Fluid in ear (adult)-home remedies?

[elbenn]

I had a cold and now I have fluid in one of my ears. I have tried laying on a heating pad but that hasn't helped. I took a decongestant today, but that hasn't helped yet. Any suggestions for getting it to drain? It's very annoying as it is plugging the ear.

[lalasmama]

I get this all the time. It's actually one of the (very weird) ways my allergies come out.... My MD has me take Benedryl, and when that doesn't work, I get to take the "real honest-to-goodness" Sudafed-- the stuff behind the counter that may or may not require a prescription based on what state you are in. Decongestants make things come out; you need something to dry you up.

[pb&j]

Real Sudafed is good. It's an absolute last resort for me, it makes me feel awful, and I can't sleep. But it works.

Two squirts of Afrin in each nostril. Once in the morning, once at night. Don't do this for more than 2 days or you'll get rebound.

Also, try a neti pot or the NeilMed sinus rinse in conjunction with whatever treatment you're using.