Ear discomfort, swollen gland from Red Tide?

[Anonymous200]

A few years ago while in Florida, I went on a beach in the Gulf of Mexico during The Red Tide. Shortly after leaving I began having trouble with my left ear feeling clogged and felt like it was closing up and I could barely hear out of it. That went on for a little while and went away and would come back periodically. About 2 months ago I had a really bad earache that kept me up all night. I was also living in New York so I'm not sure if the dirt and dust from the subway made the symptoms worse. As of late, I've been feeling some discomfort inside my ear, slight pressure right behind my ear lobe on my head at that little indented pressure point, a little pressure on the back of my head and neck, under my jaw, and my gland seems to feel a little swollen. Also when I swallow, I feel a tiny crackling coming from my ear sometimes. And 9.97 times out of 10 if my nose is clogged, it's only on one side. These symptoms all occur on the left side of my head/throat/neck. I assume they're all coming from the same source of the problem since the ears, nose, and throat are connected. Could this be from an infection from The Red tide and what can I do about it?

Thanks so much for your time and consideration in this matter.

[Maria RN]

Here's an article about red tide: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070108191731.htm While it is associated with respiratory illnesses, you still can't be certain whether your symptoms are caused by the red tide. I recommend that you see your primary care physician or an ENT-ear nose & throat-specialist.

[Anonymous200]

do you have any other ideas as to what might be causing my symptoms?

[Maria RN]

Ear ache alone has more than a hundred possible causes. Possible etiologies include: infection, mastoiditis, middle ear tumor, acute barotrauma and common cold. Your detailed health history and physical examination result are very significant because if you will do web research, you will find out that there are diseases that may have the same symptoms. Your doctor will arrive at a diagnosis based on symptoms presented, medical history and test results.

[Anonymous200]

Ok well thanks for getting back to me. I wish I had some closure that it's nothing that's life threatening that can't be fixed.

Thanks again

[Maria RN]

Of course I think it can be fixed. Try to worry less, just look for an ear specialist or go to your primary doctor and they will inform you of best treatment options.

[Anonymous200]

Ok thank you for that.....I appreciate it =)