Question to GP Maarten: Ear slams shut
Maarten Vasbinder lives in Isaan. His profession is general practitioner, a profession that he mainly practiced in Spain. On Thailandblog he answers questions from readers who live in Thailand.
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Dear Martin,
I am 62 years not that heavy at the moment, lost 10 kilos in 1 year due to the gallbladder and gallstones and 173 tall, don't drink anymore and never smoked.
I have asked you for advice several times, most recently my gallbladder and gallstones, these have now been removed on November 22: 36 stones. Quite logical that I was in the hospital every 2 weeks. The doctor said it could take 2 months for everything to be back in place and healed, I have time.
In recent weeks I have been having problems with my left ear, it closes every time I have to swallow or drink water. I went to the ear doctor and he thought it was an ear infection. I now have ear drops and 2 tablets, 1 in the morning and 1 before bed, names unknown, you know how it works in Thailand.
Can you tell me what causes this, how I can get rid of it and do something myself so that it passes?
Thank you for your advice.
Regards,
D.
*****
Dear D,
As for the ears, it's hard to know what's going on if I can't see into them. I assume the ear doctor cleaned your ears?
Your problem seems to come from the Eustachian tube. Buy a nasal spray Otrivin and use it 1-2 times a day for 3 week. No longer, or it could backfire.
If it works then use a saline solution from now on. You can buy that as a saline solution. This allows you to sniff daily, if necessary.
You can use Otrivin again after stopping for a week.
Indeed, recovering from gallbladder surgery can take a while. Do not eat fat in the first months.
Sincerely,
Dr. Maarten
Do you have a question for Maarten and do you live in Thailand? Send this to the editor: www.thailandblog.nl/contact/ It is important that you provide the correct information (see list at the top of the page).