ear infection (again)

[funnyfarm]

My daughter has another ear infection :thumbsdown: . I have just moved to a new town and seen the town doctor with her the other day. He didn't say much, just that her ear looked red and her throat was sore aswell. She is on antibiotics for it.

Just wondering what is the difference between an ear infection and glue ear and can a doctor tell this by looking in their ears or do i need to go to a ENT specialist for further assessment. She has now had several ear infections but no-one seems to look into it any further than just saying its an "ear infection".

I am thinking of trying "aqua-ear" from the chemist. It is supposed to help absorb moisture in the ear. I am thinking of using this after washing her hair or swimming to see if it prevents some of these infections??? Has anyone else used this before on their bubs and if so, did it work??????

HELP!!!!

Janet.

[melfunction]

Hi Janet,

Personally, I wouldn't be using aqua ear..It burns and can be very uncomfortable....

Anything to do with ears (or eyes)...see your dr as I know you have, but because they are very important, don't put anything in them especially if she has an infection...Wait until her infection has cleared up and speak to a pharmacist...

How old is your daughter? Would she use ear plugs? I had to use them for a few years because I was constantly getting glue ear (Fluid behind the eardrum). Which brings me to the definition I found for you..


What is fluid behind the eardrum?

Fluid behind the eardrum, also called otitis media with effusion, is a buildup of fluid in the middle ear behind the eardrum without symptoms of infection. The condition, sometimes called glue ear, often follows an ear infection, although it can develop without one.
When swelling from a cold or allergy attack causes blockage of the eustachian tubes (http://javascript<b></b>:AddNavBar('../health_guide_atoz/ste122091.asp');), air can't reach the middle ear. The vacuum and suction created by the blockage pulls fluid into the middle ear and prevents this and other fluids from draining out of the middle ear. The fluid that builds up is called effusion.
When is the buildup of fluid in the middle ear considered chronic?

Fluid in the middle ear behind the eardrum following an ear infection is normal. In most cases, the fluid will clear up within 3 months without treatment. If the fluid stays for longer than 3 months, it's considered chronic. However, if after 3 months the child doesn't have hearing loss, you may decide to treat him or her at home for another 3 months.


Make sure Briana finishes the course of antibiotics..

Hope this helps :)

[rynosmum]

Hi Janet,

My DS had a ongoing ear infection from about 11 months old - 14 months and was on 5 courses of antibiotics during that time. I was at my wits end and was recommended to an ENT who explained it quite easily.

As K.M indicated, many ear infections are simply caused by immature tubes in the ear canal which means that the fluid can't dry or drain. One ear infection can still show symptoms up to 6 months later even if it is on the improve (red sore looking ears). When the antibiotics fight the infection, you are left with glue ear. This too can last for months and is not a major problem within itself as long as it is still improving.

Major risk factors for requiring grommets included: having a smoker in the house and ongoing ear infections up until 18 months of age.

Where are you located ? If in Brisbane, I can recommend Dr Andrew Lomas who is an ENT specialist and was brilliant.:D

[MammaMia]

One other thought: repeated ear infections can be a sign of the body reacting to something that it is allergic/intolerant to. In our case, cow's milk protein. I recently saw lactation consultant, Robyn Noble at Manly West. She has a medical research background and was incredibly helpful, and knowledgeable. I could almost hear the pieces falling into place as she spoke. Just another something to add to the mix that can involve changes that aren't surgical/too many anti-biotics.

Best wishes!

[nemosmum]

Yes Mamma Mia, I have come to the same conclusion myself.

DS was fine until I stopped his prescription formula and put him on regular cows milk (as when he got allergy tested the dairy didnt show up)

As soon as he was on the cows milk he started getting congested and got his first ear infection. I then put him on soy and did not have any problems at all.

I got a little scared after he was on the soy for a couple of months( I had heard that bubs may become allergic to soy if given it all the time?) so I put him on goats milk and within a few weeks he became very sick, congested, chest infection (asthma):(

He is back on the soy now and will stay that way (Im hoping he wont become allergic to the soy as well!)

Even though the allergy test didnt show up a reaction to dairy I do believe the animal protein is the cause of my DS's problems.

Sorry what I long drawn out post LOL:ecomcity:

What I wanted to say is have a think about cutting out dairy from your childs diet and see how it goes:)

Good luck:thumbsup: