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Middle Ear Infection, Flu-like Illnesses, Piercing Eardrum The Right Treatment ?
Hi. My 9 month old son has a middle ear infection , as a result of a flu-like illness . He tugs regularly on his ears, although he does not seem in an distress. We took him to see an ENT who looked in his ear, then pierced his ear-drum. To me this seemed a very hasty and unprofessional thing to do, but I am told it is common practice where I am. Given nothing much came out and no anti-biotics were given, would you agree with my assessment? Especially given that the piercing of the drum was given without any controlled conditions...Thanks
posted on
Sat, 14 Apr 2012
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 14 Apr 2012
Answered on
Wed, 9 May 2012
Last reviewed on
Hello
Thanks for your query.
I will try my best to provide you with best possible professional recommendations to your questions.
Putting a small pin hole in the ear drum has been used to relieve pressure before. If the pressure is not relieved, the ear drum can burst to prevent that either hole or the tubes are inserted in the ear drum.
It is tried when the infection is not controlled by the medications like antibiotic oral or by ear drops. Usually antibiotics are given after piercing the ear drug. Pierced ear drum heal without any deformity.
I advice you to take care that water does not enter the ear while giving bath to your son, the ear should be kept dry.
Yet again, I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Regards
Thanks for your query.
I will try my best to provide you with best possible professional recommendations to your questions.
Putting a small pin hole in the ear drum has been used to relieve pressure before. If the pressure is not relieved, the ear drum can burst to prevent that either hole or the tubes are inserted in the ear drum.
It is tried when the infection is not controlled by the medications like antibiotic oral or by ear drops. Usually antibiotics are given after piercing the ear drug. Pierced ear drum heal without any deformity.
I advice you to take care that water does not enter the ear while giving bath to your son, the ear should be kept dry.
Yet again, I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Regards
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