flying with an ear infection

[mrszrw]

We leave in a few days and DS1 has a bad ear infection. He is not complaining of pain at all. What could happen if he flew and still has the infection? We have a dr. appt. at 8:30 the day we leave for our 11am flight. If he is still in bad shape I may send DD5 and DH on their way without us and DS and I will try to go monday.

I love all of the pre-vacation stress!!!!!

 

[cepmom]

is he already taking antibiotics for it? If not, I would get him to the Dr's today and get going on a strong antibiotic. Let the Dr know you are flying in a couple of days and see what they say. I know DD had an ear infection a few years ago shortly before we were supposed to fly to WDW and the Dr was concerned about the infection clearing up in time for flying. Thankfully the antibiotics worked well and she was good to go. Good luck.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Ask for a cortisone shot! It will reduce inflammation. I would get them frequently before a flight because my ears have issues.

 

[anewvance]

I've flown with an ear infection before and I hate to say it was excruciating. Definately ask for the shot, get it nipped in the bud. Hope it all goes ok.

 

[ducklite]

I ruptured an ear drum this way in 1989. It was excruciating. I was in pain for weeks afterward.

Anne

 

[mrszrw]

He is already on meds. for this we saw the Dr. yesterday. I asked for A shot and she wouldn't give it to him, I think because he just had two shots two weeks ago for an another ear infection that was really really bad.

Ducklite- that is what I am worried about a ruptured ear drum.

 

[ducklite]

There are a couple things you should talk to your doctor about doing.

1. See if he can give your kid a vitamin B12 shot. It's supposed to help boost the immune system when there's infection present. Even though he just had two shots, I can't see where this one would do any harm or be contra-indicated.

2. Ask the doctor about a dose of decongestant befreo flying. That can greatly alleviate ear pressure.

3. I think you are wise when thinking about not flying until he is better--imagine how miserable he would be on vacation if he is still sick, and worse yet damages his ear drum. And a miserable baby makes the entire family miserable...

Anne

 

[KikiFan]

Do you live anywhere near a WHoleFoods store? or a store of that type? There is a homeopathic medicine for ear infections. I can't remember the name of it off hand but it comes in a pink and blue box costs about $8. The sales people will be able to help you find it. It is amazing how effective it is. It's homeopathic so you can give it to him while he takes the antibiotics. Every time I've used it it knocks out the infection within 24-48 hours.

I'd also recommend that you eliminate diary for the next few days and sugar from his diet as much as possible. That will help cut down the mucus, so you can get the ears drained.


ETA: I just realized how young your son is, you might try rice milk as a substitute for a few days.