Latest news with #DrZoeWilliams
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
I shed 6st in 9 months on fat jabs – the rule you need to follow to not put weight back on & it works when eating out
A WOMAN who shed a whopping 6st in just nine months has shared the secret behind not pilling back all the pounds when eating out. Lucy Davies kickstarted her weight loss journey with the popular fat jab almost a year ago and has since managed to shed a staggering 6 stone. 3 3 The blonde beauty has also been documenting the process and her experience with Mounjaro on TikTok - where she recently revealed she still enjoys eating out every now and then. Mounjaro is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs. Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams acknowledged that Mounjaro, which has been rolled out on the NHS, can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity.' But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' About half a million Brits use weight loss drugs - and the number is expected to double in the next year. Mounjaro works by suppressing your appetite, making people feel fuller for longer. The injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over). One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on someone's weight. Lucy's results were no doubt impressive - and despite looking incredible, she still enjoys the foods she loves, and it's all thanks to one key tip. Towie star Saffron Lempriere reveals how she lost 12 pounds in 4 weeks - without fat jabs The stunner, who posts under the username @ insightfullucy, explained that she's ''always loved eating out''. But while many of may stuff our faces - which is also needed from time to time - Lucy has maintained her enviable figure with ensuring she doesn't go overboard. ''I just make sure I stick to a calorie deficit,'' she told her 34k followers in a recent video. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. A calorie deficit is often touted as the key to weight loss - it's when you consume fewer calories than you burn in a day. Calories are the energy you get from food, fuelling everything from breathing to exercise. When you're in a calorie deficit, your body draws on stored energy (primarily fat) to make up the difference, which can lead to weight loss over time. To reach a calorie deficit, you need to either eat fewer calories, increase physical activity or do a combination of both. For example, if your calories are 2,000 per day, reducing to 1,500 calories or boosting physical activity by 500 calories would create a deficit. However, it's worth emphasising that creating a calorie deficit isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Factors like age, how active you are, health conditions and metabolic rate - the speed at which your body burns calories at rest - can all affect your personal calorie needs. Thanks to being mindful, Lucy's managed to lose weight - whilst still consuming a variety of foods, including sweet potato fries which typically tend to be more fatty. However, that doesn't mean Lucy eats like this all the time - there have also been plenty of occasions when the foodie has opted for healthier, more veggie-heavy options to keep the calories lower. ''You can still enjoy eating out on Mounjaro,'' Lucy wrote in the caption. What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. The reality of Mounjaro Although many have boasted about weight loss success since using Mounjaro, last year it was revealed that Scots nurse Susan McGowan, 58, died after taking low-dose injections of Mounjaro over a fortnight. A probe also found that nearly 400 people have gone to hospital after taking weight loss drugs. The common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to severe dehydration. And if that wasn't bad enough, doctors say they have also seen 'life-threatening complications', including seizures, bowel obstruction and inflammation of the pancreas. Model Lottie Moss, 27, even said she had a seizure after taking high doses of Ozempic. The makers of Mounjaro, Lilly UK, said patient safety is its 'top priority'. Lilly UK stressed: 'Regulatory agencies conduct extensive independent assessments of the benefits and risks of every new medicine and Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data. 'If anyone is experiencing side effects when taking any Lilly medicine, they should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional.'
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
My blood pressure has been flagged as pre-diabetic – what should I do?
OUR resident specialist and NHS GP, Dr Zoe Williams, shares her expert advice. Today, Dr Zoe helps a reader whose blood pressure was flagged as pointing to pre diabetic levels during a routine health check. 2 Q) I RECENTLY had my free health check and my blood pressure was flagged as pointing to pre-diabetic levels. The high number was 126, and the lower number was 86. My health practice advised me to take statins. Could they help? Any other advice? A) IT is great to hear that you had your health check. They are so important because they help you identify silent but dangerous issues with your blood pressure, blood sugar or cholesterol levels. Your blood pressure results seem OK, but it would be a good idea to still look at measures to prevent it getting any higher. Being pre-diabetic relates to a higher-than- normal level of sugar, or glucose, in the blood. It should be taken as a warning sign that you need to make some lifestyle changes. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week and eat a healthy and balanced diet, focusing on limiting ultra-processed foods, alcohol and sugary drinks. If you're a smoker, seek support to quit. Statins are medicines used to treat high cholesterol levels and, in doing so, reduce your risk of developing a heart attack or stroke in the future. The good news, though, is that the same lifestyle changes that will help bring down your blood sugar and blood pressure will also help your cholesterol too, and might mean you don't need to take statins.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Woman on Mounjaro warns people to ‘NEVER go cold turkey' after revealing brutal side effects when she had supply issues
A WOMAN has shared the brutally honest truth about what happened when she was forced to ''go cold turkey'' from Mounjaro. Content creator Freya has been using the fat jab to help manage her weight. 3 3 However, in a recent post, the young TikToker revealed she had to temporarily stop the popular medication while waiting for a new pen to arrive — and the effect was immediate. Mounjaro is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs. Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams acknowledged that Mounjaro, which has been rolled out on the NHS, can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity.' But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' About half a million Brits use weight loss drugs - and the number is expected to double in the next year. Mounjaro works by suppressing your appetite, making people feel fuller for longer. The injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over). One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on someone's weight. The now-viral video, which has racked up more than an astronomical 1.1million views, shows Freya demolishing a stacked cheeseburger. I went on fat jabs but the hair loss was unbelievable so I quit - I'd rather be chubby with hair than skinny and bald ''Take this as a sign to NEVER go cold turkey from Mounjaro,'' she wrote. ''I would have done very sinister things for this burger. ''My hunger is out of control - I want to punch everyone who is not food in the face.'' In the comments, Freya, who posts under the username @ freyatheblondieee, explained: ''Having issues with getting my next dosage, which is the only reason I'm cold turkey right now. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. ''It's not by choice - I think drastically dropping is far too risky for weight gain.'' The TikToker also confirmed she had been on a '' high dose '' of the jab. Social media users react The brutally honest clip sparked over 600 comments left by fellow fat jab users - many of whom opened up about their experience of '' food noise ''. ''Food noise'' is the term used to describe the near-constant stream of thoughts about eating that some people struggle to switch off. More often than not, this leads to cravings for calorie-dense, low-nutrient foods and episodes of bingeing. One wrote: ''I gained three stone in six months after I stopped it. Went to Turkey, had the [ gastric ] balloon.'' Another chimed in: ''The hunger that comes after it is awful - I've put on a stone in six weeks. Waste of money.'' A third said: ''I forgot to order my jab in time and was a literal feral person. This made me laugh so much but equally terrified to come off.'' However, others pointed out that in their eyes medications like Mounjaro aren't a permanent fix - but rather tools to help users develop healthier habits in the long run. One follower shared: ''I was absolutely starving when I came off it. ''Took so much willpower for a couple of weeks, but now I'm eating just like I was when I was on it. ''Lost three stone with Mounjaro and another two since stopping. You just have to push through until the hunger passes.'' Another said: ''Been off it three days and I'm definitely eating more. But this is where willpower comes in. I'll never be the 26 stone I was last year.'' What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. The reality of Mounjaro Although many have boasted about weight loss success since using Mounjaro, last year it was revealed that Scots nurse Susan McGowan, 58, died after taking low-dose injections of Mounjaro over a fortnight. A probe also found that nearly 400 people have gone to hospital after taking weight loss drugs. The common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to severe dehydration. And if that wasn't bad enough, doctors say they have also seen 'life-threatening complications', including seizures, bowel obstruction and inflammation of the pancreas. Model Lottie Moss, 27, even said she had a seizure after taking high doses of Ozempic. The makers of Mounjaro, Lilly UK, said patient safety is its 'top priority'. Lilly UK stressed: 'Regulatory agencies conduct extensive independent assessments of the benefits and risks of every new medicine and Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data. 'If anyone is experiencing side effects when taking any Lilly medicine, they should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional.'
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I've lost 25% of my weight on Mounjaro – here's 4 foods I avoided on fat jabs & the popular pick that made me feel sick
A WOMAN who's shed nearly 25% of her bodyweight thanks to Mounjaro has revealed which foods she steered clear of. TikToker Tami kickstarted her weight loss journey with the popular fat jab almost a year ago and within the last 50 weeks she's managed to drop a staggering 1/4 of her starting weight. 3 3 3 Like many, Tami wasn't ''too clued up'' on what to do and which foods to consume. However, having been on Mounjaro for close to 12 months now, Tami has learnt what works for her, regularly sharing tips and tricks to others on the same journey. Mounjaro is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs. Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams acknowledged that Mounjaro, which could soon be rolled out on the NHS, can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity.' But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' About half a million Brits use weight loss drugs - and the number is expected to double in the next year. Mounjaro works by suppressing your appetite, making people feel fuller for longer. The injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over). One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on someone's weight. I went on fat jabs but the hair loss was unbelievable so I quit - I'd rather be chubby with hair than skinny and bald Spilling the beans on the popular foods she avoided, Tami revealed she didn't consume complex carbs, such as spaghetti and toast. ''Pasta and bread made me feel quite sick, I learnt that during the way,'' she said in the video. '' White breads and white pasta I found that it was very much making me feel queasy, so I avoided that.'' Another item on the no-go list included red meat, as that gave her ''the sulphur burp'', which ''have a foul, rotten egg smell due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas'', as per Medical News Today. As well as being caused by gastrointestinal issues, sulphur burps can be a result of consuming too much legumes, dairy, poultry and other meat. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. ''I've now introduced it back into my diet but certainly in the beginning and when moving up doses,'' said Tami who's currently on 15mg of the medication. Another popular pick she steered clear of at the start of her weight loss journey was takeaway, especially ''fatty and greasy foods ''. As well as making her stomach ''quite sick'', Tami discovered the greasy meals caused constipation - another common side effect of Mounjaro. ''Also, I would avoid anything high in sugar, sugary foods, like cakes.'' Offering a helping hand to those also on the medication, Tami advised to stay hydrated and ''eat your calories''. She went on in the video: ''I would say that if you've got any questions regarding foods or something's triggering you, write it down in a food diary. ''See what could made you feel sickly and probably take it out of your eating plan for that week and see if that's the trigger.'' What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. Other Mounjaro users react Since being posted on the platform, where Tami shares content under the username @ cartcrushuk, the clip has taken the internet by storm, amassing over 368k views. More than 400 people flooded to comments, where many shared their experience with the fat jab. One person said: ''I am completely gone off chicken like makes me wanna vom.'' Someone else chimed in: ''Same I find highly processed carbs give me a bad belly I just stick to fresh protein and veg now lost 4 stone upto now.'' Another wrote: ''Week 8 …32lb side effects…I eat in deficient I drink 2.5 litres of water with electrolytes now gone up to 5mg loving it!'' The reality of Mounjaro Although many have boasted about weight loss success since using Mounjaro, last year it was revealed that Scots nurse Susan McGowan, 58, died after taking low-dose injections of Mounjaro over a fortnight. A probe also found that nearly 400 people have gone to hospital after taking weight loss drugs. The common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to severe dehydration. And if that wasn't bad enough, doctors say they have also seen 'life-threatening complications', including seizures, bowel obstruction and inflammation of the pancreas. Model Lottie Moss, 27, even said she had a seizure after taking high doses of Ozempic. The makers of Mounjaro, Lilly UK, said patient safety is its 'top priority'. medicine and Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data. 'If anyone is experiencing side effects when taking any Lilly medicine, they should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional.'
The Sun
19-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
There's a painful echo in my left ear which affects my hearing – what can I do?
OUR resident specialist and NHS GP, Dr Zoe Williams, shares her expert advice. Today, Dr Zoe helps a reader who is worried as their hearing is being affected by a painful echo. 2 I HAVE got a problem with my left ear. Most days, it's like an echo and it's a little bit painful. I have to keep rubbing it throughout the day. My hearing is affected by this. Is there anything I can buy for it? A sensation of echo, pain and hearing reduction in one ear could have a number of causes. The first thing that springs to mind is earwax build-up. Excessive or impacted wax can create a physical barrier within the ear canal, blocking sound waves from reaching the eardrum. This blockage can cause an echoing, pain and hearing loss. Earwax softening drops, such as olive oil drops, gently lubricate and break down the wax, helping the body to push it out easier. Never use cotton buds inside your ear because they push the earwax further in. Eustachian tube dysfunction – which is when the tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat becomes blocked or inflamed – can be triggered by a cold or allergies. If you suspect allergies, you could try a steroid nasal spray. From 'sagging' lobes to 'hearing food' and different shades of earwax - 12 eerie facts about your ears - Dr Philippa Kaye, GP and author More severe pain, discharge or fever could be an infection. And we always have to consider rare but more serious causes if symptoms persist. See a nurse or doctor if symptoms have lasted more than a week despite over-the-counter treatment, your hearing loss is significant or getting worse, or if you experience ear discharge, fever or severe pain.
