Ruptured ear drum in toddler

[fretnot]

I’m a bit worried about my 16 month-old. She’s been ill with various things since starting nursery in September, including a ruptured ear drum two weeks ago. She had a 5 day course of antibiotics and I was told it would take 4-6 weeks to heal.

She’s since been ill with a cold/cough and last night her poorly ear started leaking fluid again after her cough made her vomit. She’s since had a low grade fever and is showing signs of discomfort.

Is this up and down a normal part of the healing process for the ear drum, does anyone know? Or should I take her back to the GP?

I would take her back to the GP as she may need a further dose of antibiotics to clear the infection. Best to be sure rather than risk long term hearing loss

Thanks, I’m thinking that too, now. The first antibiotics were more of a preventative measure, he said - I really don’t want to keep dosing her but I guess it’s good to be careful.

Take her back to the gp, but also ask to be referred to audiology for hearing checks, normally they heal fine but they can cause hearing issues which are easily resolved if you are aware of them

She keeps sticking her finger in there. Makes me wince!

The GP did say to come back in 6 weeks but I didn’t know I could get a referral on, thanks.

Sounds like it's burst again. Mine only leaked when it first happened a couple of years ago.

It was more painful than when my child was born... Make sure she is fully dosed up on paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Gosh I feel awful about that - I kept up with Calpol today but last night took hours to settle her, thinking she was overtired. Didn’t give her anything and only saw her ear discharge this morning