I continue to pray about and research ear infections and their treatments. It turns out that breastfeeding can provide protection for years, which may be why my boys are just now getting ear infections, at ages 7 and 9. Of course, ear anatomy and heredity also contribute, so not all breastfed babies escape infections.
I found two particularly good articles--both worth bookmarking if you can't read them now.
One discusses in detail otitis media with effusion (fluid behind the eardrum, but no infection). This is what Paul has. His ENT appointment is next Thursday, and at that time I also hope to get help with Paul's excessive ear wax problem, which also affects his hearing.
Paul does have environmental allergies--as well as his dad, grandpa, aunt, and cousin. I've always been reluctant to treat him with a daily allergy medicine. He has never complained much about allergy symptoms, except during the last two springs. Allergies can keep the Eustachian tubes blocked (the same with cold viruses), which can then cause fluid to build up behind the eardrums, as well as make it more difficult to drain, once it's there.
So, I am now treating Paul's allergies with a once daily teaspoon of loratadine children's syrup. It's not as effective as Benadryl, but it doesn't cause drowsiness, and it lasts for 24 hours, supposedly. Paul does experience itchy eyes again at bedtime, so I think it really only lasts about 12 hours. Splashing water on his face before bed seems to help clear away some pollen. He should probably also do this every time he comes in from the outdoors. Maybe this has a psychological affect? I don't really know.
Another article, also from medline plus, discusses common acute ear infection, which involves infected fluid behind the eardrum.
Peter, diagnosed with an ear infection nearly two weeks ago, continues to be symptom free. His cold symptoms went away quickly; I still haven't filled the antibiotic prescription. If Paul's ENT suggests it, I'll take Peter in for a check up on that ear soon.
I found two particularly good articles--both worth bookmarking if you can't read them now.
One discusses in detail otitis media with effusion (fluid behind the eardrum, but no infection). This is what Paul has. His ENT appointment is next Thursday, and at that time I also hope to get help with Paul's excessive ear wax problem, which also affects his hearing.
Paul does have environmental allergies--as well as his dad, grandpa, aunt, and cousin. I've always been reluctant to treat him with a daily allergy medicine. He has never complained much about allergy symptoms, except during the last two springs. Allergies can keep the Eustachian tubes blocked (the same with cold viruses), which can then cause fluid to build up behind the eardrums, as well as make it more difficult to drain, once it's there.
So, I am now treating Paul's allergies with a once daily teaspoon of loratadine children's syrup. It's not as effective as Benadryl, but it doesn't cause drowsiness, and it lasts for 24 hours, supposedly. Paul does experience itchy eyes again at bedtime, so I think it really only lasts about 12 hours. Splashing water on his face before bed seems to help clear away some pollen. He should probably also do this every time he comes in from the outdoors. Maybe this has a psychological affect? I don't really know.
Another article, also from medline plus, discusses common acute ear infection, which involves infected fluid behind the eardrum.
Peter, diagnosed with an ear infection nearly two weeks ago, continues to be symptom free. His cold symptoms went away quickly; I still haven't filled the antibiotic prescription. If Paul's ENT suggests it, I'll take Peter in for a check up on that ear soon.
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