How many ear infections before we should see a specialist?

[brigmaman]

On the last day of our vacation last week, Brig spiked a fever and I knew that he had an ear infection. When we arrived home I took him to the ped and found out both ears are infected. I don't know exactly how many he's had, but I feel like we visit the ped every other month. At our practice we see one of about 6 doctors, so I'm not convinced they would pick up on a pattern without my prompting. So my question is when do we seek out additional help? My dh had horrible ear problems when he was young and had tubes. He also has some hearing loss from the whole ordeal.
Is there a frequency/time period standard?
Or maybe a severity (sp?) standard? Twice Brig has tried several antibiotics and endured several weeks of infections only to be given Rocephin (sp?) shots.
Thanks so much!

[jojo2324]

Hey Trish! Can you give me a call, if you see this?? Thanks!

[momtoemma]

I would go ahead and ask to be referred to an ENT specialist and see what he has to say. We also went down the road of trying many antibiotics with nothing working until we finally had tubes put in. Good luck!

[C99]

My best friend's daughter had a lot of ear infections when she was 1-2 yrs. as well. I think she said that her ped said that if it she had gotten one more infection in the span of 6 months (she'd already had 4 or 5), that she'd have to go see a ped ENT and possibly get tubes. Nate had 3 ear infections over the winter. If he has one more, I am going to take him to an ENT, since we have a PPO and don't need referrals to see specialists.

I would say that given the severity of Brig's infections and w/ your husband's history of sinus problems, you might want to take him to a pediatric ENT if he gets another one or even if he just gets another cold. Nate's ear infections have been fairly mild, although they do kind of creep on us. He once got an ear infection in his right ear while he was ON antibiotics to treat an ear infection in his left ear.

[JenaW]

When I was in PA school I did a rotation with a pediatric ENT, and I THINK (it has been a while) he said he liked to see kids if they had more than 3 in a season. If I you were, I would bring it up at your next visit (or call and see if you can get a referral....they often have a long wait, unless you are in a large metro area with several to chose from).

Poor guy! I hope he starts feeling better.

Jera
Mom to Carter ~ 05.13.03
Cautiously pregnant with #2 ~ EDD 10.13.04