Ear Infection?? Or Dental Related??? HELP!?

Ok, First off i cant afford To go see a doc at the moment. Thats why im trying to figure this out my self-- so please keep the negitive comments to yourself. thx.





If anyone has any idea-advice, or Related past problems,, and can help id appriciate it alot.





For about a week the side of my face, and temple were really hurting like someone hit me in the temple-- then Today my ear. inside and all around started hurting so bad that i couldnt hardly open my mouth to talk-- drink-- Nothing. Exedrins made the pain bareable.. but still hurts.


Ive had a root canal on the same side not even 6 months ago--


i was thinking it was an ear infection... Becuase its cold wet and windy here.


But some told me could be a infection in my gums from a cavitie or something...





Any Advice? Ideas?





How is a EAR INFECTION/ACHE treated???





There are no free clinics.


I dont have a regular Doctor, ( No medical-dental-S.O.L)


Someone told me to put Rubbing alcohol in my ear. Bad idea??


I

Ear Infection?? Or Dental Related??? HELP!?
go to the doctor
Reply:No, do not put alcohol in your ear.





You really do need to go to a doctor, it sounds like you have a horrible infection and you could lose your hearing or worse.





Go to the emergency room: they have to take you and you can work out payment terms with them for later.
Reply:The reason someone told you to put rubbing alcohol in your ear is because it dries out the ear canal therefore killing bacteria: bacteria needs a warm and wet place to live. It's completely safe, so you can try it out if you'd like.





Middle ear infections are extremely rare in adults but they still do happen when you have WARM wet water in your ear that possibly has bacteria in it. It's usually caused by swimming in lakes in the summer, and code named "swimmer's ear". If you have not been swimming in a warm lake lately then it's very unlikely that you have "swimmer's ear".





It sounds more like a dental problem to me, so I would see a dentist as soon as possible.





[edit] Ear infections are cured with drops prescribed from the doctor.





It's also entirely possible that you have an *inner* ear infection, which is even rarer than a middle ear infection, and the cause is unknown. If you have trouble balancing this may be the problem because the inner ear is also used for static and dynamic equilibrium.
Reply:Homeopathic ear drops found at walgreens or other drug stores (these are the only types available over the counter)...and tylenol 8 hour tablets...take until pain subsides and continue w/ ear drops for max duration recommended on direction label. Also follow up on dental visits and have teeth deep cleaned and cavities filled/xrays etc. and tell your dentist...If you do this and pain persists seek an ear nose and throat doctor regardless of expense. You can't put a price on your health.
Reply:I understand where you're coming from because I have been in a similar situation where I didn't have have a lot of money and didn't have any health insurance at that time. So I just crossed my fingers and hoped that I didn't get sick.





Usually an ear infection occurs because you get fluid inside your ears that can't drain out. That's why people (especially children and babies) get ear infections when they get colds, their heads get filled with fluid and the sinuses that the ears drain into are stuffed up. Since the pain is moving, I tend to think the problem is more mouth/jaw related.





You can continue taking the pain medication because it will help reduce the inflammation and discomfort. . . However, if it IS an infection, there is no other way to get the medication you need to clear it up without getting a prescription from a doctor. I know you don't have a lot of money, but if you have an infection the best thing you can do is to call around to different doctor's offices and ask how much a visit will cost you. Find out who is the cheapest. Who knows? Maybe there is an office who will cut you a break.





I'm not sure about the rubbing alcohol, but you can put hydrogen peroxide in your ear. . . if anything it will clear the wax out for you! I like it because it bubbles and fizzes inside your ear . . . which is kind of relaxing.


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Edit: That post about swimmer's ear made me remember: you can put alcohol in your ear! I used to go to a summer camp where the counselors would put a water and alcohol solution in the camper's ears after swimming in the lake to prevent infection. I stand corrected. :)

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