The Anti-Drug Pediatrician
Thank you so much, urbanMamas, for all your recent feedback on your recommended doctors or naturopaths. Aside from previous suggestions for Open-Minded Pediatricians, please help Sara:
The doctor who I interviewed for my son, and who I trust, is on maternity leave. The doctor who looked at my sick kid today said his ear canal is red and prescribed antibiotics. I have no idea what kind of tendencies this doctor has regarding reliance on antibiotics, so I can't trust her at all and I really need a trustworthy second opinion quickly. Can someone please oh please point me towards a doctor who doesn’t prescribe antibiotics willy-nilly?
I can tell you that all prescribers in Oregon (including me) received a review a packet warning and recommending AGAINST prescribing antibiotics for ear infections.
There are other ways to deal with ear infections. Antibiotics don't always work (don't get to the focus of infection) and they can create more problems (least of which is antibiotic resisitant bacteria).
Go see a naturopathic physician. Natural Family Health Clinic, on NE Wasco. Or Sara Ogushi, ND in downtown Pdx., Rose Paisley, ND and Gregory Eckel, ND on the south east side or me in Beaverton! (and many others besides: interview everyone till you find the right fit for you and your children!
Posted by: Kathy | November 22, 2006 at 08:04 AM
Our entire family sees the same doctor and he doesn't like to prescribe anything for babies unless its absolutely needed. He isn't prescription happy. Dr. Robert Barlow, he's in Cedar Mill by Saltzman/Cornell. Our youngest (now 13m) had a lot of ear discomfort and never used medication. We just let her suck on her blanket and used a humidifier. For her the dry air made it worse so every time the heater came on we would use the humidifier. She hasn't had any ear problems for a good 6 months.
Posted by: Murphy | November 22, 2006 at 08:56 AM
There are reasons for antibiotics in conjunction with ear infections. It is also worthwhile to check to see if allergies and/or sinus problems are behind them if they occur consistently. I would think it would matter how red the ear canal was, etc. I have had numerous ear drum ruptures and if it weren't for antibiotics, I would not have my hearing. As it is, I have trouble due to scar tissue.
Get to know your doctor and let them know about your kid as an individual--history, traits, etc.
Also, arm yourself with information that offers alternatives to antibiotics if you are forced to see someone other than your regular doctor.
Posted by: Lizzie | November 27, 2006 at 08:36 AM
if it is infection then antibiotic is the answer. its just all about prescribing proper meds after going through complete patient detail.
Posted by: augmentin | December 27, 2012 at 06:31 AM