Comments on: Mommy SOS: Ear Infections

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:27:44 +0000

I know this sounds crazy, but I take my daughter to the chiropractor. We have had great success with that. She went through 2 rounds of antibiotics, but the infection kept coming back. The ear, nose and throat doctor told us she would have fluid on her ears until she got tubes (she has a cleft palate and ear tubes are routine with the palate surgery). Since we have taken her to the chiropractor the fluid is completely gone! Sometimes it takes more than one visit, but it is amazing. Just a side note, but it cured her acid reflux (we were on the max dose of prevacid). Hope this helps…

By: Eva

Eva — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 02:54:43 +0000

My little Lauren has had 3 ear infections, and has been given Augmentin twice and Omnicef once. Just be aware that they can cause diarrhea but it helps a LOT if you give the meds with a meal. Also look out for yeasty diaper rash during and after the antibiotics. We’re dealing with that now and it’s no fun for her, poor kiddo.

By: Shane

Shane — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:16:58 +0000

Looks like previous comments cover most of my thoughts. I’ll only add that G had an ear infection WITHOUT a fever (or least not a high fever). So it was a surprise to us until he had eye gunk to go along w/ the ear infection.

One question that I think is critical to ask your pedi after any non-check up visit is “When should I call you back?” or “what condition or change should warrant a call back to you or the advice line”. Surprisingly they should give you some things to look out for or say “if things haven’t changed in 2 days call me back”. It certainly gives us something to look for instead of freaking out over every little change or symptom.

By: jenya

jenya — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:26:31 +0000

I would strongly suggest the product “EarCheck”.
http://www.amazon.com/Innovia-Earcheck-Middle-Ear-Monitor/dp/B0012P5U5C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1247693061&sr=8-2
It is like thermometer and works great. You put it in baby ear and in one second it will give you results. Essentially there are three possible results:
1.) No fluid
2.) Monitor at home
3.) Go to the doctor
For us this product have been reliable. Sofia has this thing where she pulls on her ear when she is teething. I just check with my monitor to make sure there is no fluid.
And it is not expansive. I think I already “paid” for this for the money I would have spent on co-payment if I did not have this monitor.

By: liz

liz — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:24:59 +0000

So, Sorry to hear that, Ariana. My son got his first ear infection at about 6 months. He also has asthma, and first had to use a nebulizer at 4 months. I’ve had TONS of experience with a sick kiddo (unfortunately), and I had a ton of ear infections myself as a child. All of this is an introduction to simply say that I definitely think that you should call the pediatrician back. There were a few times when I called and the dr. said that it was probably nothing, but I was concerned and went in anyway, and I was right. I have encountered a number of mothers who are reluctant to go to the doctor, but my feeling is that if you are worried, go. What’s the worst that could happen? They think you’re too worried? Who cares? Also, my pediatrician always prescribes antibiotics, and it clears right up. (Sorry to be so long winded, especially as a first-time commenter! :))

By: jbhat

jbhat — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:08:02 +0000

Good luck, Ariana. Thankfully, our kiddo has not had any EIs, so I have no advice on that front. I dread that our next one will be cursed with everything under the sun to serve as payback for an “easy” first baby (although we did struggle long and hard with sleeping). Your readers are full of such good advice, so I’ll definitely be referring back here if necessary as time goes on.

By: ariana

ariana — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:34:53 +0000

Oh my goodness Steph, is there anything you don’t know and haven’t been through??? Wow, what a lot to deal with on TOP of the reflux and allergies :(

I can’t believe that she would act normal through all of that! It’s pretty scary actually.

I would definitely consider cranial sacral, he had it done when he was a baby.. the chiro option sounds really interesting too.

Wow, a lot to think about!

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:28:27 +0000

My daughter Chloe has quite a history with ear infections. We experienced the same thing you did – she wouldn’t act strangely at all. The first few times she had them, I wouldn’t know until we were at the doctor’s office and he would notice it during a routine check-up, or until one of her ear drums would rupture and we’d see blood and goo dripping out of her ear. THAT was awful.

Like the poster above, we finally went the tube route. We also eventually had her adenoids removed – but this was only after a couple of years of ear infections every 6 – 8 weeks coupled with a speech delay (and speech therapy) due to persistent mucous in the ears (also known as “glue ear.”)

My understanding is that doctors don’t instantly treat with antibiotics for ear infections these days, but if the infection doesn’t go away on its own within a couple of weeks then they will prescribe antibiotics (either as an oral antibiotic, antibiotic ear drops or a combination of the two.) So, if it is still bugging him, I think it’s perfectly reasonable to call the pediatrician again.

Some kids with recurrent ear infections (I know Jasper has only had one, but just in case it happens again) do well with cranial sacral therapy.

Just FYI, there is thought to be a connection between reflux and ear infections in some kids (which our doctor believed was the problem aughter’s case.) Here’s a link( there are many others out there – studies are ongoing): http://www.drgreene.org/body.cfm?id=21&action=detail&ref=923

My daughter first started having ear infections around age one and was plagued with them until she had her adenoids removed last year at age 5. Her situation was pretty extreme, but given the fact Jasper has had issues with reflux, the reflux/ear infection connection is definitely something to keep in mind if he continues to have problems.

By: ariana

ariana — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:27:24 +0000

Kelsey, wow, that sounds really interesting! And that provider is only probably 20 minutes from us. If it becomes a chronic issue I would definitely go there.

I made an appointment with the pedi for tomorrow. We’ll see what he says. Thanks for your advice everyone, I researched about sweet oil and found this site, which basically says that warmth does the same thing and is a lot less messy: http://www.doctorhoffman.com/wwotalg.htm

Leanna, because quoinoa is technically a seed and not a grain, the oils surrounding it are fragile and can go rancid more quickly when ground (unground they are fine!) so it is not recommended to grind and then leave it uncooked for a while. The recipe cooks up a pretty big batch (actually I have been only using about half that recipe!) and will make enough for a few days, so I just grind right before I’m ready to make a batch.

By: LeAnna

LeAnna — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:11:47 +0000

Aw, poor baby. My son is 6 months old, and we haven’t had to deal with this. I do remember my Mom putting the oil in my sisters ears. That always seemed to help.
I do have a question that has nothing to do with this post, but I was curious. I have your Quinoa post printed out, but I wondered if you grind it every day before every meal, or will it keep if you grind a few days worth? Thanks in advance!