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First Perforated Eardrum
anherzer posted:
I also have perforated my eardrum. I've been sick on and off since the end of Apryl. I got laryngitis twice, an upper respiratory infection, a ton of sinus congestion, and an extremely painful ear infection. I'm assuming this resulted in my perforated ear.
I went to see a ENT yesterday, and he said that it was perforated and would take a couple days to heal. "A couple day to heal" didn't exactly sound right to me, but I'm not the expert! I'm worried about a few things and hoping you can help me:
1) For my awful nose congestion I'm currently taking Prednisone by mouth and a Flonasal spray. I believe both are steriods. I'm also taking Sudafed and Claritin everyday to help with the nose relief (and thinking about switching to Claritin-D.) Although Sudafed is strong, I don't feel like I've seen any changes in my congestion. Sleeping is also really difficult. Sudafed that I've taken during the day often keeps me up at nights, and if not that then my extremely stuffy nose is unbearable.
By what I'm taking, does it appear that my sinus/nose congestion will finally clear up? Am I taking the right medications? Do you have any other suggestions?
2) I can hear air through my ear like others have previously stated. It worries me that because there is air blowing through my ear I won't heal as quickly compared to air not flowing through my ear.
Is it safe to put a little bit of cotton there to stop the air flow? Recently I've been walking around with cotton.
3) I realize now that blowing my nose with a perforated ear is a big mistake. Infact, I've done this recently and didn't know that I could have worsened my problem.
Should I try as much as possible to not blow my nose? I'm concerned that all of the congestion will create another ear infection or greaten my chances for an even slower recovery- that was my logic in blowing my nose and getting it all out (although probably not very logical.)
4) Lastly, daily- should I change my daily activities to heal, or does it not really matter what I do. I currently am taking summer classes and teaching part time at a preschool- many times I have to raise my voice, but the vibrations I hear make me wonder if raising my voice is worsening the hole. I walk around a lot to get to where I'm going- should I not be particpating in as much exersize? And in two days I will be on vacation in FL (thankfully not flying anymore, as we made the decision to drive) and on the beach probably everyday. Is laying out in the heat an issue? No swimming, I was already prepared for that one!
Thanks for reading this, and I hope you can help answer some of my questions! Sorry it's so long!
I went to see a ENT yesterday, and he said that it was perforated and would take a couple days to heal. "A couple day to heal" didn't exactly sound right to me, but I'm not the expert! I'm worried about a few things and hoping you can help me:
1) For my awful nose congestion I'm currently taking Prednisone by mouth and a Flonasal spray. I believe both are steriods. I'm also taking Sudafed and Claritin everyday to help with the nose relief (and thinking about switching to Claritin-D.) Although Sudafed is strong, I don't feel like I've seen any changes in my congestion. Sleeping is also really difficult. Sudafed that I've taken during the day often keeps me up at nights, and if not that then my extremely stuffy nose is unbearable.
By what I'm taking, does it appear that my sinus/nose congestion will finally clear up? Am I taking the right medications? Do you have any other suggestions?
2) I can hear air through my ear like others have previously stated. It worries me that because there is air blowing through my ear I won't heal as quickly compared to air not flowing through my ear.
Is it safe to put a little bit of cotton there to stop the air flow? Recently I've been walking around with cotton.
3) I realize now that blowing my nose with a perforated ear is a big mistake. Infact, I've done this recently and didn't know that I could have worsened my problem.
Should I try as much as possible to not blow my nose? I'm concerned that all of the congestion will create another ear infection or greaten my chances for an even slower recovery- that was my logic in blowing my nose and getting it all out (although probably not very logical.)
4) Lastly, daily- should I change my daily activities to heal, or does it not really matter what I do. I currently am taking summer classes and teaching part time at a preschool- many times I have to raise my voice, but the vibrations I hear make me wonder if raising my voice is worsening the hole. I walk around a lot to get to where I'm going- should I not be particpating in as much exersize? And in two days I will be on vacation in FL (thankfully not flying anymore, as we made the decision to drive) and on the beach probably everyday. Is laying out in the heat an issue? No swimming, I was already prepared for that one!
Thanks for reading this, and I hope you can help answer some of my questions! Sorry it's so long!
7 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:First Perforated EardrumI also have perforated my eardrum. I've been sick on and off since the end of Apryl. I got laryngitis twice, an upper respiratory infection, a ton of sinus congestion, and an extremely painful ear infection. I'm assuming this resulted in my perforated ear. <br /> <br />I went to see a ENT yesterday, and he said that it was perforated and would take a couple days to heal. "A couple day to heal" didn't exactly sound right to me, but I'm not the expert! I'm worried about a few things and hoping you can help me:<br /> <br />1) For my awful nose congestion I'm currently taking Prednisone by mouth and a Flonasal spray. I believe both are steriods. I'm also taking Sudafed and Claritin everyday to help with the nose relief (and thinking about switching to Claritin-D.) Although Sudafed is strong, I don't feel like I've seen any changes in my congestion. Sleeping is also really difficult. Sudafed that I've taken during the day often keeps me up at nights, and if not that then my extremely stuffy nose is unbearable.<br /> <br />By what I'm taking, does it appear that my sinus/nose congestion will finally clear up? Am I taking the right medications? Do you have any other suggestions?<br /> <br />2) I can hear air through my ear like others have previously stated. It worries me that because there is air blowing through my ear I won't heal as quickly compared to air not flowing through my ear. <br /> <br />Is it safe to put a little bit of cotton there to stop the air flow? Recently I've been walking around with cotton.<br /> <br />3) I realize now that blowing my nose with a perforated ear is a big mistake. Infact, I've done this recently and didn't know that I could have worsened my problem. <br /> <br />Should I try as much as possible to not blow my nose? I'm concerned that all of the congestion will create another ear infection or greaten my chances for an even slower recovery- that was my logic in blowing my nose and getting it all out (although probably not very logical.)<br /> <br />4) Lastly, daily- should I change my daily activities to heal, or does it not really matter what I do. I currently am taking summer classes and teaching part time at a preschool- many times I have to raise my voice, but the vibrations I hear make me wonder if raising my voice is worsening the hole. I walk around a lot to get to where I'm going- should I not be particpating in as much exersize? And in two days I will be on vacation in FL (thankfully not flying anymore, as we made the decision to drive) and on the beach probably everyday. Is laying out in the heat an issue? No swimming, I was already prepared for that one!<br /> <br />Thanks for reading this, and I hope you can help answer some of my questions! Sorry it's so long!
anherzer responded:
ALSO! To clarify- recently my nasal congestion it not in both nasal passages, which I find odd. It is only in my right nostril, and the ear that is perforated is my right ear.
Report This| Share this:First Perforated EardrumALSO! To clarify- recently my nasal congestion it not in both nasal passages, which I find odd. It is only in my right nostril, and the ear that is perforated is my right ear.
Rod Moser, PA, PhD responded:
1. Prednisone and Flonance are is extreme treatment regime, especially when combined with Clartin and Sudafed. Incidentally, Claritin-D is the same combo, just combined into one pill. All of these drugs are capable of interfering with your sleep. If you nose is just primarily stuffy/congested on one side, then I would consider a structural anomally...one side of your nose is anatomically more narrow than the other. Did your doctor mention this? Prior to this current array of medications, were you an over-the-counter nasal spray user?
2. The eardrum will heal when it heals...air blowing through it is not going to slow down the healing. Some ruptured eardrums, depending on their severity and location on the eardrum, will need to be surgically patched if they do not close. There is really no big hurry...give it some time. A few days will not do it....these can take weeks or longer. It's okay to put cotton in your ear as long as you do not jamb in too deep and can't get it out. It will not speed of the healing, but if it feels better to do it, then there is no harm.
3. Blow your nose gently and expect some air to go through the ear as long as the perforation. This is not really harmful unless you blow so hard that you re-rupture a healing ear.
4. You do not need to change any of your activities, other than swimming. If you have good earplugs that seal, you can even swim...but no diving or snorkling.
2. The eardrum will heal when it heals...air blowing through it is not going to slow down the healing. Some ruptured eardrums, depending on their severity and location on the eardrum, will need to be surgically patched if they do not close. There is really no big hurry...give it some time. A few days will not do it....these can take weeks or longer. It's okay to put cotton in your ear as long as you do not jamb in too deep and can't get it out. It will not speed of the healing, but if it feels better to do it, then there is no harm.
3. Blow your nose gently and expect some air to go through the ear as long as the perforation. This is not really harmful unless you blow so hard that you re-rupture a healing ear.
4. You do not need to change any of your activities, other than swimming. If you have good earplugs that seal, you can even swim...but no diving or snorkling.
Report This| Share this:First Perforated Eardrum1. Prednisone and Flonance are is extreme treatment regime, especially when combined with Clartin and Sudafed. Incidentally, Claritin-D is the same combo, just combined into one pill. All of these drugs are capable of interfering with your sleep. If you nose is just primarily stuffy/congested on one side, then I would consider a structural anomally...one side of your nose is anatomically more narrow than the other. Did your doctor mention this? Prior to this current array of medications, were you an over-the-counter nasal spray user?<br /> <br />2. The eardrum will heal when it heals...air blowing through it is not going to slow down the healing. Some ruptured eardrums, depending on their severity and location on the eardrum, will need to be surgically patched if they do not close. There is really no big hurry...give it some time. A few days will not do it....these can take weeks or longer. It's okay to put cotton in your ear as long as you do not jamb in too deep and can't get it out. It will not speed of the healing, but if it feels better to do it, then there is no harm.<br /> <br />3. Blow your nose gently and expect some air to go through the ear as long as the perforation. This is not really harmful unless you blow so hard that you re-rupture a healing ear.<br /> <br />4. You do not need to change any of your activities, other than swimming. If you have good earplugs that seal, you can even swim...but no diving or snorkling.
anherzer replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
Thanks for your help!
I understand what you said about the drugs interfering with my sleep. I believe I got only three hours of sleep last night and I'm still wide awake at 5pm. I think I'll stop taking the Claritin and Sudafed, since it's only my second day on Prednisone and the nasal spray and I feel like it's already doing wonders.
No my doctor did not mention the structual anormalty. I have an appointment in a month to check on the status of my ear and if I'm still congested in the same nostril then I'll bring it up!
To answer your question, no I have never been an over-the-counter nasal spray user. Although the way my doctor made it sound, it seems he leaning towards keeping me on the Flonance for a while.
I understand what you said about the drugs interfering with my sleep. I believe I got only three hours of sleep last night and I'm still wide awake at 5pm. I think I'll stop taking the Claritin and Sudafed, since it's only my second day on Prednisone and the nasal spray and I feel like it's already doing wonders.
No my doctor did not mention the structual anormalty. I have an appointment in a month to check on the status of my ear and if I'm still congested in the same nostril then I'll bring it up!
To answer your question, no I have never been an over-the-counter nasal spray user. Although the way my doctor made it sound, it seems he leaning towards keeping me on the Flonance for a while.
Report This| Share this:First Perforated EardrumThanks for your help!<br /> <br />I understand what you said about the drugs interfering with my sleep. I believe I got only three hours of sleep last night and I'm still wide awake at 5pm. I think I'll stop taking the Claritin and Sudafed, since it's only my second day on Prednisone and the nasal spray and I feel like it's already doing wonders.<br /> <br />No my doctor did not mention the structual anormalty. I have an appointment in a month to check on the status of my ear and if I'm still congested in the same nostril then I'll bring it up!<br />To answer your question, no I have never been an over-the-counter nasal spray user. Although the way my doctor made it sound, it seems he leaning towards keeping me on the Flonance for a while.
To add to all that- today I noticed that a few times my perforated would make a popping noise. I noticed that it did it every time I swallowed. There wasn't any pain though. Is this normal or does this sound like a concern?
Report This| Share this:First Perforated EardrumTo add to all that- today I noticed that a few times my perforated would make a popping noise. I noticed that it did it every time I swallowed. There wasn't any pain though. Is this normal or does this sound like a concern?
The popping noise is most likely your Eustachian tubes opening and closing in an attempt to equalize pressure. There is not concern...
The Claritin will most likely be fine. This is an antihistamine. It is the pseudephedrine (Sudafed) and the prednisone that is the stimulator. Take your dose of prednisone early in the morning. It does not have to be a "divided dose" if you are taking in more than once per day...the daily dose can be taken all at once in the AM.
The Flonase is a very low-dose steroid nasal spray. It will not cause you any problems for long-term use.
The reason why I asked about over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays is that they are addictive.
The Claritin will most likely be fine. This is an antihistamine. It is the pseudephedrine (Sudafed) and the prednisone that is the stimulator. Take your dose of prednisone early in the morning. It does not have to be a "divided dose" if you are taking in more than once per day...the daily dose can be taken all at once in the AM.
The Flonase is a very low-dose steroid nasal spray. It will not cause you any problems for long-term use.
The reason why I asked about over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays is that they are addictive.
Report This| Share this:First Perforated EardrumThe popping noise is most likely your Eustachian tubes opening and closing in an attempt to equalize pressure. There is not concern...<br /> <br />The Claritin will most likely be fine. This is an antihistamine. It is the pseudephedrine (Sudafed) and the prednisone that is the stimulator. Take your dose of prednisone early in the morning. It does not have to be a "divided dose" if you are taking in more than once per day...the daily dose can be taken all at once in the AM.<br /><br />The Flonase is a very low-dose steroid nasal spray. It will not cause you any problems for long-term use.<br /> <br />The reason why I asked about over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays is that they are addictive.
anherzer replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
After a lot of thought, I take what I said back. Although I'm not currently using an OTC nasal decongestant spray I have in the past. In the spring I used it on and off because it gave me instant relief. I assume this might be the reason for my congestion- although it's only in one nostril. Will the steroid nasal spray that I have now fix this, or have I done something terribly wrong to my nose?
Yesterday my nose felt great. Today I've taken both the nasal spray and Prednisone and I'm feeling worse than yesterday. I don't understand. I only have two more days of Prednisone and I'm starting to think it is not going to "cure" my right nostril and it's congestion.
Honestly I'm not nearly as much worried about my ear as I am about my this extreme congestion. Today I can't even breathe out of it- the congestion is that heavy.
Yesterday my nose felt great. Today I've taken both the nasal spray and Prednisone and I'm feeling worse than yesterday. I don't understand. I only have two more days of Prednisone and I'm starting to think it is not going to "cure" my right nostril and it's congestion.
Honestly I'm not nearly as much worried about my ear as I am about my this extreme congestion. Today I can't even breathe out of it- the congestion is that heavy.
Report This| Share this:First Perforated EardrumAfter a lot of thought, I take what I said back. Although I'm not currently using an OTC nasal decongestant spray I have in the past. In the spring I used it on and off because it gave me instant relief. I assume this might be the reason for my congestion- although it's only in one nostril. Will the steroid nasal spray that I have now fix this, or have I done something terribly wrong to my nose? <br /> <br />Yesterday my nose felt great. Today I've taken both the nasal spray and Prednisone and I'm feeling worse than yesterday. I don't understand. I only have two more days of Prednisone and I'm starting to think it is not going to "cure" my right nostril and it's congestion.<br /> <br />Honestly I'm not nearly as much worried about my ear as I am about my this extreme congestion. Today I can't even breathe out of it- the congestion is that heavy.
It is time to determine if your one-sided congestion is just sinusitis, or if you have a structural narrowing. You need to see an ENT and have your nose "scoped" and perhaps, a CT scan of your sinuses.
Report This| Share this:First Perforated EardrumIt is time to determine if your one-sided congestion is just sinusitis, or if you have a structural narrowing. You need to see an ENT and have your nose "scoped" and perhaps, a CT scan of your sinuses.
