Update : XP: BTDT moms: Ear infection that just won't go away?!

Rachel5782 · December 2011

So LO had a cold and ear infection back in November and was put on amoxicillin for it. When we went for an updated check at his 6 month, it looks like it had returned. The doc said it wasn't that bad looking yet but we should put him back on a stronger amoxicillin, as well as ear drops to get rid of it before it got any worse. He had no cold at this point and he's never had a fever before. We stopped the 2nd round of amoxicillin days ago but since yesterday LO has been swatting at his ears again (especially the one that was infected) in the evening. He is mainly cranking while he's swatting his ears. Otherwise he's his usual happy self. He does not have any signs of a cold or fever. No temp, no runny nose, no coughing, sneezing, etc. Of course this is when I have to go back to work tomorrow. I told DH that if the sitter calls about him being sick, he's going to have to pick him up.

I have to make a follow-up appointment (as per doctor's instructions) to check his ears anyway, but does anyone know the next step if both rounds of antibiotics don't work? Will they put him on amoxicillin for a 3rd time? I'm wondering if tubes are in his future. From what I've read, viruses usually cause ear infections. But if he doesn't have a virus, what is causing it to keep returning? Is it just bacteria that is not going away?

Sorry, for all the questions. I'm just really frustrated. I'm really trying to be "okay" with going back to work, but knowing that my baby may still have an ear infection makes it even harder to want to leave him. Sad

Update: Turns out it was just a huge ball of wax making his left ear uncomfortable feeling. His eczema causes dry skin to build up in there (gross) and it clogs his ears. Once the doc was able to pick it out and take a peek, there was no sign of an ear infection. And his right ear was totally fine too. Whoohoo.. now how often are we going to get his ears unclogged? LOL

Mrs.Purdue · December 2011

any teeth yet? my DD is swatting at her left ear, but a tooth is coming through today and I think they're related (I had just had the doc look at her ear and they said it's completely clear).

so, maybe the drugs did their job and this is teething related now?

sbmp10 · December 2011

So I will start with a little background info. Dd 1 had an ear infection that essentially lasted three months. She was on and off a variety of antibiotics. After months of this the dr suggested tubes. It took another two months to get into the ent. And another two months until surgery. She had tubes put in at 15 months old. She is now four and has never had an ear infection since. Her tubes are still in which isn't the norm they usualy fall out but hers haven't. She will have them removed in January. DS has had two infections in the last month. I asked the pedi the other day about tubes and he said whenever we are ready. I was shocked. He said they will be as aggressive as we wish. I could kick myself that I didnt push harder for my daughter because it made such a difference for her. The procedure is short and recory is a day. I would say do it. Sorry for the format on an iPad

Mrs.Saxy · December 2011

they'll probably do another round of antibiotics

my DS got tubes around 5 months old because he had 5 ear infections prior. Your DS could have the same one that won't go away or 3 different ones.

They usually don't do tubes until there are more infections or more rounds of antibiotics.

My DS also had no symptoms of an ear infection. His only sign was diarrhea. When antibiotics were given the diarrhea stopped. Bass ackwards.

Melissa17 · December 2011

If you are open to it try a chiropractor or crainal sacral work. There are those that specialize in infants. Also, at this age chiropractors do not do adjustments like on adults. It is very soft movements.

scaneiki · December 2011

My pedi and ENT do tubes if the kid gets 6 ear infections in 6 months or if there is an infection that won't go away after three rounds of antibiotics (going to a stronger antibiotic each time)

My DS got tubes at about 1yr because he had an infection that lasted through amox, another stronger antibiotic, and rocephin (one dose in a shot, one in an IV). He was put in the hospital overnight due to the persistent ear infection and had his tubes the next day. It is so easy and he was so much better by the next night. My DD has had 4 infections in the past couple of months and we still won't proceed until she has two more or an infection that won't go away.

wall0307 · December 2011

DS #1 had many ear infections. Amoxicillan never worked, and he had an allergic reaction to it after repeated use. He eventually got tubes, and he never had another ear infection. I would highly recommend getting a referral to at least talk to an ENT.

jerol · December 2011

My first two were like that. We would go for our 3 wk check-up and they still had (or got a new) infections. WE got tubes the 4th infection within 4 months.

elisbu · December 2011

scaneiki:

My pedi and ENT do tubes if the kid gets 6 ear infections in 6 months or if there is an infection that won't go away after three rounds of antibiotics (going to a stronger antibiotic each time)

My DS got tubes at about 1yr because he had an infection that lasted through amox, another stronger antibiotic, and rocephin (one dose in a shot, one in an IV). He was put in the hospital overnight due to the persistent ear infection and had his tubes the next day. It is so easy and he was so much better by the next night. My DD has had 4 infections in the past couple of months and we still won't proceed until she has two more or an infection that won't go away.

We just passed this mark. Three antibiotics and STILL infected. While waiting for our ENT appointment the pedi put LO on suprex and 9 days later at the ENT we were told she is clear.
Ent suspects she'll have another infection within two weeks of stopping antibiotics(because it took SO much to get rid of it) and sure enough four days later and the nose starts running....we'll see how far it goes.

Good LUck OP- I hope when you egt rechecked the ears look great!!

MsAng02 · December 2011

My LO (7.5m) just had tubes put in 3 weeks ago. She'd had 6 ear infections in 5 months and had gone completely deaf in her right ear and 50% deaf in her left. The surgery took 12 minutes! And she had her follow up appt last Friday and now has complete hearing. They will probably try Omnicef (good stuff), but don't let them put him on Augmentin (sp?). It's very, very rough on them- intestinal cramps, vomiting, etc. I agree with PP about the chiropractor, I would've chosen that route before tubes if I had known. Fwiw, I think tubes are a miracle. Hth and good luck!

smit3807 · December 2011

We went through three rounds of increasingly stronger antibiotics to clear up my DD's ear infection. She had one every time we went to the pedi for ear re-checks for 2 months, so we don't know if it was the same infection or a new one. My pedi said that tubes are on her radar if we continue to have issues. The EI didn't seem to bother her that much (other than her sleeping improved after it cleared up), but I worry about her hearing.

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Update : XP: BTDT moms: Ear infection that just won't go away?!

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