Ear Infections Common   December 6, 1994|Rose Boccio  Dear Rose:
I am the grandmother of a 21/2-year-old who has recurring ear
infections. One specialist says tubes [in his ears) are
necessary; another says no way. Meanwhile, the medication he's
taking is causing severe diarrhea. What could be causing this
and how do we know what the right treatment is when the
specialists disagree? - A Fort Lauderdale Grandma  Dear Grandma:
Recurring ear infections are quite common in toddlers, according
to Boca Raton pediatrician Paul Christakis. Most often, the
infection, known as otitis media, is related to a eustachian
tube that's not working properly, leaving fluid to build up
around the eardrum in the middle ear, he says.  Usually,
infections develop toward the middle or end of a cold with runny
noses and congestion. In about 5 to 10 percent of the cases, the
infections are due to allergies, such as milk, dust or pollen.
My own toddler, who has many allergies, has experienced frequent
ear infections this year. A small