So my youngest is just over 5 months old. We were operating under the assumption that he had recurrent ear infections (4 in the past 2 months). With his first ear infection he ruptured his ear drum. He's only off antibiotics a few days before his symptoms start over again. Went to the ENT today who basically said because there was no fluid in his ears at this point that he couldn't have had an ear infection in the past 3ish weeks. Last week he was given a 3 dose course of antibiotic shots and seen by 3 different doctors who all said there was fluid behind his ears. The first doctor said he was inflamed bilaterally.

ENT's suggestions were: 1) Maybe it's GI related because no baby he's seen has problems laying flat when they have an ear infection 2) Give him a few oz of water for mucus

I'm supposed to talk to his pediatrician tomorrow, but I wanted to see if anyone has had any ideas on what else it could be. Or what other consults to ask for? And if not, just telling me I'm not crazy would help. This has been going on for 2.5 months now. I'm exhausted and at my wit's end.

Symptoms are: Tugging at ears, cough, nasal secretions/mucus, fussy, crying in pain when laid down (even at an angle), not wanting to eat/problems with a prolonged latch/suck (especially on the side that I was under the impression had an ear infection), waking up every 1-2 at night

Thanks in advance!