Chronic Ear Infections/runny nose,antibiotics

[GooGee123]

Hello,  My 3 year old son has had a seasonal runny nose for the last 2 years.  It runs clear from about November - May and then he is fine all summer. It runs constnatly and is annoying to him,  but does not seem to cause him any other physical discomfort.  At night while he sleeps, it stops, and he sleeps all night.  As soon as he wakes up, it begins again.

He has had blood work done and was found NEGATIVE for allergies.  The doctor says he has acute Rhinitis (runny nose).  "He is probably sensitive to the change of season."  

This year, however, he has had many ear infections.  Starting 4months ago, he has had 5 ear infections.  His nose STOPS running while he is on the ANTIBIOTICS and the ear infection clears up.  But, exactly 2 days later, his nose begins to run clear and sure enough the ear infection returns.  He has tried 4 different antibiotics (Amoxicillen, Zythromax, Omnicef, and Augmentin), but the infection always returns.  I am concerned about all of the antibitics he has had.  We have been referred to an ENT.  Do you think the ENT will say that he has to have to have TONSILS or ADNOIDS removed or BOTH?  If, so should I seek a second opinion?


Thanks!

[National Jewish Health]

Referral to the ENT is a wise decision, as there could be an anatomic problem, such as the tonsils, adenoids or other, which is predisposing your son to recurrent infection; an obstruction that needs to be relieved.  The ENT may recommend surgery, in which case to address your own worries about this, you should seek a second ENT opinion.  You should also value the opinion of your son's pediatrician.

You should also discuss with his pediatrician, about the current thinking about non-surgical approaches to the problem of recurrent ear infections.

[Soonerman]

Look into Candida, yeast overgrowth.  Symptoms fit and the  history of antibiotics, ear infections, AND allergies all point towards candida.  In fact, I would put money on it.  If I were you, I would read the book "The Yeast Connection".  It really gets into the cycle that antibiotics create and how it allows the candida to grow and create the problems that doctors once again treat with antibiotics.  Doctors are very reluctant to even consider the possibility that antibiotics can't treat every condition and can hurt when overused.  Good luck and let me know what you think in your research.