Ear Infection - cold remedies

[Greenoctopus18]

Is 20 years old too old to have an ear infection?

I have had a sore throat for the past week or so, and then have gradually started a cough that is becoming more constant, and then yesterday morning when I woke up I had a huge pain in my ear. Last night when trying to sleep there was a throbbing ache-type pain in my ear, which feels kind of like when I had ear infections as a kid, but I thought I could remember hearing adults don't have ear infections.. or are they just uncommon?
Maybe its not an infection.
I think I also have a fever, but the lymph nodes on my neck are not really that swollen.

I have final year university exams starting in less than a week and as a result of this cough and now the ear ache I haven't been getting much sleep.. at all.
I am taking cough medicine and also some garlic tablets and the throat tablets that numb the throat... but I would like something to make it go away sooner. My stomach muscles are all sore from coughing all the time. I just want to sleep, but there is too much study for me to do.


Thanks if any ideas on how to feel better.

[whiteluluflower]

it could me just a virus in your year(not same as year infection) do u get dizzy?

[Greenoctopus18]

So, if it is a virus would I need to see a doctor?

I haven't really noticed any dizziness.. I haven't had a headache either.
Inside my ear hurts a lot whenever I swallow or open my mouth...

Thanks.

[whiteluluflower]

if it is a virus, they won't give u antibiotics, they'll probably tell you to take gravol or something... but since you don't have dizziness or headaches (my friend had those, she had/s virus) so i guess it sounds like an ear infection i know how bad they hurt. also it is possible to get ear infections when your an adult, i've known ppl. it is just not as common

[Greenoctopus18]

Oh, great.. so I need antibiotics? or at least to see a doctor?

The pain is worst when it comes to bed time... it is hard to ignore.

Thanks for your replies.