Ear infection with blocked eustation tube. Any alternative medication

Question

I've been suffering for the past couple of months with block eustation tubes. However went to the doctors this morning because I've had an ear ache since last night and a bit of tinnitus. The right side of my face and ear feel blocked. I can hear okay, but not perfectly. She looked inside and said I have an ear infection (an inflamed eardrum). However she refused to give me antibiotics and said take paracetamol. She said if it gets any worse with a temperature, vomiting or discharge to go back and see her. I'm fuming because it sounded like she won't treat the problem unless it becomes real bad. But I want to treat the problem before it gets worse because its affecting my work. Are there any other alternative medicines I can take?

Answer 1

Garlic is very effective for ear infections.  Read this to see how to use it.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Garlic-Drops-for...

Answer 2

You should do as instructed - take paracetamol every four hours - dont wait for pain to kick in and take regularly.  

On top of that try Hopi Wax Candles - I have heard they are brilliant at helping solve problems with troublesome ears.

http://www.hopi-earcandle.co.uk/

Answer 3

you could try antihistamines in case its hay fever related or you could try nasal drops. also albus oil in some hot water will help. My son has this problem every now and then and all of the above seem to work together with paracetamol for the pain. Its a little odd because an ear infection should be treated with anti biotics, but a blocked eustation tube will get better with the above measures. if it doesn't seem better in a few days despite trying out the antihistamines and nasal spray - i would go back to see youre GP

Answer 4

You need to see a different doctor.  You should have had treatment for this long ago.  If you have an ear infection  (otitis media) this can be not only painful, but you can permanently damage your hearing by damaging the inner ear and/or rupturing the ear drum.  If you can't see an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat specialist), you should go to an emergency room for treatment.  If it's affecting your work, and you are in pain, it is serious enough.  You need better treatment than you have gotten so far.

Answer 5

Try Homeopathic Pulsatilla 30c- take 1 tablet 3 times a day for 3 days.

Answer 6

The bottom line here is you need to see a different GP. You are entitled to request a second opinion if you are unhappy with your diagnosis.

I am HIGHLY dubious of ANY therapy/therapist that uses the word cure. I am not however dubious in the slightest of anyone who says that what they do works alongside conventional medicine to sort you out.

I really do feel for you, because I suffer with the exact same problem. About every three or four months I get severe ear infections which usually result in me needing an emergency doctor. :-(

Every time, without fail, I end up on antibiotics, steroid ear drops for the internal swelling, and very strong painkillers - so believe me, I do know how you feel.

Go back to your GP and politely but firmly state that you are unhappy, that you feel worse, and that if he/she is not going to treat you then you want to be seen by a different doctor.

Complementary therapy wise? I would stay WELL away from Hopi ear candles. I know trained Hopi therapists that won't even use them. Yes they work, and they help the ear drain, but once you have used them, the ear fills up quicker and quicker each time, resulting in you needing to use them more and more. Not good. My grandpappy always used to say to me "The biggest thing you should put in your ear is your elbow". He was right.

You will be far better off with some Indian head massage, aromatherapy and reflexology to provide you with symptomatic relief.

Oh, and before anyone thumbs me down for being "anti" therapies? I'm not. I'm a trained and pratising massage therapist, reflexologist and reiki practioner.

Answer 7

You may find Cranial Osteopathy helpful.

It may help to kick start the persitaltic motion in the Eustacian tubes. Babies who are bought in for treatment of recurrent ear infections often find this a very effective treatment.

I have treated a few people with involuntary motion techniques (Cranial)who have had tinitus . I suspect the Auditory nerve is being slightly squeezed by the connective tissue around it causing the symptoms and cranial treatment helps the connective tissue loosen and let it go. It has generally worked quite well (although not always although the ones that didn't find it helpful got no worse).

If you see practitioner trained by the Sutherland institute they will have a good grounding in the Anatomy and physiology of the head and neck as well as being well practiced in cranial technique.