sarno@hogpc.UUCP (Marianne Sarno - AT&T Information Systems at Lincroft NJ) (04/13/84)
I tried mailing this to you a few times, but it got returned: I am a swimmer and I know several other swimmers and divers who often have had problems with their ears. (I swim about 2 miles per day). 2 years ago I had bubbles on my eardrum and I can tell you the treatment I had (which was successful). First, I took a decongestant called Sudafed. It is an over the counter drug, and it works very well, especially in combination with an antibiotic. If you take it for a minimum of 3 days (usually an antibiotic needs to be taken longer) in conjunction with an antibiotic the tubes, and infection are cleared. Also, if you sit your daughter under a pot of steam for about 15 minutes/night -having her deeply inhale it this should help clear the fluid. Also, she should not exert herself while her ears are filled since this could rupture her eardrum. I know others who have succesfully used the sudafed/antibiotic combination. It is safe, and I find it very reliable. I would avoid all the other things until you try the simplest treatments first. One last thing...if your daughter swims and uses ear plugs tell her to stop. I found that after I eliminated the use of ear plugs in the water my infections came MUCH less frequently, and I also put Swim Ear in after I am done. One last last thing....keep soap out of her ears. Soap just builds up and doesnt do any good. Good luck Marianne Sarno AT&TIS Lincroft, NJ