How to fix the repeated accumulation of fluid in ears?
Hi doctor,
I have a history of ear problems (seven surgeries as of right now). I had tubes placed in both ears when I was younger and more recent before few years. After the tubes were removed, both ear drums were left with holes in them which have been closed with surgery. In the left ear, there was only one tympanoplasty done. As for the right ear, there was a fat plug done and failed, next there was a tympanoplasty which also failed. Finally, a neurotologist preformed another tympanoplasty with cartilage back up and it has taken. Within the last three months, I have had fluid in the left ear twice and Prednisone has been used. Once I was flying and caused barotrauma from being sick and flying. The other was just fluid sitting there, which is still there after 12 days of Prednisone. Also, I have been told to take Amoxicillin three times the last three months, only I did it with the barotrauma as there was blood sitting behind the ear. Now, I have got three different opinions from ENT doctors and still, I am confused as to what to try. The normal ENT that has done all but the last surgery, where he made me go elsewhere because he was not comfortable trying again and said the hearing in my right ear has gotten worse from the last hearing test (I do not have a copy of the most recent hearing test), he wants to put a hole in the right ear. The neurotologist was for putting a tube in the right after surgery, as there was fluid behind the ear drum but he has left the country so my choices are limited to go back to him. I have been traveling back and forth 12 hours each way for the last few months and driving after the barotrauma is getting pain in the left ear. Now, the second doctor's opinion, he said that he would not recommend tubes as both ear drums are intact. He recommended for an allergy test if it helps at all I have been using Flonase as well continuously (all three doctors said to do it). The third doctor told me he would leave the right ear alone and recommended a tube in my left ear with my travel schedule. He basically said I need to determine if I want to live with holes or leave them intact and have pain when it comes on. Also, I have been diagnosed with TMJ after the first tube surgery, which I think that lead to the pain that made me go through with the tubes in the first place. I have had treatment for that, I hit all the limits I could with my dentist and am now having a day time splint made. All the problems in the left ear have started since three months back. I was placed on Prozac by a doctor, which is known for making clenching worse. I have done the botox in the masseter (for TMJ), which has helped in the past and we did 25 units this time (last time was 15 units). Overall, I am wondering if it is in my best interest to try and pull off the Prozac (with the doctor's permission) or just getting tubes in both ears and not doing any more reconstructive surgery.
19 Apr 2024 - 1 min read
Why do I sweat every day in the middle of the night?
Hi doctor,
I am a 35 year old with no heart problems, not taking any medications, no known inflammation, no abnormal body temperature, no allergies ever. Overnight, I only sleep 3 and a half hours maximum, and when I wake up my t-shirt is all wet like I was running a marathon. My eyes are red in the morning too. This has been going on for the past 30 days. Any idea what that could be? Thank you so much.
17 Apr 2024 - 1 min read
Will removal of tonsils help to get rid of recurrent tonsil stones and pain?
Hello doctor,
I have been getting tonsil stones for a few years now. But these last few months it is been getting more and more frequent. My tonsil craters have been getting deeper and harder to clean out with Q tips when I get the stones, and my throat is constantly paining on the whichever side I have them that day. For the last few days, it is been my left side and it is so painful that even the back of my tongue that connects near my tonsil hurts so moving my tongue or talking too much hurts. I have good oral hygiene, that is not the issue. It always gets worse when my allergies are bad because of excess mucus. Either way, I get them really frequently though (at least two to three times a week lately). I am sick of being in pain and having disgusting things I have to fish out of my throat and then spitting up blood. My question is do you think I should be able to get my tonsils removed if I bring my situation to an ENT? Or what do you suggest I do for now even?
10 Apr 2024 - 1 min read
Can chronic parotitis lead to salivary gland cancer?
Hi doctor,
I have chronic sialadenitis inside my right cheek (where parotid glands are), as told by my ENT specialist here. He ruled out some tumors and did not prescribe me any medicine. I also do not feel any pain, redness, or swelling. I just want a second opinion. Do I need to take any antibiotics or any test like MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)/CT (computed tomography) scan?
09 Apr 2024 - 1 min read
Hello doctor,
I have had problems with the right side of my throat and mouth for three months with the following symptoms.
1. Right throat post nasal drip.
2. Right sore throat with some scar tissue.
3. Right tonsil is swollen as compared to the left.
4. Right foliate papillae enlarged, and the right side of the tongue with burning pain intermittently.
5. Constant inflammation-like feeling in right buckle mucosa.
6. Right lower middle molar tooth hurts and always feels like the gum is swollen.
7. Right neck lymphadenopathy but not visible from the naked eye. I have MRI and USG neck.
Overall my entire mouth is usually red. I went to an ENT doc who diagnosed it as chronic pharyngeal tonsillitis and prescribed antibiotics. Still, I have already eaten a lot of antibiotics in the past and reflux medicines. Is it possible to have all these silent reflux symptoms only on the right side? I have a history of acid reflux, but now I am confused. Kindly help.
09 Apr 2024 - 1 min read
