Should I Bring Her in to the Doctor?

Updated on November 26, 2008
S.S. asks from Troy, MI
5 answers

I noticed my 14 month old had a little bit of dried blood in her ear. I called the pediatrician after hours to let him know and to see if there was anything I needed to do.

She has no symptoms of an ear infection or even a cold. She is teething.

The doc said that there was pressure in her ear and the blood is a symptom that the pressure has been released and if it is an ear infection the most uncomfortable part is over. Like I said she wasn't even fussy.

The doc also said it is not urgent for her to be seen but that it would be a good idea to see her over the next few days to check everything out.

The delema is... I don't want to spend $20 on a copay for nothing if she is already acting fine. I just can't affort to go to the doctor if there is nothing seemingly wrong. In fact I went to a food pantry last week to get food and diapers - that is how tight money is right now.

We have seen blood in her ear before and went to the doctors about three times for it. All of those times they did treat her with antibiotics but she was also very fussy but there was no ear infection - just pressure.

What would you do?

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A.H.

answers from Detroit on

I hear you S., my daughter is often the only one that goes to the doc. I've learned to treat a lot of things at home with homeopathics like www.hylands.com/index.php, and other home remedies I've learned to make.
What would I do? I'd keep a close eye on her. I found teething created a lot of different symptoms in my child. From cold symptoms to rash. If she's getting stuffy it could be backing up into her ears is my thought.
I hope it passes quickly, and good luck to your family I know these are hard times. A. H

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L.N.

answers from Benton Harbor on

Explain your position to the doc and ask if she can waive the copay. If you don't tell them, there is no way they will know that times are tough right now. You are certainly not alone and maybe the doc will offer you more help. Doesn't hurt to ask!

~L.

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T.R.

answers from Detroit on

I know how frustrating it is, trying to decide whether or not to take your little ones to the doc for what seems to be no big deal.

I am a pediatric nurse and still find myself in the docs office almost weekly between my 2 year old and 3 month old.
I would just be cautious with your childs ear's since she has been treated a couple of times in the past already. Ear infections can develop very rapidly, even with no symptoms.

To be on the safe side-I would have her ears checked by the doctor to assure there isn't a problem with excess fluid, swelling and/or infection. Better to error on the side of caution.

For sure ask your doc if you can set up a payment arrangement for the copay. Good luck and I hope your little one stays healthy!

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N.S.

answers from Detroit on

my daughters ear drum just popped due to an ear infection, which released the pressure and discomfort. Our doctor wanted to see her to make sure it is healing properly. We went in yesterday (he said 2 days after the drainage begins) and he couldn't tell because it was still draining.

So I'd say, just make sure the draining is complete so you don't have to make another trip. Her's was still visibly draining fluid that morning.

The ear is an important part of the body, and none of us want damaged caused because of tight times. I'd definetely ask the doc about waiving the fee or asking for options. Our doc actually had a sign posted the other day asking people to talk with the billing department if times are tight.

Good luck and God bless

N.

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C.C.

answers from Detroit on

I don't know if this could be related...but in our case, there were no symptoms at all either... can you tell if your child's ears are "discharging" wax appropriately? Perhaps some of the bleeding is due to build up of ear wax that is trying to dislodge from the inner ear?

When I took my 18 mos to the doct for her regular check up, it turned out that her ear ducts were clogged from wax. This was NOT the case 3 mos prior at her 15 mos appt. So, it can happen quickly...AND there were no signs. She was hearing fine, she was not cranky, no disruption with sleep or anything that would clue us in.

Over the counter ear drops that remove wax is the simple solution...but, you should have a doct look in her ears... sooner than later since "hearing" is a vital part of the dominant culture.

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