Toddlers: 12 - 24 Months

Dear Ear infections, I hate you. Yours truly, Buzzbe24

I haven't posted on here for a while, but I lurk and find helpful tidbits here and there, so I am hoping you ladies can be of some assistance. DS is having his 3rd ear infection since June. These are the only ear infections he's had, but man, are they coming pretty close to each other. Anyway, I've noticed a pattern. He seems to be working on molars and drooling a lot every time an ear infection comes on. Also accompanied with the tell tale rosy, saliva dried cheek due to the drooling. It's also been his right ear each time. Left one never been infected. Twice there's been the drippy nose and mild fever, one time no symptoms other than complete crab butt fussy pants mood. Idk, I asked the Dr. (multiple Dr.s) if there is a correlation between molar teething and ear infections or pain in the ear. And of course they say no just like they say runny noses have nothing to do with teething (but I think some of us know that's not the case sometimes). I guess I'm asking for some ear infection/molar teething stories, theories, ideas or moral support. FYI if this helps and if you have any experience with the meds, He is currently on augmentin for this latest infection, amoxicillon for the last two (and I know I have typos, I have no time to edit :)

I feel so bad for my biggie and want him to be as healthy as can be so any suggestions at what could be causing this, tips to prevent and treat would be greatly appreciated. I've heard the Dr.s side, now I wanna hear from moms. TIA
Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml

Re: Dear Ear infections, I hate you. Yours truly, Buzzbe24

  • Ugh, no help from me except to agree that ear infections suck!!! From my own grown-up experience, I feel like decongestants can honestly stave them off, but I didn't have the balls to try that out with my daughter because I worry too much about side effects.
  • Loading the player...
  • ktpaladinoktpaladino member
    edited October 2013
    I agree with the doc that the two are probably not related. It's likely just a coincidence. That being said, my LO's ears bother the crap out of him while teething, but they don't ever get to the point of infection. My doctor has said that drippy noses do go hand in hand with teething though, which confuses me because in my mind it makes logical sense that if there is increased fluid and drainage in the nose, then it's totally possible for that to aggravate the ear canal too, since everything is connected. Also, some babies are just prone to ear infections for other reasons. If it continues to be an issue, I would get referred to an ENT and have them take a look...he might be a candidate for tubes if these chronic infections continue! P.S. hiiiiii good to see you

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

     

     

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • Ear pain and teething are related because ears and mouths are so close to each other and toddlers are not great at localizing pain.  I don't believe ear infections are related to teething or drooling though.  My son got 4 ear infections between January and June of this year.  But really it's just one infection that doesn't go away.  The fluid in his ear never completely goes away which leads to another infection (regardless of teething).  He had tubes in August and is ear infection free since.  You might want to get a referral to an ENT to have the fluid checked out.  They are more thorough than your pedi.  Good luck!  
  • my friend shared that her ped explained to her that the reason LOs tend to get fevers, runny noses, ear infections, etc during teething is because the process of getting teeth- the discomfort, the physical energy, what have you- lowers LOs immune system.  this leaves them more susceptible to getting sick from a virus or bacteria that their body would have otherwise been able to fight off.  

    so by that logic, i'd say it's very possible your DS's teething and ear infections are related.  chances are your kiddo starts teething, his immune system becomes depressed and can't fight germs off as well, and an infection settles in (for whatever reason) his right ear.  maybe when you notice his next molar coming in, you can take preventative action like propping up one end of his crib and running a humidifier to help keep that ear drained and clear so an infection has nowhere to set up shop.  hope he feels better soon, they really are the worst.
    DSCN9655

    in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God, in Christ Jesus, for you
    1 thessalonians 5:18
  • Thanks for the feedback everyone. We go for a follow up next Monday and I'm insisting on an ENT  check up too. My MIL just informed me my DH had tubes by this age. That his ear canals were very narrow and it might be a heredity thing with the narrowness not allowing fluid to drain in the right ear. UGH. I don't wanna deal with tubes!! But I will do what we must. I've been through a helmet, this too shall pass. I'm wondering if it is a full blown infection though. They said it looked dull and red, but no ruptures at all...IDK but I have to believe that his immune system takes a bit of a hit with the teething leading to the ear problems. I am running his humidifer and have his crib propped up on one side. Also using saline spray clearing his nasal passages since it's all connected. I do wonder if it's the same "infection" that just keeps re-appearing...hmmm? Could possibly be the case.

    ktpaladino- Hello back at ya! Good to see you on here. Hope things are well with your cute little guy! Thanks for all the advice as usual. :)
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"