Otitis Media in Adults

So I got an ear infection.  My ear had been feeling strange for the past week, but I didn't think much of it.  It has been decades since this has happened.  When I lived in Hawaii, after doing 3 deep dives in a row, I developed an effusion without infection, and I couldn't hear out of my ear for two or three weeks!  This is different.  So here is the scoop.

I've been diagnosed with Otitis Media with Effusion.  Basically, I have fluid and infection in my middle ear.  This type of infection is far more common in infants and toddlers than adults.  In adults, ear infections can be signs of other medical issues that could require follow up and more testing.  I have no clue how I got it. Interestingly enough, a way that adults CAN get this is by smoking or being around second hand smoke! So I have asked my husband to not smoke in the car with me ever again.  Adults with allergies are also prone to these types of ear infections. This may be what my ears look like, at least the right one, cuz it hurts like a mo fo.

I hope this goes away quickly. I'm on an antibiotic and Sudafed D to try to dry up the fluid.  No swimming, obviously, which sucks, and it hurts too much right now to work out.  I am very glad my friend Kellie told me to go to Right Time Medical on a Sunday.  Hopefully I'm on the road to recovery!