Ear infections in babies

by Kristin Darguzas (Subscribe to Kristin Darguzas's posts) Aug 31st 2006 9:00AM

I feel like I'm getting another crash course in parenting this week.

Nolan was diagnosed with an ear infection: moderate in one ear, and moderate to severe in the other. His fever continues to flame, and peaks into its hot, uncomfortable fury at night. Yesterday I stayed home with the baby, today Rob did, and we are both exhausted with the feeling of helplessness we have.

Because I know nothing about babies except for the current problem I'm immersed in, I'd been unaware that ear infections are the most common diagnosis in pediatrics. It's good to know, I guess, but it doesn't stop my baby's pain.

I'm also still fretting about Nolan's antibiotic prescription. I went and got a second opinion on the subscription, and the second doctor said that, yes, indeed he should be on antibiotics.

In the meantime, my active little baby is listless, clingy, and fussy. Rob's staying home with him again tomorrow and I really hope Nolan is back to himself very soon.

Comments (21)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

maria 8-31-2006 @ 10:14AM

Hang in there - and don't be afraid to use infant tylenol or in my opinion - infant motrin - it usually takes my fussy ear infected kid and make them happy.

On the antibiotic - well - drs. remain split - some say to let the kids get through the ear infection and take the pain killers but not the antibiotic - other drs prescribe them w/any ear infection. Previously I commented that I thought the antibiotic was a bad idea b/c there was no infection diagnosed - at this point I guess it depends on you and your beliefs and comfort level...

Hang in there - and get used to it. Ear infections are a part of infanthood - some kids get lots of them and others fewer...

ann adams 8-31-2006 @ 9:27AM

Two of the girls had one or two mild ones. The youngest finally had to have tubes in her ears - twice. It was one infection after the other.

Good news. They usually outgrow them as the canal inside the ear straightens. Before that fluid collects in the ear and is a breeding ground.

By now you probably have found all this on the net, haven't you.

I'm so sorry. They can really hurt.

thordora 8-31-2006 @ 9:37AM

We suffered through one ear infection, and it was SOOO hard to watch (and listen) to. The antibiotics cleared it up quickly, and it's the only time Vivian has been on them. The tylenol and sleep helps.

Hang in there!

Kthomas 8-31-2006 @ 9:44AM

I really think antibiotics help ear infections as well as alternating tylenol
and motrin, that way you can give them a dose before the previous
wears off without fear of "overdosing". Tylenol and motrin are
totally differnt drugs so they can even be given at the same time, so
it is perfectly safe to do them two or three hours apart to keep the
pain at bay. If this is your first one and he is a year, that is
actually great!

suburban misfit 8-31-2006 @ 10:49AM

Well, yeah. If he has an ear infection, use the antibiotic. But I still say that the doctor should not have given you a script without a diagnosis above "fever".

My son used to get recurring ear infections and ultimately had to have tubes (which stopped the infections immediately). He was never in daycare, either, so don't beat yourself up about that. Some kids are just more prone. AND, he was breastfed for 13 months. We did everything you're "supposed" to do, and he still had infection after infection.

Brenda 8-31-2006 @ 10:03AM

IMHO it is ok to use antibiotics for the occaisional ear infection because more likely than not it is bacterial. However, if you end up with recurrant ear infections, especially if they do not get better very soon after you start antibiotics there is a fair chance it is viral.

My husband has suffered with ear infections since he was a kid, and it wasn't until five years ago when I pharmacist looked at his records that anyone suggested they might be viral. He stopped taking the anti-biotics and started doing some other things (ear cleaning with Murine (non-prescription), garlic and vitamin C(orally)) that he stopped getting them as often and they went away quicker.

I do not know if Murine is reccomended for children/infants. I do know it contains peroxide and that you can use dilute hydrogen peroxide to clean out ears, but it is really annoying feeling. However peroxide is a mild antiseptic. [Warning: only use food safe/pure peroxide. Some drug store peroxide contain stabalizers that are not safe fo human consumption. If it says it can be used as a mouthwash it is probably safe]

Keri 8-31-2006 @ 10:14AM

You can ask for a different kind of antibiotics: Amoxcillian (sp?) instead of penicillin.

Michelle 8-31-2006 @ 10:13AM

My daughter was in childcare where I worked at 12 weeks old. She promptly got ill with RSV and an ear infection. She spent almost 7 straight months with an ear infection. You know it's bad when the dr has to scroll through the computer to determine what antibiotic your child hasn't been on in 6 weeks! We discovered she had RAD, which basically means anytime she gets anything, including ear infection or teething, it goes straight to her lungs and I have to drag back out the nebulizer and albuteral. Not fun! We were prescribed a numbing ear drop, A/B Otic Drops by Qualitest that we could use to help dull the pain. These can only be used if they do not have tubes, which she got at 10 mos.

My son is almost 2 and has been home since he came home from NICU and I think since I have been especially cautious (read paranoid) he is only on his 2nd ear infection (ok 3rd, I'm gettig ready to take him to the dr)

We actually bought an otoscope. It's not quite dr office quality, but it allows me to see if there is gunk in there that shouldn't be, which helps me determine my course of action. If it is mild, I start with the drops and the tylenol/motrin combo. But, IMO, I wouldn't give those together and never closer than 4 hours apart, but that is my opinion.

They also sell ear-infection drops OTC. I have not tried these, since I have the prescription ones, so I have no idea as to the effectiveness of them. BTW, I know from experience the numbing drops work. I have been battling my wisdom teeth for years (yes, I know, I am calling the dentist as soon as the insurance kicks in, TOMORROW!) and with the wisdom teeth breaking through my fleshy gums, I get ear aches. I simply put a couple drops in the affected ear and a little piece of cotton and I am able to get a few winks b/f the pain in my mouth becomes so overwhelming!

Keri 8-31-2006 @ 10:20AM

OR, if you don't want to go the antibiotic route, you can either purchase garlic oil ear drops (at a natural health food store) which provides relief or use expressed breastmilk as ear drops, which is also pretty effective. I use breastmilk when I notice my son has a build-up of wax or if his ears seem to be bothering him.

Jody 8-31-2006 @ 10:40AM

Ear infections are horrible for both the child and the parent. Both of my kids have had frequent infections (well over 50 each!) and subsequent tubes surgeries (twice for my 3 y/o). I know this is Nolans 1st infection so take comfort in knowing there is a good chance that these will not become a reocuring problem. Piggybacking Tylenol and Motrin is a very good idea, but with Nolans young age, I would wait the full 4 hours in between. This is the only thing that helps my boys since they tend to get an immunity to tylenol if given repeatedly. As for antibiotics, they are the way to go. I am going to guess and say Nolan is on Augmentin ES600 (Generic is amox or something like that)or something of equal strength. This is an excellent medicine for first time infections but if he unfortunately continues with the infections, you may have to go with something stronger. I hope that Nolan is feeling better VERY soon and that you and your husband can get some relief. Hang in there!

ann adams 8-31-2006 @ 10:58AM

I had a chart of antibiotics with Rebecca. Very simple. Name of antibiotic, date, and two columns; "Worked" "Didn't Work". She's allergic to penicillin so that limited the field considerably.

I'd take it to the pediatrician each time the infection came back and she'd run down the list. We had the best luck with Zithro but that doesn't mean everyone would.

We (or she actually) were lucky in one respect. She almost never complained about pain. It was just the drainage and that yucky smell. In some respects though, the pain is a plus. It's a warning. She had a couple that got ahead of us because she didn't have a fever and she didn't cry.

Victoria 8-31-2006 @ 11:09AM

Kristin, you may already be doing this but with antibiotics it's always good to give probiotics at the same time (or shortly thereafter) to build up the "good" bacteria again after the antibiotics kill it off. This helps prevent future infections. You can buy some acidophillus/other probiotic capsules at the pharmacy or health food store and open them up into some juice or milk.

Cheryl 8-31-2006 @ 11:13AM

Gaaah, why do day cares have to mean that your child is constantly sick? Isn't there a way to make them less filthy? I am really dreading putting my daughter in daycare in a few months knowing she will be constantly sick and miserable as a result. Makes me feel *really* great about going back to work.

Diana Keller 8-31-2006 @ 11:34AM

Along with the antibiotics try to get Nolan to eat his yougut, (live culture). It will help prevent the diarrea that sometimes antibiotics can cause. Good luck to you.

Michelle 8-31-2006 @ 11:48AM

Cheryl,
The illnesses are not caused by the lack of cleanliness of the child care center. If it is, you have chosen the wrong place to care for your child. There are state mandates(if you live in US) that monitor everything from how these centers are designed, to the mixture of cleansers to what is taught.

Illnesses are caused by exposure to other children. Either airborne, or contact with bodily fluids of a sick child or one who has been exposed to an illness. Even with vigorous hand and toy cleaning, illnesses still get spread. Many childhood diseases are difficult to diagnose until AFTER the incubation period has passed, including the rashed diseases: Hand, Foot and Mouth, Fifth's Disease. Also, with small children, an ear infection can appear as teething, a cold, etc. . . until a doctor uses the otoscope to see the nasty gunk. Unless you child has the discharge or can tell you their ear hurts.

Blaming the child care center is not fair. I was a preschool teacher b/f baby #2 and I know of several parents who knowingly brought their sick child to school, doped up on motrin to mask the fever. Don't take your child to day care if they have a fever, green snot, pink and runny eyes.

And, yes, your child will be exposed to germs and may get sick. This would happen when s/he started school, anyway, if not previously exposed. And some children are predisposed to getting ill, like mine. One was in childcare from 12 weeks until her brother was born when she was 21 mos. One was born early and spent 3 mos in the hospital and is rarely exposed to other children. I am taking that one to the dr today for his 3rd ear infection. He also has to be given the nebulizer twice a day. He's never been in a childcare setting. The closest he gets is when his therapist come to our house from another child's home.

So, instead of feeling guilty because you have to return to work, make sure you thoroughly investigate the child care center with which you plan on leaving your child. You and your daughter need to feel comfortable with her home away from home.

Cheryl 8-31-2006 @ 1:05PM

Michelle, I appreciate your response and see your point. I agree my post was kind of knee-jerk. Just worried about my baby...

Michelle 8-31-2006 @ 5:39PM

Cheryl, As the mother to two illness-prone children, one a preemie who is especially at risk, I completely understand where you are coming from. Our children are our hearts and we just want them to be happy, healthy and safe. You were not completely wrong, I have witnessed some horrific practices in a daycare, even the private preschool where I taught. Let me tell you, I was none too shy about being a whistle blower and getting a couple people fired. I went through 2 high-risk, difficult pregnancies while working there, which made me vulnerable to some of those childhood diseases that can be harmful to an unborn baby. Also, my own precious daughter was in school there from 12 weeks to 21 mos, when her brother was ripped from my body.

My point is, some places/people are nasty and unhygienic. But, if you find a reputable school, they are not going to have those things going on, and if they do, they aren't going to put up with it. If you happen to witness something you are uncomfortable with, don't hesitate to talk to a teacher you trust or the center's director. Find out how often they clean the toys/tables/floor and what they use. Provide Clorox wipes ( as a neurotic germaphobe and Mom to a susceptible child, I LOVE those things!)

Take home her paci, blanket, and anything else she uses and wash them in hot water at least once a week, if you can't replace them every day. My school washed the linens (sheets and blankets) every other day, but the cots were cleaned every day. I recommend, if your child uses a paci at nap, take it home every night and disinfect it, either through your dishwasher, bottle sterilizer, or boiled water. We all know those things fall on the ground and can be picked up by another child.

Most importantly, don't be shy about asking questions. Your child is in their care all day, you have a right to know what their practices are. But, don't interogate, you want a healthy, open rapport with your child's teacher.

Everything will work out. It is a wonderful opportunity for your daughter to socialize, make friends and prepare for school. I wish I could put my 3 yr old back in school, she loved it and still talks about how much she misses her friends and her teachers. ( and I miss my students).

jjwalsh 9-01-2006 @ 5:36AM

There is a book called No more antibiotics that I would highly recommend for any parent of kids who are getting a lot of ear infections. I was worried about my son getting them since I remember having ear infections and strep throat over and over when I grew up. With our son whenever he has a cold, we use garlic oil drops as a preventative measure and whenever he has to take antibiotics for any reason, we always give him a probiotic like acidophilus. Since he turned 1 and started daycare, we also give him a daily multivitamin and a colustrum chewable to help boost his immune system. He has never had one ear infection and his colds and fevers never get very serious. If I ever saw him tugging on his ear, I would give him a drop of the garlic oil and massage the outside of his ear from the little nub next to the opening down along the jawline, it seems to sooth him. I would also try to encourage him to lie on the ear that he seemed bothered by and allow natural draining to take place while he was sleeping. In the book some of the best advice is to wait a day or two, try massage and alternative methods and then if the condition doesn't get better then take your child to the doctor. I am not against using antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection and it is necessary, but the authors of this book argue that an overwhelming majority of ear infections are viral and will heal themselves in a couple of days. Having a sick or uncomfortable child and feeling like there is little you can do is horrible, reading books like this give you advice about simple things you can do that will improve their health and make you feel like you can help.

jjwalsh 9-01-2006 @ 5:43AM

Sorry, I forgot to add the links-
No More Antibiotics: http://www.amazon.com/More-Antibiotics-Preventing-Respiratory-Infections/dp/157566500X/sr=1-1/qid=1157103676/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-5197330-9472121?ie=UTF8&s=books
SuperImmunity For Kids: http://www.amazon.com/Superimmunity-Kids-Children-Healthy-Disease/dp/0440506794/sr=8-1/qid=1157103634/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-5197330-9472121?ie=UTF8
A list of books for parents that I recommend to all my friends who are pregnant or new parents:
http://www.gethiroshima.com/Hype/2003/04/01/pregnancy/books

rp 9-13-2006 @ 4:22PM

My 9-mo. old son has been plagued with ear infections since May. We have an appointment with a specialist to find out about getting tubes in his ears. Who has experience with tubes in their baby's ears? Was it helpful...any danger in the procedure or side effects following the procedure?

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