Ear Problems

Dear E.,

I agree with Christine you do not want to mess around with ear infections. My daughter who is now nineteen had tubes put in at around thirteen months due to constant ear infections. I did not know what sleep was her first year of life. She was on antibiotics for around five months straight and nothing worked. If there is fluid that will not drain it will cause hearing issues which then will develop into speech delays. The surgery was over in half an hour and it was the best thing we ever did. I remember feeding her that night and she heard an airplane fly over head, which is something I guess she could not hear clearly before. She was like a different baby. I do not like giving my children medication, and would avoid surgery at all costs. However my friend waited until her son was almost three and he was in speech classes for a very long time. The doctor explained that is like learning to speak with your head under water. Get her checked out by an ENT. Good luck!!

1 mom found this helpful

Hi E.!

I have been through a very similar situation! The problem very well may be anatomy and I would seek a second opinion! I too am a very green person, I actually work from home for a green company and the products have helped with various issues with my families health. The situation with your daughter could potentially develop into something serious and I would hate to see you wait. Antibiotics can be very harmful to children. My youngest has a chronic disease that unfortunately she has to take steroids for and it is stunting her growth. On your ear issue, my oldest dealt with ear problems for almost two years, her pediatrician was very old fashioned and NOT proactive at all! When she went to kindergarten and they did a hearing test, she failed. At that point we went to a specialist and she was diagnosed clinically deaf! Needless to say we no longer use that particular pediatrician! Upon seeing an ENT he recommended tubes, she also had her adenoids and tonsils out. From that point on she was a new child! It was truly amazing. I avoid surgery at all costs but this was something I felt she needed. Please don't use this as a "be all end all" situation. I just wanted to share the positive results with you! Get a second opinion and go from there and ALWAYS go with what you feel in your gut! I wish you the best and you and your daughter will be in my prayers!

1 mom found this helpful

my girls had ear infections every 3 months - literally, I would write it on the calendar. My son never had any problems. We starting giving them all a probiotic pearl from my health and wellness co and they never had another ear infection. Their pediatrician even asked where we have been. That was 1 1/2 years ago. 70% of your immune system is from your gut. Probiotics help keep your gut healthy.

Good luck.

T.

If I were you I would takeher to an Ear Nost & Throat doctor. i went through the same thing with my little one last year and after her having the same ear infection for 3 months I took her to the ENT and she ended up needing to have tubes put in her ears. the best thing I ever did. She was 9 months old when she had it done. Not only was her little body being hit with lots of antibiotics, but when we went to the ENT they tested her hearing and she had a 85% hearing loss in one ear and 95% in the other. I was amazed that only 6 hours after the surgery she was a total different baby. I was shocked at how much more verbal and alert she was. Whe had no problems following the procedure and was back to her normal self the next day. when we went back to the ENT for her post op appointment her hearing was perfect!!! I think one thing you should think about is her hearing. Not only are the antibiotics not good for her, but you should have her hearing tested just to be sure. My ENT told me thhat my daughter didn't really have an ear infection. She had fluid trapped behind her eardrum and that causes pain, pressure and hearing loss. He also told me that 99% of the time the hering loss in not permanent in the little ones. Good Luck and feel free to message me if you have any other quesions!!!

My Daughter had the same problem. She was in a daycare and from the age of 3 months she was getting an ear infection every 2 weeks. She would finish her antibiotics and then get another one 2 days later. She got tubes in her ears at 6 months and never had another ear infection. I was a nervous wreck for the surgery but it literally took 15 minutes and we were able to take her home a 1/2 hour after that once she would drink something. She took a nap and that afternoon was playing like nothing ever happened. She was back to day care the next morning. Since that time she never had an infection. She is now 3 1/2 and not received antibiotics since then either. She has had many colds but she can get over them very quickly now. The tubes came out on their own when she was almost 2. I do not regret having this procedure done.

Hi E. --

My son had problems with reoccuring ear inflammation and infections from about 6 months on. After his third particularly stubborn infection, we consulted with an ENT and he said tubes were the best option since he was getting more and more resistant to medication. I was like you -- operation as a last resort. But the thing that changed my mind was when the ENT said it wasn't just about my son being sick all the time, it was a matter of making sure he could hear, especially at such a crucial stage when he was starting to babble and gain language skills. Fluid in the ear can not only damage the ear over time, but it muffles and changes sounds that kids hear which can slow down and alter learning.

We had tubes done a week before my son's first birthday. I won't kid you, it was very difficult to watch them but my little boy under, but the procedure was over in 5 minutes and he was conscious again just a few minutes after that. He wasn't happy when he woke up, but less than an hour later he was smiling and alert and fine.

It's been about 2 1/2 months since the procedure and he hasn't had any ear problems in that time, even with a couple colds and congestion. The ENT told us that the tubes usually stay in for about 6 months to a year and then fall out on their own and the ear drum closes naturally soon after. Most kids do not need the procedure done again.

Good luck! I hope the situation works out OK!

Mine has not had any ear infections, but has lots of allergies and eczema. I would find a good ENT doctor and go there. Get her hearing checked too. There are 2 doctors in Saratoga. E-mail if you want more info. But, there must be something more going on. It could be tonsils adnoids, you never know. Good luck. A.

Antibiotics are not the answer for a 14 mo. old or any child. What does ANTI stand for?? This drug stays in the system and Dr's. prescribe one antib.drug after the next. Have you considered a natural cure?
My question is: are you using any air freshener in your home?
They might really be the cause of your daughters problem.
Use a really good teatree oil on a cotton ball and insert in your childs ear, that should take care of the problem.
more info you can contact me.
C.

Hi E., Sorry about your little girl's ear problems. When my youngest son was this age he was getting back to back ear infections. I was not happy about so much antibiotic and I went to another doctor who suggested allergies. As it turned out my son started taking sudafed morning and night and had less infections. I hope this helps. I do not know the cause of your baby's ear troubles. My best. Grandma Mary

I go to a chiropractor and he says that recurring ear problems in children can be solved with chiropractic adjustments. They don't manipulate children like they do adults - it's much different. If you are interested - make sure you go to a good one. Please contact me and I will give you the number to the one I go to and if you are not in the area - he most likely can recommend someone.

Antibiotics only treat infection - not inflammation or even the fluid that builds up and is associated with infection. Besides - the longer she's on antibiotics - the more trouble she may end up having! Also - make sure you give her yogurt with live cultures if she's on (or recently was on) antibiotics.

E.,

I am sorry I don't have any advice because at 38 my husband needed to get tubes for something similar. I just wanted to say, I understand how you feel. My 5 year old is going in for a procedure this week and I am a basket case.

HUGS,
L.

hi E. m.
my son experienced frequent ear infections during the 1st year of life (he is 2 now. i bypassed the pediatrician, and went right to an ent. yes he did need tubes, and has been better since then. i also take him to a chairopracter once a week to realign his top vertabrae, which contributes to draining. of course the ent did not approve, but i do it anyway. just something to think about.
sue m

My son had the same problem and I also dont agree with antibiotics since they are really bad for your stomach. My son's ears were just like your daughters but eventually they get worse to the point where his ears peforated and bled numerous times and we went and saw an ENT, Dr. Passalaqua in Middletown/Red Bank and he put the tubes in my son's ears. (He did an excellent job) It was so simple and easy and now my son has not had an ear infection since and the tubes were put in January 08!! Unfortunatly since he had so much fluid in his ears he was deaf for about 5 months and he still has laanguage problems and no speech at 2 years old, so please just get the tubes ASAP! But if she does get a slight ear infection in the future, just garlic and olive oil ear drops will do the trick, oviosly make sure the eardrum is not peforated before you use them.

Hi E., My son had 8 ear infections between 6 and 10 months, and then he had tubes put in and has been a NEW CHILD in many ways. He stopped getting ear infections, and when he got colds (which he got a lot of and he is in daycare), they got to run their course which has strengthened his immune system. Before tubes, he wasn't getting to fight colds - they were going straight to his ears and becoming full blown infections. When he got his tubes, the day of the surgery we got home and he woke up from his nap, and I said his name and he turned his head and looked at me for the first time in months. I cried. I didn't even realize how his hearing had been damaged. The ENT said we should expect a delay in speaking and walking because of the infections, but catching it early was key. (We did not experience a delay in speaking at all but I'm certain we would have if we had waited any longer). Anyway, it's been a year, he is 22 months now, and tomorrow he is getting evaluated for another set of tubes as the first set came out and he already had a ruptured ear drum and two double ear infections. I really hate antibiotics and think tubes are a much better option.

One thing you could try before tubes, or maybe in conjunction with tubes if you have to go that route, is a chiropractor. I saw someone else mention it too - I have a friend whose kids get adjusted and she's noticed a difference in her daughter with allergies (severe food allergies), and supposedly it's good for ear issues, immune system issues, etc. Not all insurance covers it though and it can be expensive, especially when they usually recommend starting 2 or 3 times a week!

The other thing is to try probiotics - you can buy yogurt products with probiotics in them (they should have live cultures), and you can also buy probiotic powder to add to food. My son also takes DHA supplements and I've noticed an improvement in his general demeanor and immune strength since we started those. There are liquid options, or Nordic Naturals makes "Children's DHA" which are little strawberry flavored balls (we call them fish balls and my son LOVES them) - you would have to decide if your daughter could handle chewing them though.

My son had tubes put in at 17 months for recurring ear infections that seemed to be constant. The entire procedure took less than 30 min and he was playing and acting normal that afternoon. The following 2 days at daycare, he seemed a little out of sorts we think because he could suddenly hear everything! His speach also took off after the tubes were put in. Before tubes, he would never complete a word or say a word and, thinking back, it sounded like he was saying the word underwater (milk would come out mil, dog, do, etc.) It was the best thing to get him the tubes. I understand that you would rather not, however, if you let it go on and it keeps occuring, it could do some real damage to her hearing and speach. I would consult an ENT. They would truly be able to tell if it is being caused by an anatomy problem.

Hi E.,
I feel your pain, i went through that with my son when he was that age. They scheduled him for tube surgery and the day before the surgery, my dad mentioned an article in the Wall St Journal that said that this surgery is usually unnecessary and that studies showed that they in no way helped a child's development. So I decided to explore alternative options. I got the book Healing Child Ear Infections or something like that (sorry, I gave it away). It was GREAT. Then I took my son off ALL dairy products. Seems daunting but it's not that hard, there's so much rice milk and soy in this country. (Note: only give her 1 serving of soy a day, because minerals in her diet will bond to it and she won't absorb as much as she needs). I took him to a homeopath who gave us some powders (mostly minerals, for the immune system) to mix in his juice or applesauce. AND I took him to a chiropractor. Like magic, he stopped having ear infections!!!!!! It was truly a miracle, before this he had had an infection every 6 weeks or so. It's a lot of work, easier I guess to pop meds & get surgery, but it was totally worth the effort. Since then, I have had my kids and me on this incredible line of supplements (www.bodybalancedlife.com) and we are so healthy the pediatrician always has to do a double take when I take them in for their well visits. Email me directly if you want, I feel your pain!!! ____@____.com
Good luck,
S.

Hi E.,

My question is, are you still giving a bottle while she is lying down? If so, this may be the problem. I am having the same problem with my son, because of giving him a bottle.

E.,

Try a second opinion - out of the practice if you are truly worried about getting an unbiased opinion.

If he thinks it is anatomy - why hasn't he gone further with it? Did he let you know?

You have a good attitude toward antibiotics, too.

Another question: Is she teething? This *may* have somethign to do with it. (*may* not).

Good Luck,
M.

My son has been mostly lucky on ear infections. He had one very bad one around 15 months and his eardrum burst but not the kind of recurring problems some kids struggle with--but I have still been dragging him to the doctor whenever a cold lingers to make sure his ears are okay.

I am writing because I have had sinus problems for years. I would definitely recommend consulting with an ENT even if you don't choose surgery. In the short term it might help to have your daughter rest her head on your lap and gently massage around her ear (just in front of the ear and just behind the earlobe are best for me). You could also have her rest her head a heat pack for a few minutes. Both of these help me feel better and I can feel the congestion drain out of the ear and sinus area. Also, I try and eat yogurt or take a probiotic daily when I take antibiotics and it seems to help some.

I had a tube put in my ear at age 60. It is painless and much easier on your body than antibiotics. It feels wonderful to be relieved of the pressurw from fluid in the ear. Don't worry about tubes. Easy peasy.

Hi E.

Have you tried to take her off cows milk for a while and substitute with Soy milk or rice milk? There is some evidence cow milk can cause ear infections in children who are prone to get it in the first place.

Many doctors don't focus on how the food we eat affect our health as long as we are not obese but you can check with a specialist in food allergies. Maybe the problem can be helped by switching to another type of milk.

Unfortunately some kids are just prone to get ear infections and the tubes are right for them, but it is worth checking other alternatives first.

Good luck.
M.

You can try some old-wives remedies, such as onion juice in the ears, but let me tell you from experience: Get those tubes put in and count your blessings that modern medicine makes it possible. My daughter was like a new child after the OP, which was no big deal. She recovered in a matter of hours (though it took me longer since I had cried the entire time she was in the OR). We wished we had done it sooner.
I also suffered from ear infections as a child in the day before tubes and have tons of scar tissue that still bothers me today. Don't take that chance with your daughter.

Hi E.,

I use tea tree oil for everything that ails me and my children. For example, I had taken two rounds of antibiotics for mastitis and didn't want to take a third, so I topically applied tea tree oil to the affected areas a couple of days and I have not had a problem since. I have a friend who mixed tea tree oil with olive oil and put it directly into her daughter's ear. Problems solved. I don't know if it will work for your daughter, but it cannot hurt. Let me know if you have any questions about this. Look for T36-C5 Melaleuca (tea tree) oil. That's the best.

D.

Hello,
I've always taken my children to an accupuncturist and believe in Chinese Medicine. My son's been going since he was 10 months old. I don't like antibiotics unless they are necessary. Chinese Medicine believes that mucous accumalates in the ear ducts due to diet. Some foods that can cause mucous are dairy products, sugary juices and snacks.
I've also seen some homeopathic ear medicine at Vitamin Shoppe.
I would certainly see if your DD's ears are indeed have an anatomy problem so you can rule that out.
Hope you find a way that is comfortable for you and your daughter....Wishing you some well-needed sleep.

try a chiropractor...worked for us many times.

Hi- My son had the same problems and it made me ill how they just kept wanting to put him on antibiotics- We finally got the tubes in and what a huge difference!! immediately! I thought that he followed directions well and slep pretty good and was fine, but after the tubes he really showed me how wrong I was. By the way he has not been on antibiotics since, he is now 3 and one tube is out (they fall out as the child grows) and the other is still in.

I don't really think that putting tubes in are considered an operation. I am not trying to be demeaning, but if you are against the tubes because they are not "all natural" or "organic" or "green" or whatever you are ignoring a simple solution. Tubes are common and a healthy advancment in medical technology for children.