Ear infection?

Both girls came down with SUDDEN ear infections a little over a week ago. It was the strangest thing ever. Well now, all of a sudden my ear is hurting -- an uncomfortable throbbing kind of hurt. I also have a pounding headache on that side of my head. Is it possible that I, too, have an ear infection? I've NEVER had one so I'm clueless on that and I didn't think ear infections were even contagious so I'm kind of confused on how I would have gotten one. Dh thinks I should go to prompt care tonight to have it looked at because we have Megan's 3rd birthday party this weekend w/company in town and he doesn't want me feeling miserable for that.

Any clues?

I wonder if you all had a mild version of that respiratory flu or virus that is going around. I had it and it moved into an upper respiratory and ear infection. Rod said his ears hurt when he caught it too... but luckily (knocking on wood), Ashley hasn't caught it yet.

Well, all three of us had a croupy cough. The doc didn't say it was the flu, just a cold, but who knows. Did yours go away or did you have to get a med for it? Ugh, I really hate to go but with everything going on this weekend I'm not sure I can wait this out and see if it goes away. I tried taking some motrin earlier this morning and it's not helped at all.

Sorry you aren't feeling well, try a warm compress on your ear while you lay down. I had used it before and it helps a bit. Not sure but could be an ear infection.

Well, all three of us had a croupy cough. The doc didn't say it was the flu, just a cold, but who knows. Did yours go away or did you have to get a med for it? Ugh, I really hate to go but with everything going on this weekend I'm not sure I can wait this out and see if it goes away. I tried taking some motrin earlier this morning and it's not helped at all.

I had to get an antibiotic... I was given an oral antibiotic for the upper respiratory infection as it got to where I was having trouble breathing. I was given antibiotic ear drops, but I didn't use them... the other antibiotic took care of it. DH got better on his own without any meds but his didn't progress into an upper respiratory infection like I had.

could be, when I had my first ever ear infection (that I know of) I waited so long I was in horrible pain and could not hear out of that ear, so not only did I have meds but the doc to me to clean it out with peroxide. what a funny feeling that was but it did help with the pain and the fact I could not hear. Mine was from water in my ear (swimming).

You know, now that I think of it, this past weekend we went out of town and stayed at an indoor water park hotel. We were in the water from morning til night all weekend. One time I got water in my ear that felt weird, kwim - my ear felt weird and I couldn't get the water out. I wonder if that is what caused it? Argggh, well I'll see if it's still hurting tomorrow and go from there. Thanks everyone.

I bet it is from the water that you coudl not get out, do you have any peroxide? if you do either soak a q-tip or use a medicine dropper or something to squirt it in your ear, you will feel a bubbling (that means it working to clean out the gunk) try that a coudl times today if you can and tomoorw it might help clear it up with out having to take meds.

Sorry you're feeling like crud, Karen. Hope you get back on your feet soon!

Peroxide is what I used on DD earlier today because her ear is hurting. She definitely has an ear infection.

I'd done the peroxide because I remember when I was a little grrl, my mom's other DD had an ear problem and the doc said it was a wax build up. Put in a few drops of peroxide and it'll float the wax to the top. Since I couldn't clean DD ear due to her screaming in pain at me, , I did the peroxide in hopes it would help to clean it. Did get a rather large piece out, ewwww, lol.

I'd try the peroxide trick first, to see if its something to do with being at the water park, but I'd see the doc if it continues. Funny you asked this actually- I just saw my doc on Monday and turns out I have a double ear infection. I'm currently on an antibiotic. My sinuses flare up at this time of year and I had a mild fever all weekend so when the ear pain didn't go away, I figured something was up.

Some ear infections are viral and can be contagious... also, not to freak you out, but there could have been some bacteria in the pool where you were all swimming. That sort of thing usually happens in natural bodies of water, but anything is possible. Try the peroxide thing and warm compresses. I hope you feel better!

Because we swim so much, We're well aquainted with swimmer's ear here. It's an upper ear infection. Generally the ear itself is red and sore to the touch. If that's not the case, it's likely middle ear instead.

For future reference, here's a home remedy to prevent swimmer's ear. We use it all year long here and it's worked wonders. Use equal parts alcohol and vinegar (white or apple~doesn't matter). Stir well. Put a few drops in each ear and let it sit for several minutes. An ER doc told us it's the same as the expensive potions you can buy. We've used it for 2 years now and it works like a charm!

Hope you feel better soon!

Does anyone know if you use 2% or 3% peroxide? Is it ok to use either one?

mine is 3%

mine is 3%

Thanks!

Here is a remedy i wanna share "Brew a bag of Lipton green tea while still warm place warm tea bag on ear as well as a dampened wash cloth that's been warmed in the microwave reheat as needed the steam and healing properties of the tea will really work the effects aren't immediate but within an hour your ears will feel much better."