise unspecified) 3 times a day for 4 days would generally be considered an adequate trial to estimate its assistance in resolution of such a complaint. In the absence of any discernable response, it is questionable that the drug would have significant benefit with continued use.

Given knowledge of nonresponse, a treating physician might recommend referral. Alternatively, s/he might prescribe a different treatment regimen. A period on any revised program should give both patient & doctor a reasonable idea of whether further steps seem advisable, such as involvement of a specialist.

While an ENT likely will have more gadgetry, more importantly s/he will have superior training, knowledge and experience in the diagnosis & treatment of problems of the ear.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such. Issues related the ear & diving should be discussed with the diver's personal physician.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[goldfish44]

Thank you for such a fast reply, DocVikingo!

So, to make sure I understood you correctly: I can go to the regular doctor and see what he says, and if his prescribed regimen doesn't work, see an ENT?

also, I forgot to add: after I take sudafed, my right ear decongests and I don't feel the fluid, but once the drug wears out it goes back to the old state of feeling... Do you think it means that there is something more to it? (It doesn't sound like baurotrauma does it???)

I am new to diving, and there are so many things that can happen (based on my browsing the web and reading about people's problems) I am a little nervous sometimes that it's more serious than I know...

Thanks again! Kate

 

[DocVikingo]

You should do whatever you believe is in your best medical interests, although the physician involved likely would appreciate an update & opportunity to advise before you
self-refer to a specialist.

Best regards.

DocVikingo