Child Ear Infection, Did You Know?

Canada
June 18, 2008 8:16am CST
I was just wondering how many people out there in My Lot were aware that when their Child or a friends child, etc. Has an ear infection that they are NOT supposed to receive an oral antibiotic, because it does nothing? That they are indeed supposed to have ear drops. The kind that my son has is CYPRODEX. Of those of you that have children with ear tubes in place, how many of you knew that if there are large clumps of wax accumulating in the inner ear, and not seeming to come out, that the safest way to help soften it is with Hydrogen Peroxide? (this is also the best option for anyone in general) Lastly how many of you know that you should NEVER use mineral oil in your, or a child's ear? This was once believed to be okay, but since the oil can get into the sinus cavity and be aspirated into the lungs (could take a couple of days...) which then could slowly cut off oxygen flow, causing the person to exficiate.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
18 Jun 08
I had no idea that the usual round of oral antibiotics does nothing to help with an ear infectiong but I'll be sure to remember to tell my daughter that the next time one of the grandkids get one. I've never been a fan of putting anything in the ear but my husband puts peroxide in his ears every once in a while and says it clears them out. Thanks for the info!
2 people like this
• Canada
18 Jun 08
No problem! I was shocked and never knew so much of this. We had alot of trouble with our now 5 year old, and alot of the severe scar tissue in his ears could have been prevented by use of drops rather than oral antibiotics. (Because the drops work immediately...because oral med does nothing it still takes the normal amount of days to go,then re- occurs again...) By using drops, the frequency of ear-infections also goes down, except in kids that truely do need ear tubes.
1 person likes this
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
18 Jun 08
I emailed myself the name of the drops so I'll know where to find the information the next time my daughter has a child with an ear infection. Neither of the boys get them very often but it's always best to be prepared. Thanks again!
2 people like this
• United States
23 Jun 08
I did not know that about the anti-biotic. I am sure that her doctor would have told me if it were ever an issue. And yes, I did know that about mineral oil. They used to do that, but it never worked. It just clogs the ear more.
• Canada
26 Jun 08
yes, Most doctors, assume that anti-biotics will work for ear infection, but unless they are a specialist, they don't realize that it is not the best course of action. Once you have been reffered to a specialist that is precisely why they will tell you if the child gets another ear infection bring them directly to them, DO NOT take them to your family doctor :) Cheers and thanks for the comment!