Q:

Just recently I started getting flu like symptoms with a runny nose and cough. Now both my ears are clogged and I can barely hear anything, and whenever I swallow they pop. Swallowing is really painful as well. I'm not sure if its just a small cold, or something else. Also my ears make all sorts of crackling noises. I have had these symptoms for about 5 days and they are not getting any better. Any ideas on what I should do?

 

A:

It sounds as though you have fluid in your middle ears, probably because of plugged (congested) Eustachian tubes to the nose. Three days of a decongestant nose spray can help (something like Afrin which is over the counter) but if swallowing is painful, you might have ear infection which should be examined and treated. You can call 650-3400 for a same day appointment to be seen today.

~The Doc