Ear Infections

OK, as a Physician Assistant, I have read, learned, studied and kept updated on pediatric ear infections. I have also examined, diagnosed, and prescribed antibiotics for ear infections. I have had some mommy-friends of mine also note that instead of using antibiotics, there are other options.

Now, as a Mom, with three daughters who in the last 2 months have been on 2 separate courses of antibiotics, I am getting a little worried and exasperated. I believe in antibiotics, and I know they work! But, my huge questions is, WHEN do we need them?

Zoë got sick with a high fever on our trip to Indy this last week. Poor thing! She'd feel great the minute the fever came down with tylenol, but then when it wore off, she was MISERABLE. Knowing she had a cold, I thought it was just a viral infection. After 4 days of fever, though, and a miserable child, she saw her pediatrician who said she had an ear infection. I had seen fluid in her ears, but I didn't see a raging infection that would make me think she needed antibiotic. She was not complaining of ear pain, just a sore throat, fever, and some seriously disturbing snoring. But, the antibiotics worked (yea!!) Her fever was gone and she was not snoring so much within 12 hours.

Now, a few days later, Megan is complaining of ear pain. Miranda is cranky and fussy. Both have cold symptoms, and just finished a course of antibiotics one week ago for ear infections. Do they have just a virus? Do they have a persistent ear infection that was not completely treated? or do they have new ear infections? I looked in both girls ears, and both seem to have more pussy fluid behind their timpanic membrane.

BUT! Most of ear infections are caused by viruses (see this article about viral role- it even talks about using vaccinations to prevent Otitis Media!), and antibiotics won't treat that. Neither child has had a fever, and their mucous is clear (and prolific, but I think that's due to being a kid!)

So, we're going to try ear drops. An herbal treatment recommended by a friend. It has "mullein flower oil, st. john's wort oil, garlic oil, goldenseal root extract, lobelia herb & seed extract". Hmmmm. Travis said I didn't sound very hopeful, but I'm willing to try something different when the antibiotics are seeming to be too much on top of each other, and I know the girls have a viral infection. Whether they have a bacterial infection remains to be seen, and I'm up for giving the drops a try a few days to see if they work and the girls' symptoms improve. If not, I'm sure my 10th trip to the doctor's office this year won't be the last. I'll keep you posted.

To see more pictures of our bike trip taken on 4/11 click here.