home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
- $Unique_ID{BRK00423}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{"Debrox" vs. Hydrogen Peroxide for Ear Wax}
- $Subject{ear wax removal treatment ears hydrogen peroxide Debrox drainage
- discharge pain irritation rash dizziness cerumen dizzy}
- $Volume{R-21}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- "Debrox" vs. Hydrogen Peroxide for Ear Wax
-
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- QUESTION: I have an 11 year old child with a hearing impairment, He also has
- a problem with frequent build of earwax. His ear specialist recommends that
- we use hydrogen peroxide, slightly diluted, to cleanse his ears about once a
- month to avoid wax build up. His pediatrician says that peroxide frequently
- can cause its own problems, and to use "Debrox" as needed. Do you have an
- opinion on this matter?
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: I always have a point of view that translates into an opinion. It's
- pretty hard to choose between the advice of two physicians, both of whom you
- trust, and it's too bad they are not in communication with one another so that
- you would only have to deal with one consensus opinion. I have used both
- methods in my practice, both with equal success and both without problems.
- They are both quite effective in softening and loosening the wax (cerumen) and
- keeping the ear canal clean. I believe the hydrogen peroxide (3% solution)
- slightly diluted is a bit cheaper, and can perform the job adequately and
- efficiently. I am unaware of the problems your pediatrician is concerned
- about (but would like to learn). Provided you use neither solution when there
- is drainage or discharge from the ear, when there is ear pain, if there is any
- sign of irritation or a rash, or when you child complains of dizziness, you
- can pretty well "pay your penny and take your pick". My personal opinion?
- OK! I use hydrogen peroxide to keep the wax out of my own ears, and I guess
- what is good enough for me can be good enough for my readers.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-