Grommets and discharge

[CeCe]

DS has had grommets in for about two months. I know they are doing what they are suppose to do by letting the fluid drain, but one ear in particular smells when it drains. Is this common, or is it a sign we should take him back to the drs for antibiotics due to infection, even though it is draining?

[Traveller]

They shouldn't be draining constantly, so much as equalising the pressure so the fluid doesn't get all clogged up inside. My youngest son has had grommets twice and never had fluid draining from his ears. If you are seeing fluid, and especially if it has a odour, then I would advise getting his ears checked to make sure there is no infection.

[Mother Goose]

yes. Get thee to thy doctor. and whilst you're at it, get them to check out your sinuses missy!

co

[myturn]

My DSD had grommets, and when she has an ear infection the discharge is bloody, gooey and jsut plain disgusting.... she was taken to the emergency and a GP at the time and we were told that it was doing what it was supposed to be doing... however it also means that she did have an infection and I can't recall if she had antibiotics as well. I suspect it would make sense that she did (or should have!!)

I recall it was simply gross (can't recall if it smelled - but then I didn't get that close! - it was DH's job to clean up and check out that mess.... after all she's HIS daughter...!!

lol having said all that, go to the dr and get it looked at - probably its all okay but its not plesant and maybe they can give you something to clear up the underlying infection :-)

[CeCe]

Thanks all, I will make an appointment for tomorrow. DS's appetite has been down today so I'm not sure if it's teeth, or he's not feeling well with his ears. I'm not too concerned about the rate of discharge as it does stop and go as advised by the specialist it would and we discussed this at the 6week check up. It's just the smell.

MG, I'll think about a double appointment

[Mother Goose]

less thinking, more doing

[Loula]

My son had grommets a few weeks back and I was advised by the ENT to call if there is any discharge. I would be taking him to the dr tomorrow cece

[~clover~]

My DD had a lot of discharge with her grommets. I didn't have her on ABs every time. I waited to see if she actually got an infection. Fever, ear ache etc. It did smell when it happened.
Noone told me it was something to worry about. The times I did have it looked at they did swabs to see what was going on & decided from there. Noone said to come back if it happens again.
I didn't even know that was what would happen... I didn't have google at the time