Could this be Swimmers Ear?

[Mike126]

I have a history of ear and sinus problems. Last month after a dive I went to my ENT (who dives). I had a really bad reverse squeeze on ascent. He said my ears were fine based on pressure tests of the ear drum and an otoscope. However, he did say I might have a dysfunctioning e-tube on my right side since it takes a little longer to equalize.

Yesterday I did a single tank dive at the local quarry (mudhole!). I actually equalized better than I had in a long time. The ascent was ok, although I did get a pretty good sinus drain in the middle.

Post dive I felt pretty good. My ears were a little cloged and took about a hour to fully clear. I also had some sinus pressure when I got home. Then about 4-5 hours after the dive my right ears starts to ache and feel a little full. This has happened before in the past. This morning the pain has gone and both ears feel a little full, nothing painful.

So my question is could my right ear be getting swimmers ear?

Any recommendations on reducing the sinus drain? I was thinking about taking a Sudafed the day before to help drain things. Although I did not feel congested before the dive.

My predive routine is to use Afrin (Dr. prescribed) and equalize before descent to get things started.

Thanks....

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Mike,

The background (history of a recent prior incident of very painful reverse squeeze; substantial sinus drainage; routine use of a nasal spray prior to diving to facilitate equalization), timing (4-5 hrs after the dive) and complaints (ears feeling "clogged" and "full," pain in the R-ear) are more consistent with fluids in the middle ear space than an infection (swimmer's ear/otitis externa) of the external ear canal (Basic ear anatomy---> http://www.valleyhealth.com/images/image_popup/w17_earanatomy.jpg). Happily, the symptoms appear to be resolving.

Decongestants such as an appropriate Sudafed formulation can help reduce sinus drainage. In general, such products are of limited benefit in reducing fluids in the middle ear space.

Regards,

DocVikingo

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.

 

[Mike126]

DocV - Thanks for the reply. As of this morning the pain is completely gone and the ears are fine. I did take a decongestant last night to make sure everything was draining.

Mike

 

[Zippsy]

In general, such products are of limited benefit in reducing fluids in the middle ear space.

Regards,

DocVikingo

What does work to reduce or drain the fluids from the middle ear? Or did I misunderstand the answer? I used to have a lot of trouble with my ears "filling up" with blood and mucous drawn from the surrounding tissues of the Eustacean Tube. It's rare for me now but it would be useful to know. Trying to manipulate my head into position to drain the fluids back down the tube just didn't seem to work.