Q: My three-year-old daughter has had frequent ear infections, starting at about the age of six months. She was given antibiotics each time. A year ago she was diagnosed with asthma and a recent hearing test revealed fluid behind the eardrum in one ear. What are the pros and cons of tubes in the ear to drain the fluid? Several mothers told me they would never do it again because of scar tissue around the tubes with resulting hearing loss. But I am concerned about my daughter receiving so many antibiotics at such an early age.
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Are there any alternatives for treating ear infections? Does a milk allergy cause infections? We have a family history of allergies, especially to milk.
A: Middle ear infections are common in children from the age of six months to two years, although it can affect children of all ages. Some factors that make kids more susceptible are attending a day care, being in a home with smokers and taking a bottle to bed. Ear infections are most common in winter.
It is important to treat ear infections because if they becomechronic there could be hearing loss and even speech difficulties and learning problems in school.
The usual reason for placing tubes in the ears is to drain fluid. Another one is recurrent acute middle ear infections with pain, a red bulging eardrum and a fever that can’t be controlled by preventive low dose antibiotics.
Sometimes there is still fluid in the ear after the child has received antibiotics but this usually clears gradually. It may be that your child is in this group. Only an ear, nose and throat specialist will be able to give you a definite answer.
Before you take any action, especially surgery, eliminate dairy products from the child’s diet to see if there is any improvement. Dr. Frank Oski, a former director of pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University, said there is evidence that up to half the children in the U.S. may have milk allergies. I expect it is the same in Canada. He said milk is a mucous maker, leading to problems such as chronic coughs, sinus infections, asthma and ear infections.
Milk is not really essential in the diet of children once they are weaned. Calcium is present in fish and green leafy vegetables, especially Chinese cabbage or bok choy. Some people with milk allergies are able to eat cheese once it is cooked because the heating process can destroy offending allergens. It is possible your daughter will simply grow out of the ear problem.
Middle ear infections are much less common after the age of three. The asthma may not be so simple, although there is a chance it, too, could disappear after puberty.
Clare Rowson is a medical doctor with a practice near Belleville, Ont. Her columns are intended for general information only. Individuals are encouraged to also seek the advice of their own doctor regarding medical questions and treatments.
