My five-month has had an ear infection for over a week (since 4/14). He doesn't seem bothered by it- no fever, no fussiness, no sleep problems, no ear tugging, good appetite. The pediatrician says the ear looks good in that it's draining well and should clear up on its own. I'm all for avoid antibiotics for something like this. Now here's my question: how long should an ear infection take to clear up on its own? Has anyone else gone the no-drug approach for an ear infection?
Thanks!
My new pedi has told me to use Garlic Oil drops, they actually say "Ear Drops" on the bottle. Use two drops in the ear twice a day. She also said to use peppermint oil to massage on the outside of the ear canal to increase drainage flow. We have cleared two infections using just these two products...it took a couple of days.
I had frequent ear infections as a child and my mother often waited to get antibiotics until it was causing me pain, discomfort or fever. When my ears were draining properly, there was never any issue with the wait-and-see approach. Some children are just more susceptible to ear infections. These days, lots of parents get tubes, but most youngsters will grow out of the infections after their first birthday (as their Eustachian tubes get longer). Another thing that can contribute to ear infections is acid reflux or sinus congestion/allergies. Even if your child doesn't show other symptoms of acid reflux or head congestion, that may be the culprit. After meals, make sure he stays upright for at least 30 minutes. Try elevating the head of his crib or putting him to sleep in an incline (like in a car seat or swing). Humidifiers can help reduce sinus congestion.
I've heard of a natural product called Similasan Ear Drops - http://www.similasanusa.com/products-earache-relief.cfm
I never tried them because my daughter ears didn't drain and therefore had antibiotics and, later, ear tubes.
Hi S.,
That's a tough question, because - often if a child begins to get ear infections before 6 months, they tend to be prone to chronic ear infections (one after another). A second challenge is that sometimes children carry fluid in their middle ear with no symptoms, so it is difficult to know it is there. No infection is present, so no fever.
As a speech-language pathologist and mother, I can tell you first hand (professionally and personally) that these conditions often lead to some speech and language issues (usually articulation). I don't tell you this to scare you - I just hope that if you do hear things that your gut tells you are not quite what you think you should be hearing, that you will seek intervention. Please do not follow the "he's a boy - I'll wait" philosophy.
Again, speech therapy is not invasive, and my youngest one (who also started the ear infections at 5 months) started speech at 17 months. She is in kindergarten, and still battles with fluid in her ears.
Your child is fortunate that you are concerned and visiting the doctor as necessary. Good luck! I know what a challenge those ears can be!
S.
This might sound crazy but my aunt suggested putting a little of baby's pee-pee in a dropper and putting a couple of drops in each ear. I never tried it but many of my friends and family have suggested using urine for many things (mostly older people suggest it). It's natural so maybe I'll give it a try one day :)
