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Why is there pain in my ear even after using ear drops?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had a mild ear infection. I went to see a doctor as the ear started draining clear fluid. The doctor said the draining was only on the outside of the ear. She prescribed Ciprodex ear drops. I am on the second day of taking them and I just woke up in the middle of the night with severe pain probably worse than before starting treatment. Should I continue with the drops? I feel the pain is a side effect and I do not want the bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics. I honestly feel now that the pain would have gotten better on its own.

Answered by Dr. Rathod Rahul Narayanrao

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

No, it is not so, as you have an infection in the outer part of the ear. It is called as otitis externa. In this condition, there will be a severe aching pain in the outer ear. The cause of otitis externa may be due to a humid environment, any micro-injuries, or any fungal infections. In this situation, you need to take care.

Continue the drops for at least two weeks so that the infection clears speedily. Now you are on Ciprofloxacin ear drops which is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It is useful in most of the situations, but if you are having a fungal infection, it will not help you.

I suggest you give a sample of the ear swab for culture and sensitivity testing so that a specific eardrop is given for the infection. I suggest you provide me with the details of the investigation once it is completed so that I can help you with the medication and treatment.

Regards.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

The ear doctor looked in my ear and said it was inflamed and said the inflammation was not too deep. That is pretty much it. How would the doctor or I be able to tell the difference between a bacterial and a fungal infection? If it is a fungal infection, am I making it worse by taking the drops? Is there any alternative or natural remedies available to help cure a bacterial or a fungal infection?

Answered by Dr. Rathod Rahul Narayanrao

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • There are different types of otitis externa, which is nothing but an external ear inflammation. This may be secondary to a bacterial or a fungal infection.
  • Usually, during an external ear examination, we can differentiate it well from the appearance, But, in few conditions, it is difficult to differentiate.
  • So, in such conditions, we usually take a swab from the external ear and send it for culture and sensitivity testing to help prescribe specific antibiotics.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online

Medically reviewed byDr. K. Shobana
Published At October 25, 2017
Reviewed AtApril 25, 2025

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Companion

Ear Pain After Drops: Bacterial vs. Fungal Otitis Externa Companion

How it works

Ear pain, especially after starting treatment, can be concerning. Here's what you need to know about outer ear infections and their management.

1

Otitis
Externa

2

Pain
Worsening

3

Bacterial
Fungal

4

Culture
Testing

5

Treatment
Duration

6

Remedies
Discuss

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.
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Dr. Rathod Rahul Narayanrao

Internal Medicine

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