1st ear infection - Naturopath gave me an antibiotic - Any other option?

[goldenwillow]

I am so beside myself I am not sure what to do.  It seems all the reading I have done over the past few years has just leaked out of my brain and I really could use some reassurance or thoughts.  I am sure there is a thread on this but I do not have time to read through a bunch right now. 

For the past 4 days, DS (22 months) has been snotty, deep cough at times, low grade temp no higher than 100ish and just really kinda sickly.  Thought it was his molars that we have been waiting on.  Been giving him ibuprofen for discomfort, when he wants it.  I am also in the same boat but improving. 

I took him in to our Naturopath today since there has been no real improvement.  We learned that he has his first (and hopefully last) ear infection. He described it as a "rager". 

Our Dr. initially had a hard time hearing his lungs and wanted to nebulize him in the office, then later in the exam DS coughed and he was able to hear that his lungs were good and no need to nebulize,  thankfully.  

Our Naturopath whom I trust very much, gave me an RX for amoxicillin. 

I bought some Green Pastures (my preferred brand for vitamins) pro-biotics and have some ear drops from a local herbalist containing mullein, garlic and olive oil. 

I am so on the fence about giving him the amoxicillin.  I do not take anti biotics but haven't had any need to for quite a few years.  Dr. suggested that if DS didn't take them, his infection would be a lengthy process to heal on it's own.  Taking the antibiotic is 10 days.... so do I continue with ibu and wait it out or what? 

I am so in my head. 

Any thoughts from past experiences are so appreciated. 

Andrea Mae

[blessedwithboys]

I would not give it.

I was sort of mainstream when my now 16yo was born.  He had his first OM at 6wks and I dutifully gave the antibx.  That began a cycle that lasted about 4 or 5 yrs until a new friend taught me about natural healing.

I stopped using antibx and began treating ds for pain (Similisan...it's the BOMB!) and eventually his body learned first to heal the infection and then in time to ward it off completely.

I also highly recommend complete diary elimination during times of sickness, even raw dairy.  Goat milk might be fine, but no cow milk. 

This is my BTDT, YMMV.

Oh, PS:  Ds2 is 9yo and has only had one ear infection in his life.  I did garlic oil and nothing else and that was years ago.  He hasn't had another one since.  :)

[goldenwillow]

Thank you so very much for the speedy reply.

Forgive me, what does OM mean (oral medication?).   I cringe giving him ibu but I take it when I hurt, KWIM?  I am familiar with Similisan, guess I went to old thoughts.  Thank you. 

My gut says not to do it (amox).  Ride it out. 

I am waiting to hear from a dear friend of mine whom will, no doubt, tell me the same as you are.

[blessedwithboys]

Otitis media, sorry.  Middle ear infection, the usual type kiddos get.

My personal choice is to never use fever reducers.  I feel like for my kids, it's better to let the fever burn.  But I have no issues with treating pain, so if they hurt I use natural pain relievers.  Again, just my 2c, take it FWIW.

But, I think in this case you should trust your gut and I swear I'm not just saying that bc your gut agrees with mine.  LOL

[tessie]

My dissenting view is that I would give the ABs for an ear infection in a young child that hadn't improved within a few days. And I'm not one for giving ABs for every sniffle (my kid has had them once in 2.5 years) but they do have their place. I also have no issue using pain relieving medication when a child is in pain. Although I do agree with fever reducing medication being overused.

As well as being painful ear infections can cause scarring which can cause hearing problems.

[goldenwillow]

Thank you so very much.  I am grateful for both of your responses on this thread. 

I feel that ibu isn't the best route either and completely agree with the fever running it course.....  I swear that is one of the last old school treatments I am beginning to rid of.  Sigh.  Sometimes I just panic a bit. 

It is just so damn hard to see my sweet little love in discomfort, sobbing as I type. 

[tessie]

Originally Posted by Xantho 

Thank you so very much.  I am grateful for both of your responses on this thread. 

I feel that ibu isn't the best route either and completely agree with the fever running it course.....  I swear that is one of the last old school treatments I am beginning to rid of.  Sigh.  Sometimes I just panic a bit. 

It is just so damn hard to see my sweet little love in discomfort, sobbing as I type. 

Why don't you call your Dr's office for further advice? Seriously though, if they're crying in pain I would have no qualms about using both ABs and pain relief.

I don't medicate for a fever in an otherwise well child but I do medicate for pain in a child who also happens to have a fever. To deny pain relief to a child is cruel.
 

Hope he's better soon.

[goldenwillow]

I agree on not giving pain relief as cruel.  That is why I have been doing ibu but a few times DS has completely denied it. 

I failed to mention that the Dr. did say that it could run it's course but would be quite awhile before it remedied itself.  Keep him on pain relief and wait it out was the other suggestion.  How do you know when it becomes an issue for hearing loss?

I am concerned about hearing loss issues if it goes too long.  It has already been almost 5 days, checked today and it is a "rager".

Urgh... 

DH will be home soon from work (was able to be at DS's appt) and we can discuss further about the RX. 

Feel like such a rookie!  Suppose that is just fine though. 

Thank you again. 

[tessie]

I think hearing loss is generally caused by recurrent infections but that a single bad episode can cause temporary or permanent loss.

If he won't take the Ibu try a different brand (my kid loves the orange but spits out the banana) or hide it in fruit juice or yogurt. A warm compress may also help.

This page may also be helpful.

[goldenwillow]

I was just reading that page!

I appreciate your help.

[goldenwillow]

SO.... discontined the use of ibu and used the Similisan Ear Drops along with our herbalist drops...  healing quite nicely!

[ttcintexas]

Looks like you decided to forego the antibiotics and that your LO is healing. I just wanted to share our experience. My DD had had maybe two ear infections in her life, that we treated with the guidance of a homeopath, until she was just almost 6 years old. Then she had one that was "almost bursting" according to the pedi. I freaked and gave her the antibiotics. Well she got a second ear infection in just over a month and a third a month or two later. We stuck it out and treated those last two with homeopathy again. The last one took 2+ weeks to resolve. I believe the antibiotics set her up for those two subsequent infections. My homeopath talks about how the antibiotics don't actually get rid of everything and that there can be a suppression in the body that shows itself at another point. I found this interesting article today http://www.theeagle.com/am/Research-starkly-contrasts-what-scientists-thought  that seems to me like it supports that idea. Anyway, I am glad that your LO is feeling better and that you were able to follow your gut.