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Over 20 ear infections (7 or more with tubes)
Since my 2 year old second ear infection in November 2023, he was 1 then. he has experienced more than 20 ear infections, including 7 or more since getting ear tubes placed in September 2024. Despite ongoing treatment—including multiple rounds of oral antibiotics and at least 7 full tubes of ciprofloxacin drops—fluid continues to drain frequently from his ears.
He just completed a 15-day course of drops, which seemed effective at first—he had two fluid-free days (Saturday and Sunday)—but this morning (Monday), the fluid returned heavily, raising concern again just two days before his scheduled procedure on Wednesday - he will have his tubes replaced.
This cycle has been consistent: he is treated, improves briefly, then relapses within days. The recurring infections have been accompanied by:
• Significant balance issues (frequent falls from beds, chairs, step stools, and even while walking)
• Speech and developmental delays
• Ongoing nasal congestion and drainage
• Fussiness and discomfort
• Overexposure to antibiotics since around 6–8 months old
We’re especially concerned about the long-term impact of chronic ear issues on his hearing, balance, speech development, and quality of life.
Thank you all for your support.
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@anluromi Wow! We lived this X2 with our daughters forty years ago, now may daughter has a 6 year old in the same situation.
My first daughter had her first ear infection at 5 weeks, her first tubes at one year, eventually ended up losing one eardrum completely to an infection, and needed a tympanoplasty to repair. The good news is, her speech and learning progressed normally (in spite of a few teachers who thought we were "making excuses") and her hearing now is near normal. A similar situation plagued our second daughter, the temporary solution was to keep her on a low dose of antibiotics for an entire year. (sorry the specifics are lost in the mists of time)
We had a fabulous ENT who treated 3 generations of our family and said unfortunately, genetics can cause this. We have poorly formed or placed eustachian tubes, and it becomes chronic. My Dad struggled all his life (as did 2 of his brothers), my brother and I, both in our 70's still deal with it.
When daughter # 2 was suffering, with the "...Ongoing nasal congestion and drainage..." he sent her for allergy testing. Once we made out environment more allergy-friendly (a long list - limited pets, stuffed animals and fluffy covers, lots of laundry and constant cleaning, no carpet, remove woodstove, install HEPA filters, determine food sensitivities...) we all did a lot better.
Has anyone suggested allergies could be behind this problems? Did you, your husband or any siblings have a history of ear infection?
I went through this with my son. It was allergies. Once he was off dairy he was much improved. We also eliminated wheat. After about 6 months he was able to eat small amounts of dairy with days off in between. Same with wheat. We chose to eliminate the foods rather than use allergy medications. There are more cow's milk alternatives now. It might be worth a try.