Adult ear infections?

[rubytue]

What's the rule of thumb before going to the doctor? I know 10 days for sinus infections. I feel like ear infections are sooner, especially for adults. But Google is only telling me stuff for kids.

I think I've determined that is the source of my fever. The cold started Monday night. Just your run of the mill summer cold. Some ear pain last night, then this afternoon fever/more pain/fullness.

So how long do I watch and wait? (And yeah, my doctors office is closed, and my insurance nurses line has always been not helpful with these decisions)

[orangeblossom]

I would follow the guidelines for kids and wait a day or two before seeking care.

BUT if you start to feel significantly worse, go to urgent care.

Feel better.

[rubytue]

Jul 3, 2015 17:47:23 GMT -5 orangeblossom said:

I would follow the guidelines for kids and wait a day or two before seeking care.

BUT if you start to feel significantly worse, go to urgent care.

Feel better.

Thanks! 4th of July throws a wrench into it but maybe the answer is Sunday anyway. I already checked, the ER is the only place open tomorrow. I feel like today is too soon (despite wanting to lol but fever is under 101 and Advil/sudafed are mostly working).

[alleinesein]

Since you are running a fever I would go only if the fever persists and gets higher and you still have pain. I get nasty ear infections but mine are never bacterial so I don't run a fever at all.

As long the pain can be managed with otc stuff you are fine waiting a few days. I'm a wimp when it comes to my ears so I always go in when they start to bother me.

[scout8]

If you have a fever, I would go to the dr. With a fever, there is a good chance that it is bacterial and you will need antibiotics. You will feel better within hours of taking them.

Also, fuck that noise about waiting 10 days for a sinus infection. They are miserable. I get them frequently and they never go away without antibiotics.

[rubytue]

Jul 3, 2015 20:11:20 GMT -5 scout8 said:

Also, fuck that noise about waiting 10 days for a sinus infection. They are miserable. I get them frequently and they never go away without antibiotics.

I totally feel you! I hate waiting and will sometimes go to urgent care bc they are a bit more liberal with antibiotics. But my doctor takes the recommendation on antibiotics as gospel. And, in theory, I would like to avoid creating more antibiotic resistance. But I blame the poultry industry more than my sinus infections. *grumble* But I seriously keep track to the day of when I get a cold and I call on day 10.

[lime]

I wouldn't wait 10 days with a sinus infection, either. There's no need to be in pain that long.

[wanderlustmom]

I always go in after a few days. Feel better!

[rubytue]

So still congested with the "full" feeling in my ear. But no fever today (so far!) yesterday it didn't hit until mid afternoon. Here is hoping that I prove myself wrong about needing antibiotics!

[karinothing]

Last time i went was when the tinnitus got bad. I couldn't handle it anymore.never had a fever though

[raangoli]

I'm glad you're feeing better. I was going to say go in tomorrow but hopefully the worst is behind you.

[Deleted]

Jul 4, 2015 10:01:51 GMT -5 rubytue said:

So still congested with the "full" feeling in my ear. But no fever today (so far!) yesterday it didn't hit until mid afternoon. Here is hoping that I prove myself wrong about needing antibiotics!

Drink lots of water/juice and Tylenol can help if there's discimfort. Also I've had luck with the polysporin drops and a heat compress.