Diamox for ear barotrauma?

[adjuster-jd]

I have seen my family doc twice now for a middle ear barotrauma which is not resolving. One is is fine now but the right ear still continues to have a "full" or achy feeling all the time.

I am taking - Entex PSE, Nasacort AQ 2 sprays per nostril 2x per day, I have tried a course of Biaxin as well and have gotten no results.

Today, my doctor, while looking for creative solutions, prescribed a medrol dosepack, Allerex, and Diamox (Acetazolamide)
which is used to treat altitute sickness. In my reading of the descriptions of this drug online, I don't see anything in relation to treating anything even similar to barotrauma.

I'm really not comfortable with this drug after reading possible side effects, etc.

Doc has offered a referral to an ENT if this problem doesnt resolve within a week, but I'm going to try to get the referral tomorrow.

Any thoughts on this somewhat unusual treatment prescription?

Thanks.


My presl

 

[DandyDon]

And I don't know anything about the meds you've already tried, but I can tell you what has worked well for me:

CORTISPORIN ear drops - neomycin (antibiotic), hydrocortisone (great drug!), and some other things. Takes the pain away immediately, and after a few days :boogie: I'm feeling much better.

So, ask your pharmacist and physcian. When I ask mine, they usually don't know; when I ask DAN, they often tell me to have my doc call them; but when I do my own research and come up with an idea, if they don't see a problem - the doc and druggist usually go along.

Hope you feel better soon...

:wavey:

 

[DocVikingo]

Could you please explain how Cortisporin Otic Suspension, which is used to treat otitis externa (external ear canal infection) might benefit "adjuster-jd" who indicates that he has middle ear barotrauma/disorder?

Thanks,

DocVikingo

PS: Happy Birthday.

 

[DocVikingo]

In the main, these drug regimens do not appear unreasonable for middle ear barotrauma/disorder where the primary complaint is of a sensation of fullness & achiness. Assuming that you have been correctly diagnosed, it's somewhat surprising that you haven't benefitted.

It does seem that the Diamox is a "creative" approach, but likely was prescribed in an attempt to control fluid secretion and accumulation within the middle ear.

It would seem that evaluation by an ENT indeed is in prompt order.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[adjuster-jd]

Thanks Doc Vikingo for the reply. I have an appointment with a local ENT for next week.
During my last visit to my family doc, he said my eardrum was still "retracted". One ear has completely resolved so the problem is at least now only with one ear.

As for Diamox, you are right, the idea was to deal with fluid secretions, etc. After reading all the possible side effects of Diamox, frankly I just found the drug a little scary. Maybe I'm overly cautious, but I've never had to take a lot of meds, especially ones with potential side effects.

I'll report back after my ENT appointment. Unfortunately, we don't have any DAN ENT docs in this area. I'll provide them the DAN info and maybe the Doc will call to get some additional info if needed. I offered that to my family doc, but he kinda blew it off.

Thanks..

 

[DocVikingo]

Yes, please do let us know what the ENT has to say.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[DandyDon]

Well, I did say:

"I'm NOT a Medical Professional...

"And I don't know anything about the meds you've already tried, but I can tell you what has worked well for me:"

I guess the truth is that I don't know much about the med I'm using at times. :wacko:

And with all the fellow has already been through with one doctor, I think I'd call until I found an ENT who wouldn't mind if I sit in his waiting room until he could work me in.

Thanks!

 

[BigJetDriver]

In the hospital setting, we have Peer Review Boards. Here we have a Medical Review Forum. One of the things I like about this forum, and about the Doc Deco forum, is that we have some folks with a LOT of medical training, research, and diving) experience to draw from, such as Doc Vikingo, Pensyvania Saturation (as opposed to Rebreather Saturation, who is not a medic, but who has a ton of rebreather experience), Doc Deco, Doc Stein, and others. We do appreciate your writings, guys!!! :yea:

The thing to remember is, your medical comments will be reviewed by the experts. As a certified DMT, I both expect, and welcome this! So should all of our readers!

 

[adjuster-jd]

I saw the ENT yesterday - he doesn't dive, but a friend during his residency did. Although I still have some ear discomfort/ fullness/constant dull aggravation, he didnt see any obvious problem (my family doc had said my eardrum was retracted last week so the good news is that at least that has improved).
The ENT thinks my Eustachian tube may still be inflamed and that is the root of the discomfort.
He prescribed 3 days of prednisone - 50mg - and Singulair (as an anti-inflammatory).
I'll see him in a week and we'll see how if I have resolution at that time. He will also do a hearing test to ensure I have no hearing loss (which I do not notice, but it doesn't hurt to check).

We had a pleasant chat about diving in general after the exam. I'm gonna give him the local dive shop training schedule and try to talk him into doing an intro dive at least. It wouldnt hurt to have a local ENT who understands diving a little better.

I'll post again after my next visit, but which time I hope all will be resolved and I can dive again.

 

[DocVikingo]

Good that you now have specialist involvement, although I'm not sure that 3 days of prednisone & Singulair is going to accomplish more than the earlier prescribed Medrol & Allerex. I guess we'll see.

It is, however, very likely that the ENT will have better ideas than a family doctor on how to proceed if this drug regimen brings unsatisfactory result.

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.

Please do keep us posted.

DocVikingo