Ear tube treatment for some Kentucky children could become a wide-awake procedure
Republished from WEKU.
The treatment for ear infections in young Kentucky children could undergo some modification over time. With repeated ear infections come the possibility of inserting tubes in the ear. Typically, that is done as a surgical procedure. University of Kentucky Pediatric Ear Nose, and Throat physician Chris Azbell said a non-surgical approach is being explored in Lexington.
“There are places and devices where ear tubes can be placed in office in infants and toddlers without the need for sedation or general anesthesia and I think we’ll see more and more of that,” said Azbell.
Azbell said that could reduce anesthesia exposure and surgery for some young kids. Currently, Azbell said traditional ear tube insertion is the most common procedure doctors like him perform. And the ENT doctor says the common rule of thumb is tubes are an option when a child has three ear infections in six months or four in a year. Azbell says exposure to tobacco smoke can increase ear infection concerns.
The ear can be a susceptible organ when it comes to young children, particularly in the daycare or school setting. Azbell said the over-use of antibiotics can be an issue if they’re used for viral illnesses. He said antibiotic resistance for ear infections is not a major worry, but overuse of one type of antibiotic can present issues.
“So there won’t be things with ears and sinus infection and throat infections that are going to be resistant, at least not yet. But, on a population level we worry about that where if so many kids are getting amoxicillian all the time then you’re wiping out these common bacteria, then and there’s that potential for more aggressive bacteria,” said Azbell.
Of a greater concern currently, noted Dr. Azbell is antibiotic resistance in treating staph bacteria on the skin.
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Originally published by WEKU.
Republished with permission.
