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Ear infection while having common cold
Hello,
I have had a cold for 2-3 days, there is a running nose, mild cough and an itchy throat. I am taking steam, doing gargles but everytime I chew I can feel the pain in my ear and know that it is blocked. Please suggest a good medication. Can I avoid antibiotics?
Answers (23)
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continue the same whatever you are doing for a week, iam suggesting a medicine which will clear the nose block and decrease the ear pain
Next Steps
ortrive for 4-5 days
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You can take Tablet Ambroxol 30mg morning, noon and at night for 3-5 days.
You will be alright.
And i need more details, book a consultation, i can help you out
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Yes — connect so I can prescribe you
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Need few more details
Kindly connect.
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You need medication. Kindly consult with me on 94 two six eight six 78 nine six.
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The symptoms are suggestive of viral flu.
Consult online to discuss the treatment.
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Try and avoid antibiotics because its most likely viral
Pain in ear is normal in throat infection , will get okay once you recover
Only symptomatic treatment is required
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Cefexim200 two times after food for 3to5 days. Zerodol sp three times a day after food for 3to5 days. Montek lc one at night for five days.
Otek ac ear drops two drops in both ears. You can not avoid as lot of symptoms URTI.
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Hello
Ear blockage is a common symptom associated with cold and cough if fluid builds up behind the ear drum.
We call it otitis media.
Do not put any drop / oil in your ear.
We need to reduce the fluid build up by nasal decongest drops and tablets.
You can consult me here so that we can start a proper course for you.
And i have studied ENT so I can guide you well.
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If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on Whats App at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for free detailed discussion
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Take tab cetrizine 5mg one morning and one evening for 5days.
Put Nasivion nasal drops ,2 drops in each nostril, 2 to 3 times daily for 3 to 4 days.
Do steam inhalation , 2 to 3 times daily.
Drink more fluids.
For pain, you can take tab ibuprofen 400mg one sos, I.e., when pain is more.
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Take tab Coldact once a day for 2 days
U will be fine
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Continue with steam inhalation twice daily
Honey based lozenges can be taken sos
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Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Urti
Steam inhalation
Salt water gargling
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Dr. Shivam Mishra
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Mumbai
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.
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Dr. Aniket Gautam Wawle
General Physician
4 yrs exp
Delhi
You most likely have an upper respiratory tract infection with eustachian tune blockage, which can cause ear pain during swallowing or chewing, and no you don't need to take antibiotics as it is in most cases viral, and continue with steam inhalation for 3-4 times a day
Next Steps
use otrivin nasal spray, 1-2 times per day for max 5 days , this will open up nasal congestion and reduce ear blockage
Health Tips
consult with me for further treatment and evaluation
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Dr. Prithviraj
General Practitioner
Gulbarga
Hello
Having ear symptoms during common cold is very common.
First let's get rid of your rhinosinusitis
Let's start you on an antibiotic taxim 200
And have levocetrizine 10mg for relief
Continue steaming and drink plenty of foods.
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Dr. Nazia Begum M.G
General Physician
15 yrs exp
Belgaum
Use nasivion nasal drops
Take tab sinarest twice daily
Steam
Consult online will guide you
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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Dr. Manoj Kumar
General Physician
9 yrs exp
Dehradun
Need few more details
Kindly consult
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.