Ear infection help

[pjlippert]

Hi all,

For the first time in his life my DS has an inner ear infection. We went to the doctor on Friday and she put him on antibiotics both drops to put into his ear and oral if the drops weren't working- which I started yesterday.

So, he is still having pain - especially at night or when we drive around our hilly neighborhood. Since this is his first ear infection, I am not sure what else to do to help ease his discomfort/pain. He FINALLY let me suction the disgusting amount of wax from his ear and I think it's helped some (I gotta tell ya I am such a gagger when it comes to bodily fluids exiting the body that it took all of my self control not to puke all over him! thank God my husband was here when he at Rotovirus!!

Thank you for ANY advice you can offer.

Pam

 

[spyrosmom]

The antibiotics will kick in within 2-4 doses, and he'll start feeling better. Until then, try kid's Motrin or the store version (ibuprofen). Tylenol (acteomenphin) doesn't work as well. You have to keep it dosed at the regular schedule - I believe it's 6 hours. If you keep it coming rather than sporadically, it works better. I don't have one in front of me, so check the label for timing.

Chewing gum may help - it'll keep his ears "popped" and take some of the pressure out of them. Drink lots of liquids as well, it keeps things flowing and the swallowing motion will "pop" his ears as well.

Sometimes a warm (not hot) damp wash cloth, a water bottle, or a heating pad on low on the ear helps, sometimes it makes it worse - that one is trial and error.

Try to keep water out of it in the shower/tub/swimming.

See if he can sleep on his back, so all the fluids in his ear don't run to one side, with his head propped up a bit if he can do that.

Other than that, try distraction.

Ear infections suck. I used to get screaming, crying, head splitting ear infections as a child, and DS has had a couple, but not as many as I used to get.

Oh, and ice cream. Lots and lots. Ben and Jerry's Peanut Brittle ice cream. It helps, I swear (that's for you, not him)

Feel better,

Nan

 

[pjlippert]

Thanks, Nan. Wow! You are the go-to-girl for ear infections! I am soo sorry both your and your DS have suffered. I will try those ideas... I feel we really need some ice-cream therapy!! My DS and I thank you for your wisdom!

Pam