My 18 month old has Chronic Ear Infections...

Sussie - posted on 04/26/2009

Quoting Maria:

Does your child swim? My son at 15 months old was swimming, so I was told by the pediatrician that he had swimmer's ear. I wanted a second opinion, since he wasn't one to complain but I noticed that at high elevation, he'd be pulling his right ear and screaming. So, we got a referral to see an EENT and went through a series of tests. He had both allergies and swimmer's ear. He gave my son an ear drop and said to lay him on his right side that in the morning, his ear popped whatever was causing the irritation out. He didn't have any problem after that. It's been such a long time, though, you may have to ask an EENT specialist.

Well, although we do live in South Florida and my son LOVESSS the water --- I have basically held him back from any swimming activity since his ears have been bad since December...   So I doubt it has anything to do with swimming since the only water he comes in contact with is... TUB water. :)  But it sounds like what you went through was pretty terrible!  How old is your son now?  has he continued to have problems?

Sussie - posted on 04/26/2009

Quoting Maria:

Does your child swim? My son at 15 months old was swimming, so I was told by the pediatrician that he had swimmer's ear. I wanted a second opinion, since he wasn't one to complain but I noticed that at high elevation, he'd be pulling his right ear and screaming. So, we got a referral to see an EENT and went through a series of tests. He had both allergies and swimmer's ear. He gave my son an ear drop and said to lay him on his right side that in the morning, his ear popped whatever was causing the irritation out. He didn't have any problem after that. It's been such a long time, though, you may have to ask an EENT specialist.

Well, although we do live in South Florida and my son LOVESSS the water --- I have basically held him back from any swimming activity since his ears have been bad since December...   So I doubt it has anything to do with swimming since the only water he comes in contact with is... TUB water. :)  But it sounds like what you went through was pretty terrible!  How old is your son now?  has he continued to have problems?

Sussie - posted on 04/26/2009

Quoting Carrie:

Hi, your story sounds so similar to what we went through. With my son we did tubes and then his ear infections continued and the ear doctor basically gave up and told me to see an allergist/immunologist. He could not tell me anything he was allergic to, so I then took matters into my own hands because I could not stand my son being sick anymore. I consulted a naturopathy doctor a bit and read a lot and what made the difference in making his ear infections stop were stopping all gluten and dairy. I also stopped all sugar/ corn syrup and cut back on fruit. My son had been given so many antibiotics that he had lost all natural flora of his gut and had yeast. So I also began probiotics. All ear infections stopped and whenever he starts to have an infection I begin probiotics with every meal for about one week and within 2-3 days its gone! Awesome stuff!

Well, my son has Celiac Disease so he is already on a Gluten-Free Diet.  And he basically drinks Soy Milk .. so he really barely eats dairy ... Maybe an occasional yogurt here and there but I am sure its not enough to cause the problems he has been having.  On top of that, he has already been to see an Allergy/Immunology doctor (within the last 2 months).. since celiac disease is an Auto-Immune  Disease.. and he basically is the one that finally confirmed that my son can't have Motrin and a bunch of antibiotics anymore --- but HE referred me to the ENT first.  Then he ended up having another ear infection after seeing the Allergist and then the Pediatrician told me to see an ENT.. which, like I mentioned, the appt is in 2 weeks although I will likely call first thing in the morning and try to get in faster.........  I do believe that he needs to stop taking antibiotics and really do more natural stuff.. its just that I can't get 1 good month where he is healthy with no infections to GET HIM ON THE RIGHT TRACK. its been one infection right after the other.  I just need a period of HEALTH so that I can concentrate on getting him on healthier remedies.....

Thank you...

Melissa - posted on 04/26/2009

Get him checked by a ped chiropractor! I bet his neck is out... and that can cause ear infections, along with many other things/symptoms.

Carrie - posted on 04/26/2009

Hi, your story sounds so similar to what we went through. With my son we did tubes and then his ear infections continued and the ear doctor basically gave up and told me to see an allergist/immunologist. He could not tell me anything he was allergic to, so I then took matters into my own hands because I could not stand my son being sick anymore. I consulted a naturopathy doctor a bit and read a lot and what made the difference in making his ear infections stop were stopping all gluten and dairy. I also stopped all sugar/ corn syrup and cut back on fruit. My son had been given so many antibiotics that he had lost all natural flora of his gut and had yeast. So I also began probiotics. All ear infections stopped and whenever he starts to have an infection I begin probiotics with every meal for about one week and within 2-3 days its gone! Awesome stuff!

Maria - posted on 04/26/2009

Does your child swim? My son at 15 months old was swimming, so I was told by the pediatrician that he had swimmer's ear. I wanted a second opinion, since he wasn't one to complain but I noticed that at high elevation, he'd be pulling his right ear and screaming. So, we got a referral to see an EENT and went through a series of tests. He had both allergies and swimmer's ear. He gave my son an ear drop and said to lay him on his right side that in the morning, his ear popped whatever was causing the irritation out. He didn't have any problem after that. It's been such a long time, though, you may have to ask an EENT specialist.

Sussie - posted on 04/26/2009

So far all of your comments have been very helpful and encouraging.. thank you all... :)

Sussie - posted on 04/26/2009

Quoting Kim:

Has your pediatrician tried the Rocefran (not sure if the spelling it correct) shots? When my little guy couldn't get over an ear infection after trying amoxicillan and then two rounds of augmentin they did the shots. You have to go to peds dr. 3 days in a row for them. Ask, it couldn't hurt! Hope he gets better soon and you don't have to do the tubes but if you do, I know many moms whose kids had them and it wasn't that bad.

Yes, about 3 ear infections ago -- they did the 3 shots... and 7 days later he broke out in hives.. so he ended up being very allergic to it.  It did the job fort the short time he was better but then the infections came back.  Thanks though:)

Sussie - posted on 04/26/2009

Quoting Kim:

Has your pediatrician tried the Rocefran (not sure if the spelling it correct) shots? When my little guy couldn't get over an ear infection after trying amoxicillan and then two rounds of augmentin they did the shots. You have to go to peds dr. 3 days in a row for them. Ask, it couldn't hurt! Hope he gets better soon and you don't have to do the tubes but if you do, I know many moms whose kids had them and it wasn't that bad.

Yes, about 3 ear infections ago -- they did the 3 shots... and 7 days later he broke out in hives.. so he ended up being very allergic to it.  It did the job fort the short time he was better but then the infections came back.  Thanks though:)

Beth - posted on 04/26/2009

Your story sounds like mine to a "T". We ended up w/ the tubes and Matthew has had tubes since 2 years of age (he is now 11). Nowadays, there are alternatives w/ types of anesthesia (ask questions). The deal w/ getting the problem taken care of fast, is that w/ more frequent rounds of antibiotics, your child becomes resistant to them and will not be able to use them down the road when he does need them. The other, and most important, is possible hearing loss. You sound like you're on the right track w/ the ENT. Just remember that while at the docs, you are your child's main advocate.

Kate CP - posted on 04/26/2009

I forgot to mention that they also removed her adenoids when they put the tubes in. That's why her surgery took so long.

Clarissa - posted on 04/26/2009

My daughter has the same problems and we do the chiropractor and herbal remedies, antibiotics are horrible for young children it makes them immune to fight off infection if there always on them. I would go to a natural health food store and talk to them they are great and herbal remedies do work and don't harm the body.Best thing I ever did for my family.

Haven - posted on 04/26/2009

Hi, I'm so sorry that your son is going through this, and you must be completely at a lost for what you can do. My daughter has just had her 2nd set of tubes put in this week. She was born with Bilateral cleft Lip and Palate and has had two major sugeries. her 1st set of tubes were put in during her 2nd sx. When they just do tubes, the anethetic is very light, and the whole thing is like 20 minutes from when I went in the O.R. with her to be put under till they came to tell me everything went great! Now I'm sure the circumstances are quite different, Madi has never had an ear infection, she just has fluid build up in her ears. This is what causes her hearing loss, I guess a bone doesn't vibrate when it's full of fluid. The first time she got tubes (10 months) I noticed a HUGE improvment in her hearing, and I didn't even think she had a problem before! She's 2 now and hasn't really stated talking. In the 5 days since her 2nd set, she is already imitated new words every day!

Now I'm very surprised that Dr.'s are putting your son on antibiotics every time he's had an infection, especially since he's allergic to so many! They usually clear up on their own anyways. If your son needs tubes you shouldn't be to worried, like I said it goes very quick. It's funny, I cried again leaving the O.R. this time and I was only away from her for 15 minutes! Her other sx's were a couple of hours each! If you can, get it done at a childrens hospital, they are great with kids and their parents!

I'll give you my prayers that everything goes well with your son and I hope I helped somewhat and didn't ramble too much! Feel free to message me if you have any specific questions!

Luv Haven and Madi!!

Kate CP - posted on 04/26/2009

I just went through this with my 3 year old. I tried EVERYTHING before finally agreeing to the tubes. I took her to a chiropractor and it didn't do a thing except run up a bill. I elevated the head of her bed. I tried an elimination diet. I tried warm compresses, herbal remedies, ear drops, allergy medication, and TONS of antibiotics. Nothing helped. I finally said "I'm tired of pumping my poor kid full of drugs. We're getting the tubes." And it was the best decision I have made for her thus far. I got my daughter back! No more screaming at night, cranky toddler during the day, picking eating. The surgery for her tubes took, I'm not kidding, 35 minutes. I timed it. She woke up unhappy, as many people do right after surgery, but she slept it off and was up and running around like a nut three hours later. We even managed to go to a wedding rehearsal that night. Talk to the ENT, research EVERYTHING, and keep your options open. I know it's tough seeing your kiddo like this. It's never any fun; especially when they prescribe really nasty tasting antibiotics and you have to sit on the kid to get them to take the stuff. I wish you the best of luck and I hope your son gets to feeling better soon!

Andrea - posted on 04/26/2009

My daughter did have the tubes in her ears and it did lessen the ear infections but she still would get them from time to time, however, they weren't as bad. Just be careful not to get water in his ear or let him lay and drink. The surgery for the tubes takes about 5 minutes and, although I know you can't help it, there is nothing to be scared of. Give him tylenol and plenty of popsicles to keep those fevers down, lol

Kim - posted on 04/26/2009

Has your pediatrician tried the Rocefran (not sure if the spelling it correct) shots? When my little guy couldn't get over an ear infection after trying amoxicillan and then two rounds of augmentin they did the shots. You have to go to peds dr. 3 days in a row for them. Ask, it couldn't hurt! Hope he gets better soon and you don't have to do the tubes but if you do, I know many moms whose kids had them and it wasn't that bad.

Wendy - posted on 04/26/2009

Try taking him off of all dairy products, milk, yogurt, cheese etc. The protien in these dairy products are like glue and can create the infections in ears and chronic bronchitis too. You can eliminate food allergies through NAET treatments. They use nothing invasive to treat, only accupressure points which are stimulated with a little hand held massager. Go to NAET.com their website has a listing of doctors around the world that have been trained to eliminate allergies! It is amazing! I'm speaking from experience!