Dr Visit for Cold/Funny Ear?

Hi guys,

Looking for a bit of advice whether a Drs visit is warranted for today (when the office opens obviously).

I have had a nasty cold since Friday. No fever, lots and lots of clear snot, coughing up little chunks of tough flem, headache, congested feeling in head, tiredness, sore throat, pretty much couch ridden except for essential tasks. And now my left is itchy with a dull pain (not too bad though) in it, no discharge. I feel like I want to scratch the inside of my ear canal!

Would you got to the GP? I feel like its a bit silly to go for a cold and an itchy ear! I can't remember ever having an ear infection, so I don't know what it is like.

Any help appreciated!

Ruth

Ruth I often get wildly itchy ears when I have a virus. I find that taking a decogestant like dimetapp or demazin helps a lot, as dose using a nasal spray like beconase hayfever or even just plain saline. The signs to look for with bacterial infection is high temps, searing pain, or discharge. If you're worried of course see a doctor, but I would try a decongestant for 24 hours, if the pain gets better then good, if it worsens over that time sure sign to see a dr.

ETA - if it was a child, I would say get it checked no questions asked. This is just advice based on the assumption that if it starts feeling much worse you will know and take yourself to the dr then.

ive just had a bad ear infection and mine too was itchy with pain, id see someone if you can

Thanks Marydean - you are the "health queen". I'll try the decongestants first - hopefully I'll start improving soon - urgh, I hate being sick.

Olive - thanks for your input, the pain isn't too bad this morning, more like a gentle ache. I read your thread on your ear ache - sounds terrible! You poor thing.

: )