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Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,940
Registered: ‎12-24-2010

HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS OP'S HONEY.

 

Every year - seasonal perhaps

 

Peroxide doesn't help.................

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,886
Registered: ‎08-31-2019

I have had similar symptoms, on occasion, with seasonal allergies. An antihistamine doesn't solve the problem. It dries passages out, but doesn't eliminate congestion. I have to take a decongestant, too.

 

This has always worked for me, to open up my ears, but some may not be able to take pseudoephedrine (Sudafed/brand name) for health reasons, so I wouldn't do so without physician approval, but you can purchase it from pharmacy without a script. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,166
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

@BlueFinch   The ENT prescribed Claratin.  I was under the assumption since she sent a script it was more powerful than buying off the shelf, it is not...I don't know why she just did not tell him to go buy it.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,208
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

@Mom2Dogs,

I've wondered that too. Why would they prescribe an otc as an rx?

For me, it is cheaper with my insurance as an rx than buying it over the counter.  But I don't think drs know what I would pay with insurance. Next time I'm going to ask.

It's a good question!

"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"
Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,125
Registered: ‎06-27-2010

Re: Plugged ears

[ Edited ]

@Mom2Dogs wrote:

@BlueFinch   The ENT prescribed Claratin.  I was under the assumption since she sent a script it was more powerful than buying off the shelf, it is not...I don't know why she just did not tell him to go buy it.



I have Ménière's disease as well as tinnitus.  @Mom2Dogs , I'm assuming the doctor prescribed Claritin D not just Claritin.  The decongestant is what helps.  It comes in 12 hour and 24 hour.  Same as the Sudafed mentioned upthread.  I've been taking it for probably 20 years now.  If I skip more than 2 days my post nasal drip and ears get much worse.  
And yes, Claritin D is cheaper with a prescription but I just buy it OTC.  I actually buy the Costco (Kirkland) brand for $4.49 for 10 tabs vs. $27.99 at CVS for 15 tabs.  

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,345
Registered: ‎09-08-2010

Re: Plugged ears

[ Edited ]

@Mom2Dogs  I had something similar a few years ago. It felt odd and uncomfortable. I went to 2 ENT's who also couldn't find anything. My functional medicine doctor said it was most likely a virus, and to wait it out. I took Sudafed (without the decongestant as gave me insomnia). I too, a small dose three times a day and it cleared up in 3 weeks. I hope your hubby feels better. I understand not feeling well can make people,feel anxious. Maybe your husband can tolerate the decongestant part. I hope it helps. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,345
Registered: ‎03-14-2010

Thank you @Mom2Dogs for mentioning this. I have had one "Plugged Up" ear for over two weeks.

 

I have tried numerous things, peroxide, warm water and nothing has helped. I can not hear out of one ear. Today it drove me crazy. I went out to lunch with friends. And of course my bad ear was facing eavry one and my good ear was facing the wall. 

It all started with me when I had post nasal drip. And sleeping on my side. The "drip" drained into my ear canal.  I made an appointment with my Doctor but it isn't until next week.

I am so bothered by this. Can't believe that I can not hear in the one ear for so long.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,477
Registered: ‎03-21-2010

@Mom2Dogs  he could try chewing sugar free gum, sometimes it unplugs the ears. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 15,838
Registered: ‎02-27-2012

My ENT also said use Peroxide.

 

I use a dropper to squirt it in.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,143
Registered: ‎08-25-2010

I just went to the doctor for this yesterday. My right ear's felt swollen/clogged off and on for about a month. It doesn't usually hurt (until a couple of nights ago) and seems to get worse when I'm outside or have the windows open for longer periods of time. I asked him to check my ear last month when I was in for a routine physical, then yesterday due to the soreness. Both times he said he couldn't see any swelling, just dry skin. He sent a prescription that they use for swimmers ear to the pharmacy, but they have to order it. Meanwhile, I'm taking aspirin if it gets very sore. BTW, I don't usually have allergy problems, but I just saw a pop-up that weed pollen is high in our area. 😕