Can a ear infection turn nasty if not treated?

[TragicallyHip]

Ds hasn't been too good for a week now and I put it down to his molars (last few days he has been better)
I have just noticed gunk coming out of his ear so obviously has had an ear infection. I feel really guilty for not taking him to the doctors last week does anyone think it will be ok to wait until tomorrow and get a doctors app or should I take him to the hospital? My mum reckons it'll be fine to wait, Just worried it could get worse though.

It sounds like his eardrum has perforated, which means he will be feeling much better by now. The general consensus now is to treat with pain killers, not antibiotics. My babies both suffer this regularly and it always clears up on its own once the pus has drained.

He is alot happier today and hasn't had any calpol since Thursday. I'll take him to the doctor tomorrow for quick check up. Still feel guilty but at least I'll know if there is a next time.

Thanks

It is fine to wait. These things are usually self limiting and clear up by themselves.

The only issue I can think of with ear infections is the risk of getting glue ear and so I would make an appointment tomorrow. Also, I don't know how old your DS is but sometimes when they are little, you think it is one problem and it can turn out to be another or something else on top of the first problem but they can't tell you this. However, if your DS is better than he has been hopefully he is over the worst of it.

He's 17 months so unfortunately can't tell me what's wrong. I really thought it was his teeth as I can feel them about to pop through but was wondering why they were taking so bloody long. Maybe it was a bit of both.

Will definitely take him to the doctors tomorrow.

Thanks

Research has shon that ear infections clear up on theri own 24 hours after they would have done if the child had been given antibiotics. So treating with warmth, painkillers and cuddles can keep more antibiotics out of the ecosystem, and preserve the child's "good" gut bacteria, which are zapped with the bad bugs by antibiotics. And will help keep down the number of mutated antibiotic resistant bugs.

So you've actually done the RIGHT thing!

Thank's seeker, that make's me feel better

He has had lots of cuddles and watched Toy Story 1, 2 and 3 numerous times. I think I know them off by heart now

Would keep him at home though, because if ear drum is perforated it provides a perfect entrance for all kind of bacteria.