ear infections

[farO_jan]

My 5 has been getting ear infections third time in 2 months. I feel his Dr isn't doing much about it. Can I refuse to give my son antibiotics? I've heard and read they could insert a tube to prevent ear infections. What are my other options?  I just feel so bad for my son. He's been getting them ever since he was a baby. I would love and appreciate your advices and input! I just can't see his little body go through pain :(

[farO_jan]

Thank you very much!!!!

[racey703]

asked to be referred to ears nose and throat specialist i did and my son had to have gromits( little tubes) put in his ears to help them drain, it is a simple operation that doesnt last long. The only down side was that my sons ears had been blocked for so long when  his ears finally became unblocked he was really sensitive to real noises for a while and at times would end up crying because to him the noise was just to loud. but everything is good now and gladf i insisted on him seeing the specialist.

[trying43]

Hi there.  My oldest son had this problem.  He would get an ear infection every month.  His dr was doing nothing for him.  I finally went to a nurse practcioner who said he needed his tonsils out(they were huge) and adenoids out and he put him on a prescription nose spray and he explained that it brought down the swelling in his nasal passages and helped things to drain.  I don't know but it worked!  We were able to keep him well for 3 months until he could get his adenoids and tonsils removed.  We went to a specialist for surgery and he said as soon as he took those out it was obvious he would not need tubes because this relieved the problem.  And it did, hes never had another ear infection since the surgery its been 3 years. I would see another dr for sure and ask about the nose spray.  Good luck.