Hi — I’ve gone through your symptoms carefully. What you’re describing (running nose, mild cough, itchy throat, and ear pain on chewing or swallowing) is most likely a viral upper respiratory tract infection with eustachian tube congestion — a very common condition during seasonal changes.
Let me explain and guide you step by step
What’s happening
When you catch a cold, the nasal mucosa swells up and blocks the Eustachian tube (a small canal connecting your throat and middle ear).
This leads to a blocked ear, ear pain, and pressure sensation when you chew or swallow.
The good news — this is usually viral and does not need antibiotics unless symptoms worsen after 5–7 days or high fever develops.
-Treatment plan (you can start now)
1. Tablet Levocetirizine 5 mg – once at night for 5 days (anti-allergic for running nose & itching).
2. Tablet Paracetamol 500 mg – every 6 hours only if fever or body pain.
3. Steam inhalation – 3 times daily (continue what you’re doing).
4. Nasal decongestant spray (like Otrivin or Nasivion adult) – 1 spray each nostril twice daily for 3–4 days only (don’t overuse).
5. Warm salt-water gargles – 3 times/day to soothe throat.
6. Avoid cold drinks, curd, and AC exposure till recovery.
7. Hydrate well and rest — most viral colds settle in 4–5 days.
When to consider antibiotics
Only if you develop:
High-grade fever (>101°F)
Thick green/yellow nasal discharge lasting >7 days
Severe ear pain or pus discharge
Worsening cough after initial improvement
Otherwise, antibiotics are not needed — they can actually delay recovery if unnecessary.
For ear blockage
Try this 2–3 times a day:
Take a deep breath, pinch your nose, and gently blow (like inflating a balloon) while keeping your mouth closed — this helps open the eustachian tube.
Continue steam inhalation and nasal spray — it will gradually clear the ear pressure.
If the ear pain persists beyond 3 days or becomes severe, I can review your ear symptoms in detail (sometimes mild ear fluid collection can remain after a cold and needs specific medicine).
You can message me directly on WhatsApp at nine three two six zero two zero five three six — send a short voice note or photo of your nasal spray/medicines. I’ll guide you with an exact day-by-day plan to relieve your ear blockage faster and avoid antibiotics safely.
Answered2025-10-16 08:07:49
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