How likely is an ear infection with a bad cough?

[Christy B]

Yes, this is another of those "should I see a doctor" posts. But so far, the moms here have correctly diagnosed three issues that my local docs missed altogether, so you can guess whose advice I tend to trust.

So, anyway, I've had the flu or some other dread virus this week: fever, aches, mild nausea, and a cough. You know those particular muscles that are supposed to help you cough? Yeah, mine don't work any more. I can't really cough, I can only sort of do this strange wheezing thing. I'm thinking that's kind of weird, right? Or is that normal with a bad cough?

Also, the last two days, I've noticed that in the late afternoon/early evening, I am getting this searing pain in both ears. Is that because my throat is all irritated from the coughing? Or does that sound like an ear infection? I can't remember the last time I had an ear infection, and we've been incredibly blessed with healthy kids, so I can't remember the last time either of them had an ear infection, either. Anyway, last night I missed a dose of Tylenol, and noticed that I was getting really achy and shivering. So I took the Tylenol. A while later, I still had a fever of 103, which I thought was pretty high. So I took more Tylenol. Tonight, my fever started going up again, it got up to about 100, and sure enough, my ears started hurting.

So, is this doctor-worthy? I hate, hate, hate going to the doctor unless it's absolutely necessary. But I don't relish the idea of spending a weekend miserable, if I could spend the weekend getting better instead.

[sdWTMer]

You probably do have ear infections. I don't know. I'm a wimp, I would go to the doctor. :-) I wouldn't want to spend a weekend of pain in the ear. Yikes. It sounds like you could also use some breathing treatments as well. Maybe you could stand in the bathroom with a hot steamy shower.

[Liz CA]

Yes, this is another of those "should I see a doctor" posts. But so far, the moms here have correctly diagnosed three issues that my local docs missed altogether, so you can guess whose advice I tend to trust.

So, anyway, I've had the flu or some other dread virus this week: fever, aches, mild nausea, and a cough. You know those particular muscles that are supposed to help you cough? Yeah, mine don't work any more. I can't really cough, I can only sort of do this strange wheezing thing. I'm thinking that's kind of weird, right? Or is that normal with a bad cough?

Also, the last two days, I've noticed that in the late afternoon/early evening, I am getting this searing pain in both ears. Is that because my throat is all irritated from the coughing? Or does that sound like an ear infection? I can't remember the last time I had an ear infection, and we've been incredibly blessed with healthy kids, so I can't remember the last time either of them had an ear infection, either. Anyway, last night I missed a dose of Tylenol, and noticed that I was getting really achy and shivering. So I took the Tylenol. A while later, I still had a fever of 103, which I thought was pretty high. So I took more Tylenol. Tonight, my fever started going up again, it got up to about 100, and sure enough, my ears started hurting.

So, is this doctor-worthy? I hate, hate, hate going to the doctor unless it's absolutely necessary. But I don't relish the idea of spending a weekend miserable, if I could spend the weekend getting better instead.

ears can hurt so bad and keep you up and really miserable all night - and I am a coward - so I would bite the bullet and have it checked. I don't like regular docs that much either but lean toward a more natural approach if it's possible.
If you like natural remedies better, find a good herbal supplement place and see what they have for a potential ear infection. Some people have recommended colloidal silver but get the recommendation of a good herbalist...or take a trip to the physician.
I'd dread the possibility of spending a weekend in pain and perhaps even having to go to the ER. :eek:

[sdWTMer]

Yeah for us going to the doc is just 25 dollars, but going to the ER now is 100! Dh would even tell me to go during the week.

[Cherrie]

)

[Jean in Newcastle]

Could be ear infection or could be swelling/ congestion. We're just getting over this very crud and when I had a fever everything swelled up in my head. Decongestants helped a bit. I used the 12 hour Mucinex which is nice because it is time-release. I used it mainly because of the cough - hoping to dislodge the phlegm etc. that was causing the cough. This was a tough flu though - most of my cough was what you would call unproductive - it didn't budge a thing! I would cough so much that my ribs hurt and a couple of times I even threw up - but it was like you said - more of a wheezing thing that didn't do much. I think the Mucinex did help though because I could really tell the difference when it came to the end of the 12 hour dosing.

[Christy B]

Viral and/or bacterial bronchitis. I have antibiotics and an inhaler.

But no ear infection. Go figure.

Oh, and Jean -- I've been taking Mucinex faithfully -- doc said that was probably the reason I didn't have an ear infection; said it was absolutely the best thing to do for this "crud".