Ear infection woes...

[jamsmu]

Carson had his second ear infection at the beginning of the month. We finished his antibiotic on Monday. But today there was a clear liquid dripping out of his ear. I called the pediatrician who prescribed a different antibiotic. We'll go back to the ped on Friday for a check-up.

Is it too early to talk about tubes for his ears? Poor thing is only 6 3/4 months, but DH has hearing loss that spurred from being sick around age 2. I don't want to feel foolish asking the pediatrician for a specialist if it isn't necessary. any opinions/ideas?

TIA

PS I was going to post in Baby 411--Infections, but there hasn't been a post there since early February and that one has only been viewed 6 times.

[ShayleighCarsensMom]

I am so sorry...
Has your ped given you any input on ear infections?
I have a BA in audiology and although I am a bit rusty, lets see if I can help.
Oftentimes a child will get an ear infection and is treated with antibiotics. You see no symptoms so you think that it is gone, but a lot if times the antibiotics did not kill the infection (only subsided it for a short time) and so the ear infection comes back. At this time, you should probably request a different antibiotic, or increase the stregnth of the first. If you continue to use the same antibiotic with the same dosage, it will most likely not kill the infection. ALWAYS go back at day 10 (or when its finished) to have the ears rechecked, even if they are symptom free.
The cause could be from many things. Babies are more prone to ear infections because their eustachian tubes lie flat (they change as you grow older) thus allowing for fluids from saliva and milk to collect in their while they are laying down, which can be a breeding ground for infection. If your little one is drooling a lot, there's not too much you can do. If they nurse themselves to sleep, try propping them over your shoulder for a few minutes before laying them down to allow it to drain. Clear fluid is not a bad sign. If it is a bad infection a lot of times it will be colored and very foul smelling (more foul than earwax, which is naturally foul smelling...did you know that is is an anibiotic, bug repellant and moisturizer all in one?)
As far as I know ear infections do not cause hearing loss, but they can cause speech delay or articulation problems if their ears are always clogged and they cannot hear. High fevers do cause hearing loss.
As far as tubes go, it is a very personal opinion. Tubes dont always prevent infection, they just allow for drainage, and they only last for a short time (about one year). Sometimes it is just a stage due to teething and milk, and once you get past that, things should get better. If this persists, I would look into the tubes further.
Good luck, I hope your little guy is feeling better soon.
If you have anymore questions feel free to email me. I know that parents magazine did an artical on ear infections a while back, you might do a search on their website and see what you can find.
One last thing, when it comes to your child, nothing is foolish. If you feel that you would get better care or feel more comfortable with a specialist, by all means request one!

[ChicagoMama]

>Is it too early to talk about tubes for his ears? Poor thing
>is only 6 3/4 months, but DH has hearing loss that spurred
>from being sick around age 2. I don't want to feel foolish
>asking the pediatrician for a specialist if it isn't
>necessary. any opinions/ideas?

Shelby had tubes placed last June, at 9 months. She had "chronic" infections (which were perpetuated/aggravated by acid reflux disease). "Chronic" was diagnosed by the ENT specialist as something like 3 or more in a certain time period. She got her first infection in early April and basically had a continuous one until June 20 when we got the tubes. Let me look up some of the information that he gave us - it was very helpful - it answered concerns and debunked myths about hearing loss/speech delays/all kinds of things. There are sooo many opinions out there about ear infections and tubes, it's a tough road to navigate. Dr's even differ on their opinions. Give me a day or so to find the stuff & I'll post again.

Becky

Mama to DDs Shelby 09/19/02 and Sydney 10/16/03

[jamsmu]

This board amazes me! You ask a question, and there is always someone available to take their time to help. Valerie and Becky, I just learned so much from you both! Thank you!!

I am going to get a referral to an ENT tomorrow. As it turns out, there is a lot more history on my side of the family with ear infections than I knew. My sister has a hole in her eardrum due to long lasting ear infections and 2 of my uncles had tubes... later, one had to have something removed and the other had his eardrum pop.

Becky, it's funny that you mentioned the reflux. I was wondering if Carson's reflux could be provoking the ear infections. Wonder if there is a found connection?

Anyway, THANK YOU both!!