Ear infection while backpacking through europe: Can I swim? Tips for flying? Risks + treatment?

Ears, nose and throat
1

My left ear has felt very full for the last 3 days. The ear canal is noticeably swollen and it hurts when anything hits the outside of my ear and it hurts to sleep on it. It also rings for 1-3 hours throughout the day and hurts/pulses often as well. The left side of my jaw also hurts and it is a bit painful to chew or yawn. I don't know if this is related but my throat is also irritated and I've been coughing once about every 1-2 min.

I will be backpacking through Europe for the next 2 weeks (so no access to my doctor) and that involves about 4-5 airplane flights, swimming in salt water and showering in water that's not super safe to drink. Do I need to wear an ear plug while swimming/showering - because I have no idea wear to find them in Greece right now. What should I do to prevent it from getting worse/ help treat it?

Side note - I had a minor ear infection in my right year about a month ago but it was milder (no jaw pain and less ringing, fullness and ear pain but my throat hurt more). My doctor gave me amoyxillin for that. I don't know if they may be related?

2

Also unlike the last time nothing has drained out of my ear yet. It just feels really full. And everything sounds a bit quieter and lower pitched from the infected ear

3

having done a backtracking trip many yrs ago, came back

in a pretty poor state,with ear infection,

from what you have said no way would 

I risk it, having justcome of anti biotics so soon, your problem 

needs to clear up, throat combined with ear problems should

be treated by your doc here asap, don't bank on the right

treatment abroad, your leaving yourself open to the problem

getting worse, and in a hot climate unbearable

if you've booked and paid for tickets, and insist on going take

enough antibiotics, keep your ear dry with a swimmers plastic

cap, carry enough to drink throughout the day, stay off

the booze if on meditation, take your health card

good luck 

4

Thanks so much for the advice! It's gotten better and I'm heading home in a few days so I will do my best to keep my ear dry and visit the doctor asap.