Constant Ear Infections - Tubes???

Jessica - posted on 01/18/2009

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Not sound like a "quack," but some physicians might say that your son has allergies. He may have an allergy to milk or mold in your house. It's easy to say: everything will be ok, but you're not a mom unless you worry. ENT docs do hundreds/thousands of tonsilectomy's and put tubes in ears. I'm sure your doctor has a record of how many he does and how successful the outcome. Your little guy will probably feel so much better afterwards. Keep up the faith and good luck.

Kathleen - posted on 01/18/2009

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My son was one when he had them put in and they have really helped-only one infection in the past year. Plus, he seemed to be able to hear a lot better after they were put in!

Laura - posted on 01/18/2009

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THanks! I'm actually scheduling the procedure this week! Appreicate the feedback!!!

Tristen - posted on 01/18/2009

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I forgot to mention that my sons eardrums were flat and the doctor wandered how he could hear. He passed all his hearing tests. Well after the surgery and a little of bleeding for a day or so his adorable ears have never been better.

Lisandra - posted on 01/15/2009

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My son had ear infections as well on and off, ever since he turned one. Antibiotics will not even work any more, since he had been on them for so long. i went ahead and had the procedure done in Sarasota, Fl with Dr. Marlowe and my son has been happy ever since!

he has not been sick with fevers, for a while. he is now 3 yrs old and is doing fine the ear tubes have already come off and he seems to be doing just fine. Don't be afraid it will be fine. it is a very small ear tube it is smaller than if you get a pen and write a dot on a piece of paper. it is a really simple and quick procedure.

Becky - posted on 01/15/2009

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Have the tubes put in. I am a mother of 2. Both had tubes in ears. My son at age 2yrs and my daughter at 6 months. They help greatly and by constantly having ear infections and being put on antibiotics they become immune to antibiotics. Also, by not having them done they could have hearing loss in the future. It only takes about 10 minutes for the surgery and they are out in no time.

Maria - posted on 01/15/2009

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My son was exactly the same, he had just turned two when he had his operation. H e had grommets put in his ears and his tonsils and adenoids removed. the op took about 40 mins he stayed overnight and was home the next day. Its not nice but honestly it was the best thing for him he didnt have another infection until more than 18 months later after his grommets had fallen out which is normal. hes nearly five now and has just had his grommets put back in during a day case surgery which took a matter of minutes and he was home the same day, he has 100% hearing and is a normal happy boy. I would strongly recommend the grommets 1 day of discomfort is far easier than a lifetime of pain from infections and the risk of hearing impairements later in life. xxx

Maria - posted on 01/15/2009

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My son was exactly the same his started when he was one year old and just after his second bithday he had grommets put in his ears, his tonsils and adenoids removed it wasnt nice because it never is but believe me it was like a miracle cure after his surgery which took about 40 minutes he stayed in hospital overnight and was home the next day and since then he has only had one ear infection since when he was 31/2, and that was only after one of his grommets fell out. He had his grommets put back in last november as they had both fallen out which is normal and now again he is wonderful and well, he will be five on sunday and i am so glad i opted for him to have the surgery because it is a minor op with wonderful results.xxx

Maria - posted on 01/15/2009

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My son was exactly the same his started when he was one year old and just after his second bithday he had grommets put in his ears, his tonsils and adenoids removed it wasnt nice because it never is but believe me it was like a miracle cure after his surgery which took about 40 minutes he stayed in hospital overnight and was home the next day and since then he has only had one ear infection since when he was 31/2, and that was only after one of his grommets fell out. He had his grommets put back in last november as they had both fallen out which is normal and now again he is wonderful and well, he will be five on sunday and i am so glad i opted for him to have the surgery because it is a minor op with wonderful results.xxx

Lisa - posted on 01/15/2009

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my son had constent ear infections also andhe got tubes and its the best thing i could of done he use toget up in the middle of night crying of pain ect.... not anymore he sleeps better and only had 2 infections since tubes were put in and only needed drops no antibiotics.

User - posted on 01/14/2009

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Most children with chronic ear infections have a history of digestion issues and bowel irregularity.This may seen unconnected however weather you believer it or not does not matter.A simple short term fix is ear drops made from 50%saline and 50% peroxide.If you want a long term solution find a alternative practitioner in your area and look at food allergies and bowel flora levels.Flora is the good bacteria in your bowel that aids in keeping your immune system strong and candida levels low.High candida levels in the bowel lead to yeast growth all over the body like the inner ear.This causes continual infection in the ear that will not be helped long term by a drug because the drug also lowers flora in the bowel recreating the same issue.If you have to wait to see a professional I will suggest finding a" liquid red clover" herb and a powdered probiotic from a good company. companies I'd suggest are "Unicity" u can order online and from your local store a good brand is UDO's oil.
hope this helps you.
Good luck.

Lisa - posted on 01/14/2009

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I have also heard there are lots of proven links between dairy and ear infections. Soy may not be a good choice either because many are alergic to that as well. Goats milk is a great alternative or the lactose free milk. Or just skip the milk all together and eat foods rich in calcium.

Fawn - posted on 01/14/2009

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My first daughter would get ear infections until she was about 6, when I took her off of dairy products. Her doctor said there was no way she was allergic to milk, because she didn't have skin problems or any other indicator. But believe me, I tested the theory several times over the next few years, with the same results-we would start giving her dairy again, and she would have an ear infection within a few weeks. I suggest you try soy. If he is on soy already, try something else. Doctors hate to blame anything on food allergies, but I think its really something you should check out. Another common allergy that can cause ear problems is wheat. But start with milk. You could do this when he is better, or on medicine, and see if he doesnt get another infection. Also, if you can, take him to a naturopath (if the other suggestion doesn't work) Sometimes they are just better at figuring out how to help the body to heal, rather than just throwing some medicines at it! Tubes can help, but really, try the milk thing first-I know several people who tried that and no more infections!

Laura - posted on 01/14/2009

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Quoting Becky:
Wow - thank you so much!!!

My oldest daughter had ears infections from the first checkup I ever took her to < 2 weeks old> and every check up after that and many appt on top of those for ear aches. She was on antibiotics almost monthly to the point that they had had to give her the strongest ones they make for it to kill the infections. By the time she was 4 years old I had started noticing that she didnt seem to hear very well but because she was very advanced in learning and walking and talking I assumed it was selective hearing. Then I noticed that she would accually hold my face in her hands and force me to look at her if I was talking so she could see me talk. My father in law one day walked up behind her with a blown up grocery bag and popped it behind her and she didnt even flinch. Her pediatrition always said her ears looked good but I started thinking I should get another opinion. I took her to an ENT and they said she had 85 percent hearing loss in one ear and about 90 in the other. They put tubes in her ears and said they got wax out of both ears that was hard as a rock and the size of marbles. They said there was a little scaring from all the infections over the last 4 years but that she was at 100 percent hearing in both ears. It was the best thing we ever did and I wish I hadnt waited but I was a young mother and you learn from trial and error. There is really no pain just a little bleeding in the nose the first day from where they also take out the adnoids , and it makes a world of difference for them and saves a bundle in money for medicine for infections and Dr appts

Tana - posted on 01/14/2009

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my son got his first set of tubes at around 8 months. since then he has had 2 more sets of tubes plus his tonsils and adnoids out. it wasn't till this last set which were completely different than the first two sets that we have seen a change. no infections for 4 months and counting. the longest before this was 2 months. he's now 3 so he has been through alot in his short life. there is light at the end of the tunnel. go with your hart and if you don't like what one doctor does go to another. that's what we had to do to finaly get some results worth bragging about. keep in mind this was an extream case and i would'nt wish it on anybody. our first son got one set of tubes and never had another problem with infections. good luck

Donna - posted on 01/14/2009

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My youngest daughter had tubes 2 days before her 1st birthday. I will admit I was uneasy about the procedure but in 7 minutes they were DONE! I don't regret it! I was reading some of the posts before and I will say that they do NOT have to take the adenoids out when tubes are placed. My oldest who is 15 had her tonsils and adenoids out when she was 7. Again, the best thing we ever did. Good luck with everything. Too bad kids don't come with instructions manuals huh? Take care and God Bless

Kirstie - posted on 01/14/2009

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My 13 month old son has tubes (grommets). They were put in about a month ago and there have been no side effects - I would go for it! It is so much nicer for everyone (especially him) not to have ear infection after ear infection! The hardest part of the whole procedure was for ME having to walk away from him in the operating theatre so the doctors could get on with it!!! I was a mess for about 10 mins - until I told myself to put myself together!!! Good luck!

Crystal - posted on 01/13/2009

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2 of my 3 daughters suffered from chronic ear infections. My oldest daughter had her first set of tubes put in at 14 months. It was the best thing we ever did. The infections stopped. I was pregnant with my second daughter and if I could have put the tubes in her ears the minute she was born, I would have. It really is a simple proceedure that will help them. My daughters both have some hearing loss due to scar tissue from all the infections.

Jenny - posted on 01/13/2009

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My son who is 9 now had alot of ear infections when he was small. The last one he had he was about 3 and I talked to his doctor about allergies. My husband and I have bad allergies and we both had to take shots. My son's doctor put him on Zyrtec and by the next day there was a difference. He has been taking allergy medicine off and on now since then but we have not had anymore ear infections. My daugther would get one every time she would cut teeth. Have you thought about taking taken him to a chiropractor. They can help in some issues. Good luck to you and your little one.

User - posted on 01/13/2009

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My 2 year old just got tubes and I wish that they would have done it sooner. She has had a speech therapist for about 6 months now because she does not talk yet. The fluid from all the ear infections was messing with her hearing....sounded like she was under water...so she is just now starting to pick up a few words. I really wish they would have done them sooner.

Becky - posted on 01/13/2009

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Our daughters appt was at Cardinal Glennon here in St Louis and the nurse was explaining to her what they were going to do and asked her when we give you your IV would you like us to stick it in your right hand or your left hand? My daughter said " I dont want it" They gave her a dose of cough medicine like stuff to make her drowsy and came to her room for her with a little red wagon. She was thrilled to take a ride and was smileing and waving at me and her daddy as she was being pulled away down the hall. They waited till they got her into OR to give her gas to put her to sleep and then did the IV while she was sleeping. The nurse came to tell us when the surgery was over and said she would come get us when Jen woke up. about 1/2 hour later I went to her when she awoke and while sitting there rocking her in a rocking chair she looked up at me with a pitiful little face and raising her hand up to me said mommy they shot me in the hand and I peed my panties. The nurse who was taking vitals on her and I both gave a little giggle as I reassured her it would br ok and we would get her some dry clothes

Becky - posted on 01/13/2009

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My oldest daughter had ears infections from the first checkup I ever took her to < 2 weeks old> and every check up after that and many appt on top of those for ear aches. She was on antibiotics almost monthly to the point that they had had to give her the strongest ones they make for it to kill the infections. By the time she was 4 years old I had started noticing that she didnt seem to hear very well but because she was very advanced in learning and walking and talking I assumed it was selective hearing. Then I noticed that she would accually hold my face in her hands and force me to look at her if I was talking so she could see me talk. My father in law one day walked up behind her with a blown up grocery bag and popped it behind her and she didnt even flinch. Her pediatrition always said her ears looked good but I started thinking I should get another opinion. I took her to an ENT and they said she had 85 percent hearing loss in one ear and about 90 in the other. They put tubes in her ears and said they got wax out of both ears that was hard as a rock and the size of marbles. They said there was a little scaring from all the infections over the last 4 years but that she was at 100 percent hearing in both ears. It was the best thing we ever did and I wish I hadnt waited but I was a young mother and you learn from trial and error. There is really no pain just a little bleeding in the nose the first day from where they also take out the adnoids , and it makes a world of difference for them and saves a bundle in money for medicine for infections and Dr appts

Tristen - posted on 01/13/2009

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Girl, I was right with you on this one. He was so use to antibiotics they weren't working any more. My 2year old son got ear tubes last March and we have had no problems. Go for it, it will save everybody in the long run. My husband was upset though, we couldn't go back with him when they took him in for surgery, so when he was done in 15-20min. he cried and didn't know what was happening. But they will not remember and it was the best thing we could do for him. Now he has no more runny noses (unless cold) or ear aches. Good Luck and God Bless!

Laureen - posted on 01/13/2009

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I have a friend whose little girl was always getting ear infections. She takes her to the chiropractor..she swears by it. Something to inquire about anyways:)