Second Tubes/adenoids

Hi L. my name is Lena, I am very familiar with what you are talking about, my niece and nephews took their adenoids out. my older brothers son was just 2 when they put tubes in and took the adenoids out, my younger brothers son was 3 and his sister 4 now my daughter is 4 and she has had ear infections almost 2 times a year, but they haven't said anything yet about putting tubes in, well I think you should get other opinions first, but my niece and nephews seem to be doing just fine, so good luck, take care.

When my 22 yr old son was 3 he had tubes and adnoids done. Never had to have tubes again and never had another ear infection. Let the adnoids go..Many Blessings and good luck.

My guess is that she is probably getting sick because of all the fluid that is just sitting there...irritating her nose and throat and making her sick. If the tubes were in and her ears were taken care of I dont think she would be getting as sick as often.

Hi L.! Definitely listen to your "mother's instinct" and get a second opinion from another qualified ENT. Also, have you taken your daughter to an allergist to see if the fluid and continuous other symptoms are allergy related? I did go through all this with my daughter so I know it is very difficult to make a decision regarding surgery! The best thing you can do is get all the information you possibly can and absolutely get that second opinion. I can highly recommend Dr. Hassen in Ellicott City (and Baltimore) and without no doubt Dr. Bruce Feldman/or any doctor on his staff with offices in Germantown, Chevy Chase and DC. My son actually has an appt. this afternoon with Dr. Hassen just because he has been coughing so much lately with no other symptoms. I'm concerned his adnoids are super enlarged (his tonsils are a 4 out of 5). So, eventually, we may have to take them out. Dr. Hassen said it was fine to have enlarged tonsils since most children "grow into them" around age 5. Please feel free to email me anytime if you just want someone to bounce your thoughts off of and good luck!!!:)

wow, L.-I'm so sorry that your daughter is having to go through so much. You as well. Dr visits are no fun at all and are probably getting quite expensive. I've got a resource book here on some natural remedies for ear infections if you'd like to try that route (no tubes or surgeries). I've heard some great testimonials from other moms on how well it has worked for them and their kids. I'll look up some testimonials for you if you're interested. Just email me at ____@____.com and i'll forward them on to you. I think I have written to you before, but I can't remember if we actually got to converse. :)

hope to hear from you soon.
J.

My son had several sets of tubes and never had his adenoids removed, nor was it recommended. On the fourth time around they put in longer-lasting ones and that has done the trick (he's 11 now).

I would get a second opinion.

Hi L.,

You've received lots of good advice here! Just wanted to add one more thought for you.

My oldest son (now 22) had tubes put in and adenoids taken out after numerous ear infections. Lost count, but he seemed to be living on antibiotics for the first 3 years of his life. Had excellent results from the surgery, including draining over 1/2 cup of fluid from behind each ear.

Here's my point, I really wish that they had removed his tonsils as well. Later, as a teenager we saw an ENT for throat and chronic sinus problems. He gave me a magnified peek at my sons tonsils, and let's just say they were too gross to look at. (My poor guy!) The ENT mentioned that he sees this all the time in young adults my sons age because when they were young, it became uncommon to remove tonsils. Now a very large percentage of these kids have problems that could have been avoided had these little disease brewers been removed early on. It is not a surgery they like to do on older children/adults because it becomes very risky. For little ones, it is not dangerous (had my own out at 3) and then they are saved from later problems. Just something to consider for her long term health.

Best of luck to you and your family,
T.

My son had his adenoids removed when he had his first and only set of ear tubes put in. That was a year ago, and he has had no problems at all. He had a slight ear infection in the one ear that the tube had fallen out of, but it was very slight and has not had once since.

stop milk is my advice-my daughter was my only big dairy drinker and my huge ear infection girl-there are definite connections between ear infections and dairy intake

don't know how to advise with adnoids

To buid immune system I would also suggest you look into juice plus-check out the website www.juiceplus.com/+ac91637
It is 17 fruits,veggies, and whole grains in chewable,gummy ,or capsule form and there are 13 published studies supporting how it strengthens immune systems, protects DNA, raises antioxidents... Dr Sears is a huge advocate. Feel free to call with any questions(on website) A.

Has your ENT ruled out allergies as the cause of your daughter's fluid??

My son (now 9) had his adenoids and tonsils out and tubes put in when he was 3 yr 3 mo. He had had a perpetual runny nose most of his life up until that point, and constant fluid on his ears. The adenoid/tonsil removal cleared up the runny nose IMMEDIATELY and the tubes kept the fluid at bay.

Once the tubes fell out, he got a few ear infections and had fluid constantly on his ears. The ENT started talking about putting tubes in for a second time, just like yours. Before deciding, he put him on allergy medicine for six weeks (my son had no allergy symptoms other than fluid on his ears). I could tell he didn't think it would do anything, but when we came back, my son's ears were completely clear! He's been on allergy medicine ever since - no more fluid, no more ear infections, and definitely no more tubes.

I know this reply doesn't necessarily help you with the decision of whether or not to remove her adenoids, but it might help with the tubes. I do not regret AT ALL the removal of my son's adenoids -- it definitely made him healthier (although I have to say that the operation was a little traumatic for me - hard to see your small child go under general anesthesia.)

Good luck.

My daughter had chronic ear infections so bad that she was still not able to walk good @ 16 mo. We did have tubes but in then and maybe a year or so later they fell out. At that time we did have the 2nd set put in and her adenoids REMOVED. That was like 6 years ago and to date, we have not had one ear infection. She did really good until she started school and then we were chronic strep throat. Again, we played that game a short time then had her tonsils removed. I am happy to say, that she had not had strep throat in several years and is going great.

I know what you are going thru we went thru it seems like forever. Good luck.!

Hi L. N,

I tried to respond to your message last night but had problems with my computer. Please give me a call at ###-###-#### and I wlil talk with you about your concerns. We went through the similar with our daughter.

Mom of two (1 and 4 1/2 year olds)

This is a bit off from your question, but have you considered that your daughter may be allergic to dust mites? Perhaps you could talk to your ENT and Physician about it. I mention it because my middle daughter always seemed to have a cold - one right after another (she also gets more ear infections than my other two). On one visit with the nurse practioner for a cold that wouldn't go away, she mentioned that my daughter was probably allergic to dust mites. I have not gone to the extremes that some people go to, but I wash all the bed linens in hot water and switched to an allergy pillow. I also washed the currents, and it dramatically cut down on her colds. I think she went for 3-4 months without one. And this winter she hasn't had a continuous runny nose either.

S. G. - mother of 3

Although it was a LONG time ago, as a child I had tubes in my ears 8 times - YES 8 TIMES...the last time they even put two tubes in each ear. And so they removed my adenoids; granted I was in second grade but never had ear problems again.

You can always consult another ENT but I would say they know what they are talking about. You could try one more round of just tubes but really ask them (or a medical site) about the adenoids. Find out the specifics of their function before you make a final decision.

Best of luck to you and your little one!

My daughter had two sets of tubes put in, the last at almost six. Had her adnoids taken out too. She is now almost nine and it has made a big difference. At some point the adnoids become so overwhelmed with germs they are the infection. My tonsils were like that.they took them out 18yrs ago and I have not had strep, tonsislitis or an ear infection since.
Good luck.
Oh, see if they will put in titianium tubes, they are heavier and seem to stay in longer.

Dear L.,

I don't want to sound like a sales person, but I have discovered an amazing fruit drink called MonaVie. I have had both my 3 year old and my 1-1/2 year old on it since November and neither of them have gotten even a cold.

MOnaVie consists of 19 fruits having the Acai berry being the main ingredient. The Acai berry is one of nature's top superfoods that is grown only in the Amazon. This juice delivers antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. MonaVie's freeze dried acai boasts more than 15 times the antioxidants capacity of whole blueberries and more than 20 times the antioxidant capacity of whole raspberries.

You only have to give your child 2 ounces everyday to keep the antioxidants in her body. Please e-mail me if you are interested in this. ____@____.com

Sincerely,
S.

Hi.. I was the same way as your daughter when I was that age. I had 4 sets of tubes (in 2 years) and was on so many medications until the age of 5 until the ENT doctor took out my adenoids before the begining of school that year. That was almost 20 years ago and I have never had an ear infection since then. The only problems I have are non-related to adenoids, allergies, sinus infections, ect., I am glad my parents made that choice and it is something for you to look into. I am also sure that the procedure for removing adenoids is much better and safer than when I was younger (not that it was that long ago). Hope this might help you in someway.

Hi -- Saw your posting. If I were you, I'd seek a 2nd opinion if you feel uncomfortable about the adenoids decision. Our son had tubes put in when he was 11 months old after a year of constant infections. The tubes were fabulous -- no infections at all for more than a year (the tubes stayed in his ears an unusually long time --we were lucky!) After they fell out, we saw our ENT because our son had a couple of infections again. The ENT told us that putting tubes in again was an option for us. He never mentioned adenoids. (As a matter of fact, we had another friend in the same ENT practice whose son also had tubes twice and still has his adenoids.) In our case, the infections cleared up and we didn't need the second round of tubes, but I know the ENT would have done the tubes without the adenoids on that second round. It may be fine for your ENT to do both, but I'd investigate further. It's an invasive procedure and you are right to questions if it is necessary at this point for your child.
T. P.

Actually your child should get less colds, breath better, and not snore at night, when they are removed. In some children the adenoids are so enlarged and full of "germs" that they are basically 2 balls of festering germs ready to cause trouble. You will notice she will most likely get sick less often ,after they come out! Good luck to you!Oh yeah, the adenoids shrink and disappear usually around age 8 or so. H.

I would get a second opinion.

She gets sick all the time because of her adenoids. My daughter is four. She was always sick and couldn't sleep at night. I finally had a knowledgeable doctor, sent me straight to the ENT and here she had 5o% hearing lose in both her ears and she couldn't sleep because her adenoids and tonsils were blocking her airway. Please listen to your ENT. Get those adenoids out of there. You will be so amazed at the difference. My daughter is sooo much better now. When she got her tubes in, on the way home, she informed my husband and I that we were talking too loud. She slept through the night a few days later and the dark cicles are gone. Her allergies have even gotten better. Good luck. I wish you and your daughter the best!

I had my youngest in Germany, and they don't do tubes, they take out the adnoids, and possibly tonsils if they are bad once they get in there. It was wonderful, he never had another ear infection (had it done when he was around 15-18 months, he is now 5 1/2) I do know that I had mine out (both tonsils and adnoids) because I kept getting sick when I was little, something about all they were doing was collecting those nasty germs and reinfecting me. I would highly recommend doing it. It is a one time thing, unlike tubes, and you don't have to worry about getting her ears wet or facing another surgery. Plus, you will probably find that once they are out, she doesn't get sick as much.

Hello L.,

I suggest you go to the Web MD Website and read articles from the "Ear Infection Health Center" section. My daughter had Ear Infections Starting at 4 Weeks Old and they did not stop until she had tubes put in at 18 months. Doctors in Ohio said it was required that she be at least 18 months in order to have the tubes put in. In the mean time she tried 10 different antibiotics and suffered terrible side effects (vomiting, diarhea, rashes) without getting rid of the Ear Infections.

Before the tubes, my daughter had lost 30% of her hearing ability and she did not speak much until she was about 22 months old. Her first ENT DR explained to us that the inner shape of her Ears are not like most people. Her inner Ear is shaped like a reversed "S" So instead of having liquid flow outward, it accumulates inside. She was born with this condition which is hereditary. Once the tubes went in she became a new child. The first pair of tubes were in until she was over five years old. She never had a single ear infection while her tubes were in. Even after the tubes fell out she has only had two ear infections in three years.

She is now eight years old and althoug she does not have Ear Infections, she has been suffering from year round "Allergies and cold symptoms" and SleepApnia (She Snores very Loudly) SleepApnia can cause serious long term problems in children and inhibits their breathing while they sleep (which can be very dangerous).

Her new ENT DR agreed that we must put in a new pair of tubes and have her adenoids removed for two reasons: Her tonsils/adenoids are overgrown and they are blocking proper breathing, hence causing her "SleepAbnia" and causing her to always have cold symptoms (and medication does not work).
In addition she has increased liguid trapped in her ears which once again is causing her hearing loss.

We are having both procedures done at the same time on an outpatient basis. I truely believe based on our experience, that it is the best solution for the multitude of health issues my little girl is suffering. She complains of not hearing correctly again, and of not being able to smell or taste like she used to. She is overly tired even after sleeping 10 hours or more (a sure sign of SleepApnia).

I ask that you research as much as possible about these issues on Web MD, The AAP Website (American Academy of Pediatrics) and on www.education.com under health topics and learn more about your options.

Feel Free to get a second opinion If you have not already done so, before you decide. As chidren get older, the shape of their ears, adenoids and tonsils change. So she may need a new pair of Ear Tubes in the future. That does not mean they do not work, simply that they have been outgrown.

Personally, I cannot wait for my daughter to have her problem solved and I truely believe we are making the right choice for her long term health benefit.

I am also a licensed child care provider and I have taken lots of training in Health Management and Disease Control from the Health Department and The Board of Nursing.

I have worked over Eight years in Child Care and I have seen many children with Ear Infections over the years. Every time I have had a child in my care suffering from recurring Ear Infections I have reccommended that the parents have the child Evaluated by both an Allergist and an ENT DR. and Each time they have had tubes placed in their Ears. Once the tubes go in, the children begin to thrive and speak much more and clearer than before they had their tubes. No longer having to take repeated Antibiotics and suffer from Infections, the children can be happy and grow more than ever. Many parents have written letters to me over the years thanking me for pointing out what became a permanent solution to their child's health issues. Although each case may be different, the solution may be the same for you.

I hope you find the best long term solution to your problem. I will pray for your baby's health and your peace of mind. Best Wishes.

V.

Ask your ENT about Transient Hypogammaglobulimemia of Infancy- it is a delay in the maturation process of the B-cells (responsibile for immunity). Because of the decrease in B-cells they are unable to make as many antibodies and end up with more upper respiratory and ear infections- it is transient and usually goes away between 2-4. My daughter had this- the doctors were on the verge of tubes- the first thing they did was put her on antibotics before she had an ear infecton- then when she got an ear infection she was on double antibotics- this was the winter before she turned four they said- one more ear infection and she gets tubes- knock on wood- after the double does of antibiotics no more ear infections- she just reached the right age......it could be worth a try to avoid another surgery.

Have you tried discontinuing dairy products?

HI there,

I understand your dilemma. My grandson had the same probelem. He had his ear tubes and adenoids taken out and he has been a different child. If a child's adenoids are infected there is no way that they can be of help to fight immunity. Get some Vitamin C tablets for children and friendly bacteria tablets for children and give during the winter season. Vit. C tablets for children come in 5 mg size. Give as directed. Friendly Bacterian, probiotics are also available from your local health food stores. D.

We went throught the whole ear infection thing pretty badly when my son was little, and found we were in a vicious cycle. He would get sick, get an ear infection, finally give in and get antibiotics, which would clear up the immediate cold (or so it seemed at the time, in retrospect we think the cold/infections just ran thier course). Two weeks later, without fail, we would be right back at the beginning. He got tubes when he was building up scar tissue and loosing hearing. We didn't fell we had a choice.

After we got the tubes, they started putting the Simalisan ear drops in the stores. Of course, we couldn't use them with tubes, but friends raved about the results. After the tubes came out, he started the infections again, so we started using them and have had wonderful results. When little, he called them magic ear drops, because they dull the pain so fast. My son will ask for them whenever his ears begin to hurt and they clear up within a day or two. They are inexpensive too!

BTW, newest Dr. recommendations say that oral antibiotics do nothing to shorten the length or severity of ear infections, so don't use them if her immune system is already hurting. They may be doing more harm than good! There are ear drop antibiotics now, if you don't get it early enough to have the OTC drops work.

You may also want to have her checked for allergies. I know other parents who found that thier child's ear infections were due to food sensitivities (mostly milk).

You could have just described my son to a tee, except for a year younger. I was worried about taking the adenoids out as well, but I talked to my chiro, my pediatricain and the ENT and the tonsils at this point are much more important and for children like ours the adenoids can be causing the infections to be worse, by blocking the drainage tube. I finally decided to have the adenoids out and he didn't have another ear infection. So he had over 12 in his first year, then ear tubes in may, they were blocked by sept, in mid october they put in new tubes and took out the adenoids, no ear infections. That was over a year ago, right around a year later the second set of tubes fell out, as they should and still no ear infections, I'm so glad I did it, he's doing so much better!! If you want to talk anymore or have any more questions, feel free to email me at ____@____.com

Hi L.,
My son started getting tubes at 3 1/2. The second or third time (can't remember!) they took his adenoids as well. He was five on his third surgery. The doc explained that his adenoids were swelling up and blocking the entrance to the eustachian tubes and therefore blocking normal drainage down the back of his throat - instead the fluid was backing up into his ears. He's eight now and hasn't had a single ear infection since then.

My daughter has severe asthma. Last year she started getting ear infections and we also went to an ENT. They suggested taking her adenoids out and putting tubes in her ears. After thinking about it for several months (she was only 2) we decided to do it. I did a lot of research and though it is true that the adenoids help keep you from getting sick (if you are normal and they are healthy) they can also cause you to get sick along with causing breathing problems when sleeping. Some childrens adenoids grow so big that they get infected constantly and cause illness. At the age of 5 they go away and are no longer needed anyways and if it means your child may become healthier, it's worth it. It won't hurt your daughter to have them out but it very well may help get her healthy and keep her from getting sick as often. I'd recommend to any parent looking to have it done to do it. I never regret it. There is some pain but within 24-48 hours its all done. Anyway, my daughter just celebrated her 1 yr anniversary of having hers done and I can say that she's been sick a lot less this year than last, most colds last a day now vs a week.

Hope this helps.

Hi L.: I honestly know how you feel. My son at the age of 9 months received his first set of tubes. This was after being on antibiotics for months. Everything was great. No ear infections, runny nose, or coughs...... until they fell out. He immediately started having ear infections again so his ENT also suggested a second set of tubes with the adenoids to be removed as well. With a lot of questions and research my husband and I consented. At that point we would do anything to eleveate my son's pain. At the age of two my son had his second set of tubes inserted and the adenoids removed. We were told that his adenoids were filled with bacteria which the ENT belived to have contributed to the ear infections. I am happy to say that there has been no ear infections, minimal colds and runny nose in 4 years. My baby boy will be six in March and all is well! He continues to see his ENT on a six month bases for a precaution.

Hi L.~ by any chance have you tried cutting out all dairy for awhile? There is often a big link between dairy products and ear infections. Good luck, I am sure you are exhausted with all of this.

I am not an expert so please dont take this as that. I have a now 6 year old girl, she got her first tubes when she was 3 then after they fell out we waited about a year and had to get new ones put it for the same reason (none stop ear infections and sickness) She also had her adenoids takenout at the same time and her 2nd set of tubes....it has made a WORLD of difference. Actually she doesnt have ear infections and gets sick less. And to be on antibiotics for so long actually makes adult teeth come in with a chance of being discolored (white spots on them). This has happened because she was always on antibiotics for having a cold and cough. Since having her 2nd tubes (they are about to fall out again) she has been sick only a handful of times. When she didnt have tubes it was non stop at least 15 of the 30 days a month every month being sick. She can hear 100% better and doesnt complain that her ears hurt. It was the best thing we ever did haveing tubes and adenoids taken out. I HIGHLY reccomend it. They recovery is a bit hard but all is WONDERFUL now.

While adenoids help fight infections, if they themselves are becoming chronically infected, then they are part of the problem instead of part of the solution. My son needed second tubes and his ENT recommended adenoidectomy as well. I was extremely hesitant until I did some research and found that there's a much higher percentage of success for resolving chronic middle ear fluid when adenoidectomy is performed in conjunction with the second insertion of tubes. What concerns me about your story is the fact that the first tubes came out after only six months! My son had his for nearly TWO YEARS! Are you 100% confident in your ENT, or would a second opinion make you more comfortable?

I had 3 sets of tubes as a child and they never took out my adenoids or tonsils. I wish they had as I STILL get ear infections. Yes adenoids are lymph tissue but hers and mine overreact so to speak and get huge, thus blocking drainage of the middle ear through the eustachian tubes (tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat). I'm curious as to why they aren't doing the tonsils why they are in there too but they've seen her so they must have a reason. This surgery is much easier on a child than an adult. I'd say get them out now. GL momma

Hi L.!
My son had tubes put in and adenoids taken out at the same time when he was a little over a year old, his breathing has been perfect at night (he would stop breathing thru his nose) since his adenoids were removed, so no, you don't have to wait until they are a certain age, if the doctor says they need to go, then they need to go. My sons tubes just fell out recently so now we're on pins and needles waiting to see if he catches an ear infection again.

Good luck!
T.

My son has had two sets of ear tubes as well for the same reason, chronic ear infections. The second set of tubes, he also got his adenoids out. We were told that generally they take the adenoids out the second time because the probability of them being enlarged to a point where it is blocking the eustachian tubes and preventing the fluid in the ear from draining is very high since the tubes alone haven't worked. Adenoids do not shrink until children are well into their teen years so the potential of more ear infections occuring could be high, if they aren't taken out. We haven't had any problems with chronic ear infection since he had them out and I know that one of his tubes is no longer in. This is the first time since he was 18 months that we haven't had ear infections without the assistance of the tubes and the removal of adenoids. I understand your hesitation, because is it a little more complex than tubes being put in, but I would get the adenoids removed so that you can hopefully prevent a third set of tubes from being placed.

I've had similar situations with two of my seven children. I would go for the tubes, adenoids, and tonsils. Your child could have enlarged adenoids or tonsils which could be some of the problem. And if you're going to get adenoids out, why not tonsils too. I'm surprised your ENT didn't advise you to do that. If your child is already under, it's easier to get all three procedures done and then there's no room for wondering or having to go for another surgery if you only get tubes out the first time. The recovery isn't as bad as you would think and both of my children have been healthier and happier, plus no more constant visits to the pediatrician.

Also, sounds like your child has milk, wheat, or some other type of allergy. The constant cold with stuffiness and runny nose sounds to me like you need to see an allergist and watch your childs diet.

I am an old Peds nurse,plus Mom & Grandma,Greatgrandmother,,,,go with the tubes for a second try,,,,you may be very pleased with the result,my granddaughter who is six,had the tubes & then a second time with removal of tonsils & adnoids,,,,she has been 100 % improved since her last surgery,,,,ours colds,runny noses & earaches have disappeared

Hello- sounds all to familiar.My oldest two have had amjor ear problems. The oldest who is eight ended up with T-tubes on her 5th set. They did not take out her tonsils or adenoids until the 3rd set. She actually had surgery last week to remove the T-tubes and have paper patches put on the holes. My second child also had sets of tubes and she never had her adenoids out, however, I wish they would have taken them. She too has lots of allergies and the oldest was much better after the adenodis and tonsils came out. My oldest also had her spleen out at age 4 due to a blood disorder. Even then they are not very immune compromised. Based on our experience I would let them take out the adenoids! Hope this helps!

my friends have had tubes and they are good, just be wary they do fall out alot. i dont know anyone who hasn't had them fall out atleast twice.

i have had my adnoyeds taken out but as an adult. painfull, i had them removed because i had a 70% blockage in my breathing so when i layed down i had trouble breathing so talk about a snoring problem. so you can live with out them.
and with out the snoring problem.

how ever if you dont feel that you want your daughter to have them out then use that parental consent power that you have and dont sign the consent for the adnoyed, go and get a second opinion, and if you are military tell them you want to see another doctor. at a different facility. you will need to make sure she is getting her, daily dose of vitamins and minerals. and dress her according to the weather. other than that they will grow out of being sick all the time,

hope this helps you a little more

Hi L.,
I was scared too when it was suggested that my then 5year old was told to get her tubes along with the removal of her tonsills and adenoids removed. It was the best thing we ever did!!!!!!! The Dr said the fluid in the ears was as thick as glue, and her tonsills and adenoids, when squeezed, were filled with pus. yuck! No antibiotic could reach this stuff. She was so healthy after her recovery, it was wonderful. She also had no more asthma as well as no more ear infections.

Hi My daughter just had her second set of tubes in January she is also three. They took her adenoids out this time it is really an easy procedure her recovery was the same as with the first set of tubes she was not an any pain at all after the surgery. My son is now six when he was two they took out his adenoids and he is rarely ever sick they are finding out that the adenoids are was cause the ear infections and you will find your daughter will not have runny nose as much or coughing. I really rec omened it. I am not sure who your doctor is but we go to childrens hospital I will not let any one else put my children to sleep. Our doctors name is Dr.Pena she is great. Hope this helps

My 9 year old son was constantly sick when he was a baby/toddler, with ear infections, colds, you name it he picked it up @ daycare! We had one set of tubes @ two years, he did well, like your daughter, until fall came and then he had ear infections again. We did the second set of tubes and had adenoids removed just before he turned 4. Ever since then he has done wonderful. According to the ENT, his adenoids were inlarged, he snored when asleep! I think it's a personal preference, we listened to the ENT in hopes that he would get better, because again, he was always sick!!

Hi, I know all about the tubes...My second son suffered ear infections from the time he was 4 months old until he turned 2 years old. The first set of tubes they put in was when he was 1, infection set up around his tubes, right before he turned 2 they took those set of tubes out and his adnoids and put a new set of tubes in, they fell out before he was 3 they replaced them one more time and after the 3rd time we could really tell a difference in him. He is now 7 and very rarely gets sick, never has an ear infection. I did notice that when they put in the 2nd set of tubes and took the adnoids out that he didn't get as many colds, he just had the ear infections on top of the tubes. Hopefully you will notice a difference soon. My third son just had to have tubes put in and he was only 9 months when they did them...I am really hoping that we don't have the same problems with him that I had with my 2nd child.......Good Luck

L., i had a simular problem with my son from the time he was born to age 2. constant colds, ear infections, tonsilitis, ect.. had tubes put in 3 different times and at age 2 had tonsils and adenoids removed. this seemed to work as he wasn't sick all the time anymore. he is now 22 and in college. hope this helps you out.

My oldest daughter had tubes put in before she was two. We were in the doctor's office at least once a month up to that point and she continued to have ear infections even with the tubes installed. I don't think she was any older than three or four when she had a procedure done where the ENT specialist punctured her ear drum to "vacuum" all the fluid out that never would drain. After that, she had considerably fewer ear infections. Maybe that procedure would eleviate your daughter's ear problems as well. Good luck! I know how hard it is to go through all this over and over and over again.

I will share my story/thoughts with the caveat that each child and situation is different and your doctor is the expert (although you could consider getting a second opinion from another ENT). I have heard that the adenoids, once enlarged are more a source of infection than a source of immunity. The largest risk is probably the anesthesia which she will have anyways for ear tubes. Research indicates that removing adenoids almost always improves health. It used to be standard for all kids many years ago. I think the reason they are doing it less is to avoid anesthesia (and perhaps, the much lower risk of bleeding) rather than any loss of immunity from taking out the adenoids.

At the age of 3, my daughter had a runny nose constantly and often a cough, she had fluid in her ears for at least 6 months (although she was not on antibiotics for much of that time b/c it was not always infected). She went on Nasonex (nasal steroid spray) to see if that would help with the constant runny nose and quickly got an ear infection (I've heard that steroids can weaken immunity and lead to infection) that did not resolve with typical antibiotics. At that point, she had her adenoids out and ear tubes in both ears. There was a remarkable improvement in her health ever since. Much less frequent runny nose, cough, and colds. Even her appetite improved. Within 2 weeks of her ear tubes falling out(8 months later), she had another ear infection and got a second set of tubes. She has been fine ever since (her second tubes fell out and her ear drums healed; she is now 6). By the age of 5, usually the ear tube is more angled down so that fluid doesn't accumulate at the ear as easily.

Have they looked to see if the adenoids are enlarged? Can you daughter sniff/breathe in her nose? My daughter's adenoids were very enlarged, to the point that she could not sniff in from her nose. Note that because her adenoids were so enlarged, she did have some change of voice after her adenoids came out as she had to adjust her palate to speak without adenoids (I think this is only an issue if the adenoids are very enlarged). Her voice (high pitch/nasal) did improve over time and is normal now.

The adenoid procedure doesn't take much longer than ear tubes and the worst part was coming out of the anesthesia. (in my daughter's case, it caused vomiting, perhaps also because of blood in the stomach; the anti-nausua medication helped). By the next morning she was feeling good and wanted to run and play (they are supposed to take it easy for a week or so to help heal but usually can return to school within 3 days). Removing the tonsils is a bit more difficult on the child in terms of recovery time, discomfort, and eating.

I would guess they want to take out the adenoids to improve her health and also to avoid having to do another procedure with anesthesia in the future if the second tubes don't resolve it. Taking out the adenoids this time does seem preferable to another procedure at a later date.

If, however, they are also suggesting taking out the tonsils, I would definately get a second opinion and consider whether they are very enlarged and have caused many infections (strep throat).

I agree with the other moms who say to have the adenoids removed. It is a permanent fix to ear infections, and does not impact the child's immune system that much. If the tonsils do not need to be removed, then it is prudent to leave them in, it is the removal of the adenoids that stops the ear infections. Let the ENT make that call.

It is good to not keep putting tubes back on over and over, it can cause scarring of the eardrum and eventually may need corrective surgery. Tubes once or twice is OK, but if they have to stay in for years, then taking out the adenoids is a better route, in my experience and opinion. If you son has allergies, then removing them is definitely the way to go, they are always swollen in allergic children and they effect the normal middle ear drainage, or at least that's what I was told. The tonsils are usually out of that area, so let the doctor decide at the time of surgery if they can stay or go.

Both of my children had reoccurrant ear infections, partially due to how the ear canal was more level and not able to drain properly, which develops in time. My son had his first set at 6 months, then his second set with adenoidectomy at age 3. My daughter had hers at 1 1/2 and 3 with the adenoidectomy. After the last sets with the adenoidectomy we have no longer had a problem with ear infections...they are now 12 and 10 years old. They had more colds/problems prior to the second surgury with the adenoidectomy than after.

My son is 3 1/2 and has had 2 sets of tubes , adenoids and tonsils removed and it was worth it in his case. If your daughter has a weak immune system has she ever been tested for an IgA deficiency? My son was always sick and after a year and a half of frustration they diagnosed with an IgA defieciency. Although there isn't much they can do with his particular strand, we atleast are aware and recieve the treatment that we need. It's also important to know if they ever need a blood transfusion.

I'm not sure if this has been suggested or not, but have you thought about taking your daughter for Chiropractic adjustments. I have been under a chiropractors care for a while now, and it has worked wonders! I have heard of children with chronic ear infections having adjustments, and no longer needing tubes. I can recommend a great family chiropractor in the Sterling, VA area.

Hey there I had the same problem with my son when he was about 2 years old. He kept getting ear infections all the time. On top of that he kept colds all the time also. I took my son to the ENT and they too told me to have his adenoids removed. I had the procedure done and he was a little sore afterward but he didnt mind he had to eat ice cream and jello for a week. After having the surgery he hasnt had an ear infection at all. He rarely ever gets sick. Hope this helped you out a little.

Hi - Just wanted to let you know that this too shall pass. I am the mother of 3 and a homeschooling stay at home mom. My 7 year old used to have an issue where he would stop breathing at night. The peds. told me many times he needs his adnoids out. It is his sinuses, etc. The next ped. said we don't do surgery right away lets try medicine every night (they were already on 5 medicines each) to make a long story short - we refused all of it. We stopped all medicines and started eating organic food/milk. I just want to encourage you that you are the perfect parents for your child. If you don't have a peace about adnoids - wait. I'm sure you have done your homework, etc. Also, do you have a children's hospital near you that specializes in allergies. I know it sounds simple but I have been dealing with allergies since I was born (42 years). My ped. tried to tell me I was spoiling my baby for months. (He would cry all the time) I finally took him to a children's hospital and I kept notes for 30 of everything he ate, drank, did, etc. The doctor looked at my notes and without any tests told me my son was allergic to protein. I had felt like such a bad mom for 5 months while the ped. told me to let my son cry it was my fault - anyway I had been nursing my son and the doctor told me to stop and he went on a special formula and was fine. With that said, if you haven't already, please consider allergies. Also, is their smoking in the home? Try some organic food and do some research - trust yourself as their parents and don't feel rushed by the doctors (as long as it isn't life threatening, etc) Be blessed . . .

Ear infections run in my family. i know that my 7 year old niece has had tubes three times frome age 1 to the age of 5. She never had to get her adnoids removed! I suggest you get a second opinion. My 2yr old daughter has had tubes from June of 06 until now (they were still there two weeks ago when she hadan ear infection). Just remember, tubes don't cure ear infection but they do help! Have the doctors figured out why she's having ear infections? We started using liquid Zyrtek and now she's only had two ear infections in a year! I would ask. Hope this helps!!!!

Hi, L.. I'm a mother of three, 13,11 and 9. My 11 yr. old started having ear infections when she was only 3 months old. She would get them every 2-3 months. We did the whole round of antibiotics (name one and she was on it). I was never happy that the pediatrician put her on so many antibiotics. I was always afraid that she would build up a resistance to them so, I eventually took her to an ENT. The ENT immediately suggested ear tubes. Hurrah! We ear infection free until her tubes fell out. So, in went the second tubes and out went the adenoids. I have never regretted the decision to put on the second tubes or remove her adenoids. The theory for an adenoidectomy with the second tubes is that the adenoids can actually be causing the back-up of fluid into the ears. Hope, this helps.

D.