Weird ear problem

[Grajan]

OK - I'm off on a dive trip in little more than a week. I'm paranoid anyway because I live on the edge of (allergy induced) sinus infections but all seem sort of OK.

I'm at the gym - overdoing the weights (too much Red Bull...) when I get this stabbing pain in my outer ear. It kind of goes away but now (next morning) I get it when I swallow or sometimes when I yawn.

My jaw moves fine so I dont think it is that. What on EARTH could I have done to my ear lifting weights? Will it 'go away...?'

Thanks for any ideas

 

[pasley]

Grajan once bubbled...
OK -...I'm at the gym - overdoing the weights (too much Red Bull...) when I get this stabbing pain in my outer ear. It kind of goes away but now (next morning) I get it when I swallow or sometimes when I yawn...Thanks for any ideas

NOT A DOCTOR OR OTHER INFORMED PERSON

Layman’s guess is that while lifting the weights you strained and in doing so, you pressurized your ears and forced a little gunk into the estasiountube. I am sure some medical type that knows what they are talking about will weigh in on this.

Now about living on the edge of sinus infection. I use to do that too. See your ENT and get checked out. It could be that some surgery would benefit you greatly and reduce your infections. At least that is what happened to me.

 

[pipedope]

Please also go to;
http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/index.html

and look at;

Streaming Video Lecture
"The Diver's Ear - Under Pressure"

Scuba diving and snorkeling can be fun ways to explore the depths - especially if you can clear your ears as the pressure changes. In this video lecture Dr. Edmond Kay discusses techniques for preventing middle ear barotrauma. Learn what to do to equalize pressure in your ears, teach others proper techniques and learn the safest way to prevent "ear squeeze". This talk was recorded live in September, 2000 and is now available for Internet viewing over the University's video portal .


There is a great streaming video lecture that *every* diver should watch.

 

[Grajan]

Melvin, I think your informal diagnosis was accurate. The earache seems to be clearing up. The sinus trouble is marginal but hopeful.

I have talked to a number of specialists but none of them have managed to convince me that they will be able to improve anything (other than their own bank balance...).

The only real cure would be to move out of the allergy capital of the world (Houston) but I need to make a living....