My child seems to get sick more than other kids.
Should I talk to a specialist?
Hi, I’m a first time mom of an 18 month old little boy. He was healthy for the first 10 months of his life then started to get frequent ear infections. I wasn't too worried at first because I knew how common it was but then he went through 8 antibiotic courses over the next 4 months. Finally in April 2006 he had tubes put in.
We hoped that this would put an end to all the illnesses but in May he got another ear infection and developed a skin infection after a bug bite. In June he developed an abscess on his little bottom. No sooner did the first abscess clear than a second one developed and grew MRSA. He needed to be admitted to the hospital and have IV antibiotics.
This entire time, he’s also had frequent yeast infections and loose stools. He seems to get sick easily and his daycare providers think that he bleeds easier than most kids after he gets a cut.
Our pediatrician ordered some blood work and told us everything was fine and that he was just an unlucky child. In my opinion, nome of this seems "normal”. Do you think we should seek a specialist or a second opinion?
Thank you for your time.
Louisiana Mommy
Dear Louisiana Mommy:
I can completely understand why you would be so concerned. Your little boy has certainly had his fair share of infections. Even though your son has experienced a great deal in his young life, he may still very well be “normal” as your pediatrician suggests. Believe it or not, many children have a history similar to your son’s especially when very young. Let me give you some ideas to consider.
- Given the amount of antibiotics, the yeast infections are not unusual and that can sometimes lead to deeper skin infections.
- Being in daycare, kids often do have frequent colds and runny noses, as much as 6-12 times a year. Ear infections tend to be part of the equation.
- When children younger than 1 year of age get their first ear infections, they often have many more due to their anatomy. The younger a child is when that first ear infection strikes, the more likely this occurs.
- Your pediatrician has the big picture of your son’s health and is still not worried. That is always reassuring.
So, in many, many ways, your son fits a very normal pattern for a child in daycare who had his first ear infection very young. This month’s Column of the Month addresses the specific issues to consider when contemplating a second opinion. After you’ve read it over, talk to your pediatrician again if nothing else just to review your son’s overall health, growth and development. Ask yourself what you hope to gain from a second opinion – more information? Another assessment of your child’s health? Alternatives to keeping him more healthy in the future? If you do decide on a second opinion, knowing what you hope to gain ahead of time will make the consult more productive.
Finally, take a close look at your child. Despite his history, if he looks healthy and is playful and thriving, that tends to be the best indicator that all is well on the inside.
Best,
Dr. Gwenn
