I've been battling a cold for a few days now. It all started with a severe sore throat, which has yet to subside. Well, now my left ear is plugged and I have what feels like an earache. I keep hearing this wooshing sound in there. Is there anything I could do to reduce the pain besides taking tylenol or motrin?

Have you tried a decongestant, like sudafed? Last spring I had a horrible cold and sore throat and went to the doctor. When I mentioned to him that my ears hurt, he said your ears are fine -- no infection; however, you have really swollen glands in your neck and they're probably causing the pain. Gave me an antibiotic for the sore throat, which was strep and the ear pain went away too.

Yeah, try some Sudafed or something...:)

I get that every year. Did you have ear infections as a child? I have ear infections and, though Ive never gone to a doc about the temporary hear loss problem, ive found that over the counter stuff doesnt work for me. If you find out what it really is clue me it - Id like to stop it before it comes this year! lol

if you take any blood pressure meds, you need to check with your dr first before taking any over the counter antihistimines. most will make your bp rise. sounds like you have fluid in the ear. i would get get it checked by your doc

Sudafed is a Decongestant--not and Antihistimine...but yes, Decongestants do raise you BP, so if your on meds for that, ask you doc before taking it. :)