Burst eardrum in baby and breastmilk treatment

[poglette]

After a cold, fever at the weekend, crying Tuesday night and Wednesday morning , my 10 month old burst his eardrum (I assume - lots of drainage suddenly from the ear canal ) Wednesday lunchtime. I am abroad where the doctors prescribe antibiotics for ANYTHING which I want to avoid if possible. I have read a lot of the threads here and it seems that once the eardrum has burst and the pus etc. is draining the infection should/could clear by itself with time. I am just wondering if I could give it a helping hand with some breastmilk (which I used to clear up his conjunctivitis a few months back). I don't want to pour the stuff in though! Maybe a couple of drops or even a gentle wipe with the stuff on a cotton bud (although I know you don't want to stick anything in the ear!) . Has anyone had any experience with this? Thank you!

[Mutley77]

If it helps antibiotics are prescribed for burst eardrums in the UK as well. It's to prevent an infection developing as it is a risky area.

I certainly would not be putting anything in the ear, absolute madness imo, but then I am all for letting doctors do their job and generally follow their advice . Shouldn't be swimming for 2 weeks either.

[TortillaDeMaiz]

An ear infection with a ruptured ear drum needs to be checked by a doctor. Antibiotics are normally prescribed in these cases. If I were you, I wouldn't hesitate much and get treatment asap. The antibiotics stop the ear secreting within a day, and you would want your LO to be fit before the return flight.

[MrsEvadneCake]

For this Antibiotics are important. On rare occasions the infection can cause mastoiditis which is infection in the bones and can cause hearing loss. Best to have the medicine. I hope he feels better soon.

[Aridane]

Please follow your doctor's advice for the sake of your baby's health

[ShiftyFades]

My DS has burst is eardrums twice, the second time we were abroad. You need antibiotics I'm afraid and probably pain relief, do not waste time in getting DC to a doctors please. The doctor we saw was absolutely brilliant and was a paediatrician!

I hope it clears quickly and the lack of swimming doesn't spoil your holiday.