adm@cbneb.UUCP (08/07/84)
#N:cbneb:24300002:000:332 cbneb!aud Aug 7 07:29:00 1984 My son (almost one year old) seems to have a tendency to get ear infections (it's about 1 every other month now). Any advice which could reduce the occurence of these awful inflictions would sure be appreciated. Thanx in advance. Audree Thurman (cbosgd!cbneb) AT&T Bell Labs Columbus, OH
wetcw@pyuxa.UUCP (T C Wheeler) (08/08/84)
Audree, have your child checked for too small ear canal passages. This sometimes allows fluids and other nasties to build up down next to the eardrum causing all sorts of infections to develop. There is a simple cure in that small round tubes are placed in the canal to stretch the canal. These are changed as the child grows. They have some initial discomfort, but seems to cut down on infections by allowing better air circulation. Both of the kids next door had this problem and the tubes were put in. They wore them for about two years ( around 8 to 10 years old). They are fine now with no infections since they stopped using the tubes. I used to be prone to ear infections as a child. It always happened when water was trapped in the canal. I soon learned to get all of the water out. Be very careful about advice from us so-called-experts though. Take your child to a GOOD EEN&T doctor. You could mention what you have gotten off the net though, just to bring the different ideas to his attention. Good Luck. I remember well many nights of pain. T. C. Wheeler
wrc@ritcv.UUCP (Warren R. Carithers) (08/10/84)
Our daughter (now age 16 mos.) had an ear infection in both ears when she was
about 8 months old. Her doctor (actually, most of the doctors in the group
where her pediatrician is) told us that ear infections in children under one
year old are VERY often caused by fluids (milk, formula, etc.) backing up into
the ear through the eustacian (sp?) tubes when the child drinks while lying
down. We began propping her up when she nursed or drank from a bottle, and
shortly thereafter the problem cleared up (with some help, I'm sure, from the
medicine prescribed by the doctor.) The infection hadn't reappeared by the
time she gave up the bottle at about 12.5 months. Hope this helps!
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Warren R. Carithers, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, N.Y. 14623
UUCP: {allegra,decvax,seismo}!rochester!ritcv!wrc
ARPA: ritcv!wrc@Rochester.ARPA
phone: (716) 475-2472