Do ya'll think it's odd that 17 yodd still has ear pain even after

[MJN]

doing a round of antibiotics (Z-pack)? She said her ear still feels full.

[Karen sn]

No - because I don't really believe that antibiotics cure everything.
I am wondering if warm garlic oil will help.

[Whisperlily]

My 8 year old has had more than his fair share of ear infections. He had tubes put in, and now that they're healed shut again still has problems.

After a few rounds of antibiotics given at walk-ins when my Ped. was busy, he finally told me DO NOT accept Z-packs for your son's ear infections. He said it works for some, but for ear infections specifically it has a high failure rate. Especially in someone who has had multiple ear infections.

He said it works best for pneumonia, and it's good for other things, but notably failure-prone with ear infections.

Do you have a follow up appt. ? Have the Dr. check it out.

[Shelly in MD]

I'd have it rechecked. The "full" feeling means something is still pressing on the eardrum, I would think. Warm oil really does help with the discomfort, if she's having trouble sleeping.

[jmgconner]

Depending on how bad the ear infection was, it's not uncommon for there to still be fullness. I'm going on week 5 of fullness after two rounds of antibiotics - but then again, I'm also 39 weeks pregnant and it's causing havoc on my ears anyway. It should be steadily getting better, though.

BTW, I heard the same thing about Z-packs not working on ear infections that Whisperlily mentioned.

[shell in SC]

This is one thing that peeve's me about dr's. They give you something to make the infection go away, but don't treat the underlying symptoms. So once the antibiotics are out of your system, the gunks still there to get infected again.

That's kinda what it sounds like in your case. The infection may be gone, but the congestion is still in there-making her feel full, but not necessarily in pain. I always have to ask whether it's me or the dc if they can give me a decongestant or if they can recommend an OTC one.

It infuriates me that instead of trying to eliminate the congestion problem (with steriods, decongestant, antihistimines, nose sprays, whatever) so that people actually get well they only treat the infection. I shouldn't have to say to a dr. "Now how do you suggest we dry up the mucus so it doesn't get infected again" but if they told EVERYBODY how to get better the first time we wouldn't have to keep going back every couple weeks. . .

OK. . .I'm officially off the soap box now. . .
shell

[kaylk in tx]

that's what's causing the "full" feeling and it might very well get infected again!