Ignoring Dr’s advice?

I have just changed Dr's for about the third time (they have all sucked!) and finally found one I liked. However he is away this week (damn it!). So I saw his colleage. My 17 month old DS has just finished antibiotics (about a week ago) for a double ear infection.

Yesterday he started coughing, runny nose, high temps etc and we were up all night So I took him this morning just to make sure the cough wasn't in his chest etc. Anyway, it isn't, and she has checked his ears, can't see any fluid but they are a bit red.

She has prescribed antibiotics again. And quite frankly I'm not sure he needs them or that I should give him ANOTHER course if it is not bacterial? No chest infection, no fluid in the ear. To me it just sounds like a bad cold/flu and antibiotics would be pointless.

Should I ignore her advice? Or is that a bad idea This would be his 6th course this year and I would like to avoid them if possible!

I agree with clover...nothing more to add.

If he has a temp - chances are there is infection. But if not hold on to the script and see how he goes today.

Sounds like he needs an immune boost - if you can get hold of some inner health plus for kids. Maybe a multi - or give him lots more healthy food if he is up for it - brocolli, kiwifruit, oranges etc - I know not all kids are into that kind of thing.

Do you have a vaporiser? or if he is still in a cot a bowl of steaming water with some vicks melted in it, and also smear some on the inside of his sheet so he is inhaling it.

While is nose is running etc - its discarding all the gunk - its a good thing. Its highly unlikely he has a deep seated infection in his sinus cavaties - kids his age dont have them like we do

Use saline drops to clean and clear the mucus

Keep an eye on his body language - if he is clearly playing with his ears - and a temp to match - start the AB's

Do keep up with regular pamol - its not just for fever -it helps to keep them comfy when they out of sorts

I have had the same battle all winter - as do many mummas - and I also did 8 years in pharmacy - doctors do over prescribe ab's - but its a fine line - infection can knock a little guy for six before you know it! If in doubt err on the side of caution

Thanks everyone. DS is still miserable today and has continued to have a temperature so got the antibiotics today and have started him on them. It is just worrying that he has already had so many courses in his short life

happymumma wrote: You could also ask for a referral to an ENT if it is repeated ear infections that are causing the need for antibiotics.  They may recommend grommits which could make all the difference.  They are likely to be more helpful than a Paediatrician if you feel it's ear and throat related.  Like someone else mentioned, sometimes it does take more than one course, or one type of antibiotics to get control of the infection too.  Fingers crossed this lot work and you don't have any need for a while!

Absolutely!! And buy yourslef a lovely treat for being sucha hard working Mumma - its awful when they are sick :(

I notice you are in Auckland - are your kids imm'd? There's a measles 'outbreak' going round...and I think the symptoms are similar??