My 18 month old son had tubes in both ears when he was 16 months old, he had 13 ear infections in his first year of life. It was hard for us becuase for some reason my son never had the usual symptoms, no fevers and was rarely fussy, he would just poke at his ear. Anyway, he's had the tubes for 2 months now and he's been doing well, until now. He now has an ear infefction even though he has tube. I feel frustrated becuase I expected this to be a solution, now my son is suffering again. Has anybody had experiences with infections after tubes?
Both of my children had tubes in their ears. Both got ear infections within the first months. I felt I had failed them. But afterwards I realized I hadn't because the infection didn't last as long. And it was almost a year after that when they got another one. So take heart you did the right thing.
I have four sons. All have tubes since their first birthdays. They have "break through" infections. Tubes sometimes prevent all of them but most have "break throughs". Our ENT have them on drops for prevention whenever a cold comes on or anyother symptoms if any. One of my sons have been on preventative drops for over a year and that seems to help.
Other than labor...there is no other pain than ear infections! They have had surgeries too for ear infection damage.
I hear your concern...but this is a Nana's knowledge now. All the answers are good especially checking about allergies but understanding the use of the tubes was my best help. All three of mine had infections and used the tubes. The key was to know why. Your little ones have small ear canals that hold fluid and bacteria in. When they cannot get exposed to the air it forms a warm breeding ground for the bacteria to grow...whether its bacteria from allergy or the local day care connections. The tubes give the child a little better chance to "air out", if I may, the bacteria. One point though is that you might have the doc check occasionally to see if they are still there. The tubes are invisible and will fall out without knowing it. They are designed to fall out when the canal is large enough to fight the bacteria on its own. Good luck and a hug to your little one.
good morning, i have 2 children that had multiple ear infections from age 4 months to about 1 year. my kids also never had the "normal" signs and they attended daycare. my sister-in-law told me she took my niece to a chiropractor after her first ear infection at age 1 and she never had one again (she's 9). i tried it: IT WORKED!! my kids started at age 1 year and 9 months and they are now 5 and 7 and haven't had any infections since they started.
there are alot of chiropractors that work on children for various reasons, but ear infections are the most common.
you have to find a comfort level w/ a practitioner. in case you're wondering, they don't twist the kids necks or head, they use a hand held device to manipulate the spine.
good luck
I just spoke to my pediatrician about ear tubes today. My son is 16 months old and has had 5 ear infections since September. She said that she has seen instances where kids with ear tubes still get infections, but that it's less likely to occur. If he's had that many infections in the past, and this lessens the occurrences, maybe it was still worth it? How was the whole surgery experience?
My son is also in daycare PT and apparently that ups their chances of colds and thus infections. I don't think taking them out of daycare is always the best option, but sometimes I wonder if it might make a big difference.
Hi J.,
I am a toddler teacher and have seen many children get ear infections after getting tubes in. I'm not sure that the tubes are to prevent ear infections but maybe to not get as many?? Did you talk to your peditrician about your concerns?
I'm so sorry for your little guy! Have you considered taking him off dairy? I've been told that can help. There's a book, I believe it's called What every parent needs to know about ear infections that talks a lot about this! A girl friend did it for her kids and worked like a charm!! I don't know where dr's stand on it, but my experience says they might discount it. It's something to look into!
My daughter got tubes in at about age 1. This winter she's had 4 ear infections. The ENT treats them with oral antibiotics and drops. She gets them after she gets a cold, which seems to be constant. I would try not to worry, it would be worse without the tubes!
hi J., my son had several ear infections beggining at 6 months by his 1st bday the pedi was talking possible tubes..... He also never ran fevers, or had gree, yellow nose etc... I am a school psychologist for prek-k in a public school this is a common issue. I feel drs. are to quick to suggest tubes. So I did some research when it was my son they were talking about. Yurns out if the fluid and infectins is a result of Allergy not Infection tubes will not help!!! the fluid will continue as will the infections and the hearing difficulties because of the fluid. Discuss a pedi allergist w/ your pediatrician and request blood work for common household allergens... specifically year round, dust mites, mold, pets, common foods, grass, ... Once my son was put on Zrytec he has had 1 ear infection since I believ he was about 20 months.... and He actually ran a fever with it... Good luck there are also other great homeopathic things to try like accupressure for infants and toddlers.... and massage...
