Lux Et Veritas Academy Posted May 2, 2009 Share Posted May 2, 2009 My dd had an outer ear pain after flying and swimming in FL this past week. Now the pain is gone but the ear is draining fluid. Does this mean it is getting better or worse? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeathenMom Posted May 2, 2009 Share Posted May 2, 2009 (edited) it means her eardrum ruptured. sounds horrifying, but it's actually the ear's pressure relief system. she most likely had an inner ear infection because that's usually when the outer ear hurts to the touch. i would recommend you take her to the doctor for antibiotic drops because the ear drum is wounded and festering, essentially. oh, and her hearing will not be 100% for a little while. Edited May 2, 2009 by HeathenMom pronoun reversal! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 The outer ear pain is a classic sign of swimmer's ear and the fluid leakage is a ruptured eardrum. I'm not sure if the two are related, but a visit to the doctor is probably in order. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 I get swimmer's ear on a regular basis, even when I haven't been swimming, because of the structure of my ear canals. I'm pleased to say in all the infections I can remember from childhood to today, I've never had ear drainage. I think you need to see a doctor soon. Like the other posters I think it's a ruptured ear drum. I would avoid getting water in the ear--no swimming be careful if you must shampoo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyof4ks Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 Yep, ruptured ear drum. Do not get the ear wet even in the bath tub. My kids' ped is usually very laid back, but when my middle ds had a ruptured ear drum he was adamant that he not get the ear wet to prevent bacteria from growing in there. My son was on a couple of ear drops and oral abx to clear the infection and prevent a deeper infection while the ear healed. My son never complained about pain, but he could not hear us well for about a month. That was a couple of years ago, but his hearing is fine now and he does not have any lasting complications from it. Side note about time to see the doc, our ped wanted him in right away. If there is a minor emergency around you that might be a good idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.