Expert: Mary Pat, R.N. - 8/21/2009

Question
I have 2 out of three children that have issues with wax build up in ears.  My md recommended using olive oil/mineral oil to loosen the wax and irrigate out.  I was irrigating my sons ears in the tube and was struggling due the fact he hate having his ears messed with.  The syringe went into his ear and I notices a very small amount of blood that came out.  He has not complained of pain and his behavior is normal.  I have asked him over and over if it hurts and he always tells me no.  It was a scant amount.  But I wanted to be sure that I didn't perforate ear drum.  Should he be in pain if that had occurred.  I had an unopened/unexpired bottle of cipro drops for the ears at home.  I placed a couple of drops in his ear.  I will watch for signs of infection.  do you think i should follow up with his md?  thanks in advance for your time!

Answer
Dear Suzanne:

The only way to tell if the ear drum has been injured or perforated is to have a doctor look inside the ear with a light.  If the ear drum was perforated he would have screamed out in pain as it is very painful.

Might not be a bad idea to see the doctor.

Mary Pat