Ear infection

[diverbob]

I am pretty sure I have an ear infection. It feels like it is on fire. I am going to the doc tomorrow to get it checked out. If it is an infection, how long does it take to heal before diving again, generally speaking. I am getting worried because I am going to Cozumel on the 25th, and that date is coming quickly. All input would greatly be appreciated.

 

[dtdesola]

My wife had an ear infection after diving in Cozumel and went on antibiotics. She claims that it took three weeks for it to fully clear. I have no idea whether or not this is typical.

Hope this helps.

-David

 

[bradb21]

Just got back from vacation this past Friday and I too came home with an ear infection.

This is my first ever ear infection. Let me tell you this is pain!!! The flight home was horrible. I immediately went to my doctor the following morning and got some anti-biotic drops for my ears. I'm just starting to see results after 3 days. Very very painfiul weekend, and had to take some Vicadin that I had from a previous injury the pain was so bad. The swelling spread down to my jaw, and it was almost impossible to eat.

Anyway... progress is being made and hope to have this thing licked by the end of the week.

 

[diverbob]

Just got back from vacation this past Friday and I too came home with an ear infection.

This is my first ever ear infection. Let me tell you this is pain!!! The flight home was horrible. I immediately went to my doctor the following morning and got some anti-biotic drops for my ears. I'm just starting to see results after 3 days. Very very painfiul weekend, and had to take some Vicadin that I had from a previous injury the pain was so bad. The swelling spread down to my jaw, and it was almost impossible to eat.

Anyway... progress is being made and hope to have this thing licked by the end of the week.

That sounds exactly like whatI have...my jaw started hurting this afternoon. I hope it will clear up that quickly. Even if it does, I am staying on the antibiotics until I come back from Cozumel.

 

[Ann Marie]

I have had ear infections often. Usually it is involving the external ear canal. For an infection I picked up in Cancun, I was on several different antibiotics until finally I asked for a shot of Rocephen (a strong antibiotic that is injected into deep muscle). Then it finally cleared. If you are having a lot of pain, ask the doctor for some Auralgan ear drops. It is a topical pain reliever. I now always carry a solution of alcohol and vinegar to use in my ears after diving. Good luck!!

 

[suthnbelle]

I had the same kind of ear infection after diving in June. It took 4 weeks and 3 different antibiotics (one delivered in the bum) before mine went away. Plus I was taking decongestants and nasal spray to help get rid of the built up fluid. I was also eating Vicadon like candy for the pain.
The shot I was given was also Rocephon.

Mel

 

[Diver Lori]

In the future, carry a squirty bottle of half white vinegar and half isopropyl alcohol and each night, when diving is done, squirt in ear for 5 minutes each side. Excellent preventitive.

Before your next trip also ask your doc for a script for meds for swimmer's ear. Take the stuff with you and Murphy will prevail and you won't need it. Forget it and you'll need it!!!

 

[DandyDon]

In the future, carry a squirty bottle of half white vinegar and half isopropyl alcohol and each night, when diving is done, squirt in ear for 5 minutes each side. Excellent preventitive.

Before your next trip also ask your doc for a script for meds for swimmer's ear. Take the stuff with you and Murphy will prevail and you won't need it. Forget it and you'll need it!!!

I wish! I carry my antibiotic-hydrocortizone drops with me just in case, but when I forgot to treat my ears with the preventative alocohol this weekend, one of them flared up. At least I had the treatment, and I think the hydrocotizone is what made today's flights possible.

Would I dive while treating the ear? Probably. Probably dumb, but I'd try it.

 

[LosR3]

I’m only a paramedic with limited knowledge. If possible ask your MD for a Zpack or Zithromax; it is 4-5 pills vs 14 days worth of many other antibiotics to get full therapeutic effect. I had a sinus infection and used a 14 day dose PCN and was cleared up by the last pill. I asked for penicillin because it cost $7.00 vs $45 for Zithromax.

Hope this helps.

 

[DandyDon]

Note to Don, from Don:

(1) Since you have a habit of bruising your ears equalizing, don't ever forget to use alcohol after dives;
(2) If you do, though, and the ear ache suggesting infection starts, do not wait until the next day to start treatment with the hycdrocortizone/antibiotics drops the doc :lildoc: gave you; and
(3) Treat both ears, as it's get worse before it gets better.