Three nights ago, DS went to bed as usual, I had noticed he was a bit rattier than normal, didnt think much of it, maybe a cold...2 hours later he woke, screaming, nothing I did would calm him down, he eventually drifted back off to sleep, only to wak another 2 hrs later, this time he was hot and sweaty, holding one side of his head and saying "mummy ith urts!" I asked him where it hurts and he touched the back of his head, behind his ear, I thought oh no, ear infection. Gave him some dymadon and he slept ok again.
The next day I rang for an appointment at the docs, couldnt get in until the 9/03 (today).
That day he was still rattier than usual, pale, lethargic, no fever, developed a cough.
That night he woke screaming again, I watched him this time after he went to sleep, as soon as he rolled onto his left side, he would wake and cry. more dymadon.
So anyway, yesterday he was still worse for wear, last night, no screaming, this morning he is fine, still a bit croaky and still has a cough.
Take him to the docs. Doc says he cant even see in his ears as they are completely covered in wax, but based on what I descibed he was calling ear infection, and being a long weekend, he would prescribe anti biotics. (hmm, so don't even know that its an infection, just give him the anti biotics?? don't think so)
He also said that I would need to do something to get rid of the wax, DO NOT use the ear stuff from the chemists, only use saline drops.
I really don't feel comfortable giving anti biotics on a maybe. (I am so unhappy with our local doctors, Cannot get into any other surgeries as they don't take new patients )
I came home and did a bit of online research into ear wax in toddlers and cleaning methods and what not.. I found out that a build up of wax can cause inflamation and pain in itself!
Now thinking back, DP and I have both noticed that Jacob sometimes acts like he can't get his balance and falls over occasionally...also maybe caused by the wax build up??
Most of the advice I have read says that the doctor should be the one removing any excess wax...
I'm a bit confused as to where I go from here!
If you've had any experience with this type of thing I would love to hear your advice or what worked for you.
Thank you
dd has had the doctor do it twice, its never been suggested that I do it myself. maybe go to another doctor. does he get many ear infections? fluid build from the ears not draining properly can also cause balance issue and ear infections.
dd has had ear problems like you describe and ended up with grommets, no issues since. I'm like you, I don't like giving antibiotics unless its really needed.
My DS2 has had two lots of grommets and adenoids removed. The GP has given you a prescription as a precaution as from what you describe is classic ear infection symptons. Thrashing about and sometimes they will try and hit their head trying to fix it themselves.
As the GP couldn't see the ear drum for the wax, he has left it up to your judgement as to fill the script or not by the sounds of it. As for removal of wax, again a GP usually will not do it on a little one as they don't like to syringe in case it worsens the possible infection.
When I demanded a referral to see an ENT with my DS2, the ENT had a special little hook that just went in and out came ALL the wax, it was amazing. He explained the syringing can sometimes cause an infection if one is not their already. He then saw glue ear and we had our first lot of grommets. It's also quite common for boys in particular as they tend to have short drainage tubes that don't let the wax out.
If you are confident, you could try Hopi Ear Candling if you can get your DS2 stay still long enough, obviously under close monitoring. Another GP did say to try and put drops of olive oil in to see if the wax moves itself. It's worth a try as you sound like you are quite rural.
If you think he is feeling better in himself, then I agree on not giving the antibiotics for just in case. It's a tough one, hope he is feeling better your poor little man
sounds very similar to whats been happening with DD. its been going on for months, and the wax build up has been so bad, we have tried everything over the counter available plus some stuff on prescription, with no success of getting rid of the wax. Can never get a proper diagnosis due to wax in the road. in the end i demanded referral to ENT as it was going on for months and ab's werent helping i felt there was something else happening. So ENT appt comes along and she cant see in there either due to build up, she prescribes drops that i have to have specially made up (bi carb, glycerol and boiled water it turns out!) and i was gobsmacked by the sheer volume of wax coming out of her ears (it dissolves the wax as well as moves it), within a day and a half of her on the drops, she goes from child you virtually have to sit on and vice grip her head to touch her ears to child who lays there while you clean her ears it is amazing! we went back to the ENT and in the meantime DD has gotten the flu, so when we went back she could see in and there is definately an infection, but as shes sick we dont know if its just coincedence or part of the ongoing problem, so ab's prescribed and back next month. If there are still issues or ENT can see something wrong she will be going in for grommets (which the ENT feels is where we'll end up, but willing to wait and see for now since there has been such a huge change in her already). Sounds like you may end up seeing an ENT specialist and possibly grommets, but maybe you can ask your dr for a script for the bi carb drops, they dont make them anymore, a chemist has to make them for you, but honestly we have tried everything you can buy in a chemist, plus saline drops, other prescription drops, nothing has worked but these drops right from the minute i put the first lot in, while i was holding her on her side and gently rubbing her outer ear i could see the wax coming up and out in clumps, they are incredible (and no nasty chemicals). anyway thats all a bit long and drawn out sorry, but when i read your post it sounded so familiar i had to tell you my story. HTH
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Possible ear infection, wax build up...HELP!
(hmm, so don't even know that its an infection, just give him the anti biotics?? don't think so)
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