AboutDavid Olson, MD Expertise I would be happy to attempt to answer any questions about general pediatric topics, either medical issues or behavioral issues. This would include all the various questions one receives in a busy pediatric practice. I`m a board certified pediatrician in northern Michigan and have been in practice for over 15 years. I enjoy the teaching role I have in our practice and would enjoy the opportunity to help others with their pediatric problems.
Question Hi - I have 5 year old twin boys who are frequently plagued with sinus infections. They were born seven weeks premature and have had battles with ear infections since 6 months and now it's sinus. They have been treated 6 times in the past seven months for sinus infections. One twin also has asthma and is currently taking Septra and using pulmicort and xopenex in his nebulizer (he also had his adenoids out two years ago). I am concerned with the frequency of these infections and the inablility of the antibiotics to clear them up. Since August they have been prescribed Zithromax, Augmentin, Omnicef, Vantin and now the Septra. They get on an antibiotic, the infections seem better, then in about two-three weeks they are right back in the same boat. I aggressively expresed my frustration to my pediatrician at the last visit and he suggested that after we finish 14 days of Septra that he would place my son on a maintenance dose of Septra for the rest of the winter. Does this sound like the pediatrician is on the right track or should we consult an ENT? This leads into my next problem - the boys are horrible about taking medicine. They have to be restrained (and have been this way the past two years) and we have to force the medicine with a syringe. This is very traumatic for the boys as well as my husband and I. The thought of having to do it daily throughout the winter makes me so upset. Is there an easy way to force medicine? We have tried everything... Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Answer Hi, Angie,
I would suggest having them see a pediatric infectious disease doctor for evaluation of their abilities to fight off infection. I suspect that your doctor has done a CBC, serum immunoglobulins with subclasses, and a sweat chloride test. If not, then these need to be done.
The maintenance dose of septra seems like a reasonable plan. There is no good reason that one should have to hold down kids this age when giving them meds. Try some positive reinforcement techniques and even something like taking privileges away if they act out like this. This is behaviour that is manipulative and you need to teach them who is boss. I suspect this behavior translates over to other aspects of their lives.
