Seeking Any Thoughts on Ear Infection...

My son (now 4) had several ear infections as an infant/toddler. I used antibiotics when prescribed, but got concerned about him using them...A friend told me about garlic oil. I was extremely apprehensive, looked into it and heard from a naturopath that it would be safe. I purchased Willow/Garlic Ear Oil from Herbs for Kids - I got it Market of Choice, but have seen it at Fred meyer in the health food area. I just warmed it in water and put a few drops in each ear with a cotton swab to keep in it at bedtime. He smelled like a little garlic bread baby, but IT WORKED overnight. I continued for a couple days.

Hi B.,
Your doctor should be able to get her in... try to wait to see him/her. Unless she has a really, really high fever that won't break there is really no need to take her to Urgent Care. I would not be really worried at this point... just try to get in and see your doc. There are different lenghts and strengths of antibiotics... she might need a longer period of time or stronger dose. That is why you should stick with the same doctor that treated her a few weeks ago and saw her on Thursday.
Some people are anit-antiboitics and some are pro-antibiotics. My oldest had MAJOR ear infection issues... nothing helped except antibiotics. She is on her second set of tubes, 4 years old, and she still has issues. My youngest on the other hand... her little body will fight ear infection on it's own. I just treat the symptoms with her. It will not hurt to use home or natural remedies for her. Just make sure that is not your ONLY means of treatment! You and your doctor need to the make the decision together to determine what is best for your child.

Good Luck and I hope she feels better soon!
MJ

It is tough to know what the right thing to do is. My first daughter had ear infections. From what I had read, they are seldom bacterial and antibiotics don't help. So I avoided those. I used decongestants and had her adjusted by a chiropractor. Unfortunatley her eardrums both ruptured. I felt terrible about it- wondering if I had sought the correct treatment. She ended up having to have tubes put in and tonsils and adenoids removed. The good news is that she is now 18 years old and she has excellent hearing! I would suggest having a conversation with her pedictrican and gathering all the information you can. Make the decision that seems right to you and don't beat yourself up over the outcome.

What always helped my kids was warm wash cloths that are not dripping wet held against the ear that is hurting and Motrin. That really did the trick for the pain. If you do end up getting an antibiotic, ask for the ear drops and not the oral stuff. It works better and faster and doesn't give them an upset tummy.

I've worked in chiropractic for 13 years and have seen many kids with ear infections helped. Especially since this isn't her first. And make sure if you're nursing that you limit your dairy intake or switch her to spy formula, that can help too! Good luck :)

Hi B.,

I only have a couple things to add. I definitely endorse the garlic oil. I warmed the bottle my hand while nursing my son to sleep and then would put 3 drops in his ear. Then try and remember to get the opposite ear the next time. This, and getting a kid chewable Vit. C is I all I needed to do. Talk to your doc about how much but I think for someone her size it's going to be no more than 500 mg a day. A warm water bottle as a pillow can also ease the pain and help things move along. Just don't fill it all the way up and squish it down to get the air bubbles out before putting the cap on. Makes for a softer pillow. I made a fleece pillow case for ours as well.

Oh I almost forgot! Hylands makes a ear ache homeopathic medicine for kids. Both the chewables and the drops seem to work wonders.

If your daughter gets a lot of ear infections, you may want to contemplate whether she has a food sensitivity. Many kids don't show many symptoms besides constant ear infections. Take them off the offending food, and they go away.

Best wishes!

i know it's hard, but try to hold off on antibiotics. most ear infections clear up on their own, and treating them with antibiotics and create antibiotic resistant bacteria, the superbugs we hear about on the news. also, they will only provide minimal relief after 24 hours, if they provide any relief at all.
that said, here are a few websites for you:
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_home_remedies_...

http://www.myhomeremedies.com/topic.cgi?topicid=74

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16140545/ <-----this one is about the overuse of antibiotics.

good luck!