Ear Tube Drainage

[Anonymous]

I’m not sure if this is the right place to post this. For those of you with kids with ear tubes, how much drainage is normal?

When we had Bryce’s tubes placed we were told we would see drainage. I actually didn’t see any drainage until about four weeks ago. Since then there has been a constant drainage out of his left ear. It doesn’t seem to bother him at all and he hasn’t had any fevers or anything else. The drainage has kind of a yucky smell to it. Is this normal with tubes? Or should I maybe call our Ped. ENT?

Thanks for any advice.

[Anonymous]

I think some is normal, but if it has a foul smell, it could be an ear infection. If the tubes are in place, though, then even if it is an infection, then there is no pressure or pain because the tubes are doing their job. You can call the Dr. or ENT, but most ear infections do clear up on their own. Sometimes they will just call in those ciprodex drops so that there isn’t an oral antibiotic.

I am following you around this board today, Heather! I guess after that long winded answer, I will call to let them know and see what they say…

[Anonymous]

Thanks Ann Marie.

I’ll have to give our ENT a call tomorrow I guess. I figured if it was an infection it would go away on it’s own, but goodness, 4 weeks of drainage just seems like too long. Hopefully it’s nothing to worry about it or we can just get some ear drops.

[Anonymous]

Oh no. I hope it’s nothing but our ENT told us that drainage was the sign of an ear infection.

[Anonymous]

Well, if is smelly, i would call the ENT. Smelly usually is not a good sign. I hope the ENT can give some suggestions and hopefully they;ll work out.

[Author]

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