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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Foul Smell From Ear Post Ear Infection

Hi, my 2 year old son had ear tubes a year ago and recently had an ear infection with lots of ear drainage which was treated with antibiotics. He now has a very bad smell coming from his ear and occasionally sticks his finger in his ear. Does he need anothe antibiotic?
Mon, 15 Dec 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
Welcome to HCM.
You have said that your son is having foul smelling ear discharge and sticks his finger in ear. This is suggestive of itching or pain in ear. While bad smelling discharge from ear suggests that ear infection is still there.
Here I would like to know which antibiotic was give for previous ear infection and for how long? I would also like to know is your son having fever?
It is possible that your child initially had bacterial infection which is cured by antibiotics but now having fungal infection or infection by another type of bacteria (anaerobic bacteria) which is causing itch/pain along with foul smelling discharge.
It can be confirmed by local examination and some laboratory test. It may need another course of antibiotics.
I advise you should consult Ear surgeon in this case.
Till you see your doctor, ensure that you keep the ear dry. Don't let the water go inside while bathing, etc. If discharge accumulate, make a wick using a soft tissue paper and put in the ear to absorb the discharge.
I hope this will help.
Take care.
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Suggest Treatment For Foul Smell From Ear Post Ear Infection

Hello, Welcome to HCM. You have said that your son is having foul smelling ear discharge and sticks his finger in ear. This is suggestive of itching or pain in ear. While bad smelling discharge from ear suggests that ear infection is still there. Here I would like to know which antibiotic was give for previous ear infection and for how long? I would also like to know is your son having fever? It is possible that your child initially had bacterial infection which is cured by antibiotics but now having fungal infection or infection by another type of bacteria (anaerobic bacteria) which is causing itch/pain along with foul smelling discharge. It can be confirmed by local examination and some laboratory test. It may need another course of antibiotics. I advise you should consult Ear surgeon in this case. Till you see your doctor, ensure that you keep the ear dry. Don t let the water go inside while bathing, etc. If discharge accumulate, make a wick using a soft tissue paper and put in the ear to absorb the discharge. I hope this will help. Take care.