Search Results for: blog kids and earaches

Antibiotics and Side Effects

I’m about halfway through my ten days of antibiotics after a recent cat bite (from my work at the cats-only boarding facility) got infected. When I picked up my prescriptions — two different antibiotics for one little cat bite, sheesh — the pharmacist warned me that I might experience some photosensitivity. Did I ever! The first few days were rough, and I relied heavily on my prescription sunglasses and long sleeved shirts. The drive home from work in the afternoon was enough to leave me with the beginnings of a sunburn. Thankfully, the photosensitivity has eased off as I’ve gotten … Continue reading →

A Look at Tonsil and Adenoid Problems

There are many different things that can affect the tonsils and adenoids. The following are a few of the more common issues. Difficulty breathing due to enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids — these obstructions can cause snoring and disturbed sleep. Some orthodontists believe that mouth breathing (thanks to large tonsils and adenoids) can cause malformations of the face and poor teeth alignment. Symptoms include breathing through the mouth instead of the nose, noisy breathing, recurring ear infections, snoring, and sleep apnea. Chronic infection that affects the ear — infection can enter the Eustachian tube (the passage between the back of the … Continue reading →

Tonsils and Adenoids

Between my allergy problems and my sinus issues, I had more than my fair share of upper respiratory infections when I was little. There was a period of time when I had one case of tonsillitis after another, and there was talk of taking my tonsils out. (In case you’re wondering how it all ended up — I still have them.) Tonsils and adenoids are masses of tissue similar to the glands in your neck, groin, and armpits — your lymph nodes. Tonsils are two masses of tissue on the back of the throat. Adenoids are higher in the throat … Continue reading →

The Connection Between Antibiotics and Asthma

I have a friend who at the first sign of the sniffles heads her kids off to the doctor and gets a prescription. I often tease her about being addicted to prescriptions but she reasons that if the medication is available, why not make your child as comfortable as possible. Besides as a nearly single mom (her husband has a job that requires a lot of travel) she cannot miss out on her rest and be functional the next day. Consequently, whenever her girls have an ear infection they tend to need the newest round of whatever antibiotic is out … Continue reading →

Tonsillectomy May Not Be Cost Effective

A Dutch study has found that surgery to remove the tonsils may not be the most cost-effective treatment option for children. The University Medical Center Utrecht observed three hundred between 2000 and 2003. These children were between the ages of two and eight and were suffering from moderate throat infections. Half of the children were chosen to have their tonsils and/or adenoids removed. The other half were assigned to “watchful waiting” — close monitoring of symptoms and interventions where necessary. Researchers checked on the children and families at three month intervals for two years. In the watchful waiting group, annual … Continue reading →

Adult Drugs in Childrens’ Bodies

Medicines that work well for adults may not be safe or effective for children or teens. It may not be safe to assume that your doctor is prescribing a drug that has been tested and declared safe for your child. Here are some questions you can ask to help make sure your child is getting the right medications. Why are you prescribing this drug? Some doctors think parents expect to go home with drugs every time. Studies have shown that sometimes drugs just aren’t needed. Ear infections, for example, often go away just as quickly without antibiotics! Will a “wait … Continue reading →

Traveling With Children—Learn From My Mistakes

I used to be one of those travelers who would see a mother and her screaming child in the boarding area of an airport and secretly hope they wouldn’t be seated near me on a crowded flight. Well, that’s not entirely true. What I was really hoping for was that they wouldn’t be on my flight at all. Fast-forward a few years–now I’m the one with the baby. I might be older and wiser than I was when I was single, but giving birth didn’t gift me with the power to read minds. Then again, I don’t have to be … Continue reading →

The Great Pacifier Debate

I was recently shocked to find that the AAP was encouraging the use of pacifiers while baby sleeps. It seems that the use of a pacifier while baby is sleeping helps reduce the risk of SIDS. Interestingly, they readily admit that there are some negatives to using a pacifier. Still, according to the AAP, the fact that the use of a pacifier lowers the risk of SIDS, outweighs the other possible negative effects of pacifier use. I may be bold, but I’m not so sure I agree with the AAP. I have tended to disagree on many of their positions … Continue reading →