QuestionI'm 27 weeks pregnant, and for the last week I'vd had a bad head cold. Typical symptoms include sore/scratchy throat, coughing, congestion, itchy ears. I have no had a fever, however (I check several times a day). My OB said this cold could last for a few weeks with being pregnant. My only concern are the now sore ears. Twice last week, my ears were itchy (fluid build-up, perhaps?), but within a day it went away. However, in the last 16 hours or so, I've had SORE ears, not itchy. Whenever I swallow food or cough, they hurt a bit more. I find that my throat is also much more sore (painful( today. Could this be a sign of an infection? When I blow my nose, 90% of the time it's clear. I just find in the morning it's yellowish, but within an hour or so of being up, it turns clear. Question - do you believe antibiodics are necessary? I can't get in to see my family doctor for another 4 days, and since I'm relatively new there, they won't call in a prescription for me. I'm also a big apprehanvive to take an antibiodic if I really don't need one. Could an infection, left untreated (in my ears) harm the baby?
AnswerI believe that you have developed a viral infection (upper respiratory infection and bronchitis). An antibiotic will not help and you should feel better in a week. You probably have some congestion in your eustachian tube, causing pain and pressure in your ear. You may also have developed a sinus infection. If it is not proven that this is due to a bacterial infection, I would not recommend antibiotics. Just drink copious amounts of fluid, keep your temperature down, and take Tylenol every four hours. If you have a stuffy nose, try Sudafed as well.
