Patient's question:
My child is a boy, 8 years old. In recent days, he has been experiencing some ear pain, along with the discharge of yellow earwax. Additionally, he has a low-grade fever. Please advise: How should ear pain caused by otitis media be treated in children?Doctor's answer:
Antibiotic medications are commonly used for treating otitis media and can be selected as appropriate. A bacterial culture of ear secretions can be performed, and anti-inflammatory ear drops can be used based on the test results. If the ear pain is severe, appropriate analgesics can be administered. If the child has a high fever, antipyretics should be used cautiously. In severe cases, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly. In addition to these medication-based treatments, if the child's condition is severe and results in a tympanic membrane perforation, surgical treatment in a hospital is required. During the treatment period, it is essential to keep the child warm to prevent exacerbation of symptoms due to catching a cold.