Persistent ear infection - what next?

[zebrapig]

DS (23m) has had an ear infection for nearly 4 weeks and it just won't shift, he's nearly finished his third lot of antibiotics and there is still wet discharge coming from his ear. So far he's had amoxicillin, otomize spray and co-amoxiclav. They can't see his ear drum to tell if it's perforated but given the discharge I would assume it is.

He was 7 weeks prem but is otherwise well. Last winter he had 3 ear infections one after the other which didn't clear that easily either so we were referred to ENT. He was seen in May and they decided to watch and wait, our next appointment with them is in 10 days but I don't want to wait that long to get it sorted. What the hell do I ask the gp to do next?

Hi OP, so sorry you’re dealing with this.

My 23month old is the same. He was diagnosed with chronic ear infections last spring by ENT and as a result of that he now has quick access to topical ear drops if his infection comes back. They seem to be the only things that work but GPs rarely prescribe them as they come with risks. Our GP has been instructed by ENT to offer this first line now given oral antibiotics are basically ineffective.

Given you’re under ENT I would call the hospital and ask for advice. They won’t fob you off with oral antibiotics I’m sure. It’s so stressful I totally get it.