Undertreated ETD causing fluid in ears? - Hearing Disorders Message Board

Blondee15 · 04-01-2004, 12:05 PM

I've been told I have Eustachian Tube Dysfunction for 2 years now, and i've become pretty much used to having an earache/sinus headache. They've become daily occurences & until now I never gave them much thought. I've been on Flonase & Clarinex for my allergies(allergic to dogs, cats, grasses, ragweed, pollen, dust) for about a year now but recently I was told by my allergist that I have fluid in my ears. The allergy season has arrived & the pain is the worst this year compared to the last 2 years. It's so bad sometimes I can't get up, it makes me cry, sometimes it makes me dizzy & often I can feel something dripping around & it drives me insane..it's almost an itching feeling deep in there. I read up that ETD can cause fluid in the inner ear if it's been completely closed up for long enough. That kinda scares me..but the pain is getting really bad lately..i'm wondering if I should see an ENT..iv'e been on prednisone & antibiotics before & they haven't helped at all..anyone have any experience with this??

Jim A. · 04-12-2004, 08:20 PM

In my past experiences, fluid in the middle ear was a symptom of infection and antibiotics cleared it up. From reading the various posts however, it sounds like the right antibiotic needs to be applied to be effective, so you would have to see a medical professional who can tell what you've got. That's easier said than done - I know - but you you might try an ENT. If medication doesn't work, drainage tubes through the eardrum are another possibility; my sister had them when she was young, but I never have.
- Jim A.

Blondee15 · 04-13-2004, 12:57 PM

I did a round of Levaquin & now i'm doing much better~ no more constant severe pain, at least for now lol. Then again the pollen counts have fallen this week so we'll see! I hope it's better!~