I’ve been following this community for a bit and finally decided to reach out for advice. Since October, I’ve been dealing with persistent lightheadedness and nausea, though thankfully no actual vomiting. Multiple doctors have examined my ears and noted inflammation in the canal, prescribing drops. One GP even mentioned my eardrum looked like it was bubbling, suggesting fluid buildup. Despite trying antibiotics and nasal steroids, I haven’t seen much improvement. I have an appointment with an ENT specialist coming up and was curious if others have experienced this? Any tips for relief? Note: I dealt with labyrinthitis back in 2019; it cleared up in two months but left me with lasting tinnitus, though the dizziness had stayed away until recently.
To manage ear fluid, I usually take Sudafed twice daily and apply a heating pad to the ear and surrounding area. I also find ear massages and running a humidifier at night to be quite helpful.
It’s actually impossible to observe inner ear inflammation just by looking with the naked eye.
I’m dealing with a very similar situation right now. I didn’t realize it was an infection at first; I thought it was just my usual allergies and took Claritin D. However, some dental work seemed to trigger vertigo right in the dentist’s chair. By July 20th, I had constant vertigo for the first time ever. A doctor’s visit confirmed an ear infection, and I was put on amoxicillin-clav twice daily, along with Dramamine, meclizine, and anti-nausea meds (which I made sure to space out safely). Initially, the vertigo was the worst part, followed by typical infection symptoms. I started feeling better by the fourth day—less dizzy, better hearing, and less congestion. I did have a severe side effect where I couldn’t go to the bathroom for four days, which required an ER visit, but I’ll stick to the ear issues here. Once that was resolved, the vertigo returned. I’ve finished my antibiotics, but on day 13, I’m still struggling to walk and feeling ear fullness and sinus pressure. I suspect the infection isn’t fully gone. I’m seeing my doctor tomorrow for more meds and an ENT referral. I’ve been out of work and stuck at home for two weeks. Trying to keep my chin up—does anyone have advice for sinus pressure or vertigo relief?