Question Hi-
My 7-year-old daughter was diagnosed 8 weeks ago with a general ear infection and was given oral Amoxicillan for 10 days. She went back 14 days later still in pain and saw a different Dr. who felt the Amoxicillan was to weak to cover the bacteria and prescribed oral Zithromax for 4 days. Went back one week later to a 3rd Dr. because her ear still hurt and this Dr. prescribed Cortisporin ear drops because the pain was on the exterior of the ear as well as the interior. We used them for 5 days as directed stopped for a week then used them for another five days. I am visiting family in California (I live in Vancouver B.C.) and she complained of ear pain again and she restarted the drops3 days ago (8-6-05) when the pain returned. Last night she woke up at 2 am with 102 fevers and gave her Motrin to bring it down. We went to an urgent care clinic and saw a Dr. who said that she has a canal infection but his main concern was that the exterior of her ear including the skull area immediately behind the ear was so painful that he suggested that she may have mastoiditis and requires a 24hr follow up to see if the medicine is helping. The medicine he prescribed is Augmentin ES 60 mg and Cipro HC 10ml.
What is your thoughts or experience with an ear infection going on for so long and the diagnosis?
Thank you.
Jackie
Answer It's not at all unusual for ear infections to go on like this for a while. I am concerned about the possibility of mastoiditis. The Augmentin and Cipro HC should help--if she is not better in a day or two, she should see an ENT. Mastoiditis may require hospitalization and iv antibiotics, and possibly surgery. Keep using the Augmentin and Cipro, and stay in contact with the doctors if she gets worse.
