Recurring ear infections

[Anonymous]

My three year old had a double ear infection at the end of October. He did ten days of antibiotics. He had his 3-year well visit before Thanksgiving and the doctor only noted he has huge tonsils (no one has ever commented on them before). December 1 he had a ruptured ear drum. He finished antibiotics on Monday and today the other ear is infected. He also has some long term congestion and an occasional cough.

The doctor seemed a little stumped and isn’t sure if it’s an old or new infection but gave another antibiotic. We go back next week to recheck his ears.

Anyone been through this many ear infections in 6 weeks? Wondering if we are missing something. Any recommendations for an ENT? Preferably close to Rockville but willing to travel.

[Anonymous]

I would ask your pediatrician for a list of recommended ENTs and call them all. It took several weeks for us to get an appointment.

My DC was having recurring strep infections this past spring. They have an adverse reaction to amoxicillin, so they had to take other antibiotics which aren't always as effective, so we weren't sure if we were actually killing the infection. DC also has large tonsils, which causes a lot of mouth breathing.

We went to the ENT and they wanted us to focus on flushing nasal passages with saline 1-2 a day to help prevent mouth breathing and reducing bacteria growth. With a 3 year old, I'd also use a nose freda to help clear congestion, since they aren't very effective at blowing their nose.

[Anonymous]

In Rockville, Metro ENT is good and can usually get you in faster than Children’s hospital.

Children’s will require you to go to the DC campus for the first ENT appointment but you can schedule follow up appointments and hearing tests at the Rockville location.

[Anonymous]

Children's ENT is great.

[Anonymous]

Ear tubes!!! Total lifesaver. I’d just call any ENT that has availability. Our son got tubes with Feldman and they were great, our daughter got tubes with children’s and they were great too. I think recurrent ear infections are bread and butter for any ENT. Good luck!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ear tubes!!! Total lifesaver. I’d just call any ENT that has availability. Our son got tubes with Feldman and they were great, our daughter got tubes with children’s and they were great too. I think recurrent ear infections are bread and butter for any ENT. Good luck!!!

I figured as much. Have an appointment next week. He’s never had an ear infection before this so we’re just jumping in to figuring out next steps.